A Monster Calls extract and competition (and lots else!)

You can now read chapter 1 of A Monster Calls on the Guardian Children's Books website, as well as enter a competition to win signed copies!  Good stuff (though they've had a glitch or two, so let them know if there are any further readability issues. Them, please, not me, out of my control! But it should be okay.).

The Arthur C Clarke Awards were last night, and Monsters of Men was beaten by the excellent Zoo City by Lauren Beukes, a result I'm very cool with.  Great to meet a lot of writers there, too, including Tricia Sullivan, a personal favourite of mine.

A Monster Calls is published a week from today!  Gosh, and so much to do.  Be sure to check here for details of how to come see me for free in Birmingham on 10 May and in Dublin on 12 May.  Lots of really cool radio (and TV!) to come, so stay tuned.  Welcome to the new commenters, a busy month ahead...