I start my day by sleepwalking. It’s true. Waking up at six in the morning so that I can catch the early bus is a nightmare and my entire morning passes in a sleepy haze as I blearily plod the streets on my way to work. Waking up early does have its merits though, for one, I can leave early and spend the whole afternoon writing or at least, intending to write. (It still counts!)

I am grateful for Cape Town traffic for one thing though…. I can finally catch up on my reading which I have been neglecting lately. I actually look forward to the slow bus trips twice a day so I can immerse myself in fantasy once again. I read Day Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko whilst commuting. It makes bus trips a pleasure: the roar of the engine disappears, as does the chattering passengers beside you. All outer distractions seem to melt away as your mind fills itself with the sights and sounds that the characters are experiencing. It took me about two weeks to finish the book this way but I’m finding that I really enjoy anticipating the next installment, rather than hurriedly reading a book in its entirety in one sitting which is what I usually to do.

I’m eagerly awaiting the new month and with it, bookshopping! Three books that I’m aching to get my paws on are Twilight Watch, also by Lukyanenko, Making Money by Terry Pratchett (I’m a hopeless fangirl) and lastly, St Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell. This last novel was recommended to me by a good friend who said that I “Absolutely must read it!” I googled it and it does look like an interesting read. “A devastatingly beautiful debut by a powerful new writer.” I love reading debut novels and this one looks amazing. Another fantastic debut I recently finished was Heart-shaped Box by American writer Joe Hill about an aging rock star who is haunted by a ghost he bought off an internet auction. I’m normally not a fan of horror but it was such a good read that a few sleepless nights were well worth it.

As for the jitters; the launch is on Thursday. To be honest, I’ve never been to a book launch before so I’m quite nervous. I have invited everyone I know, including the entire staff of the bookshop where I used to work, so a good turnout is guaranteed. I also realised that my book is the only English book being launched. Of course, language is irrelevant and I’m only looking for excuses to be make myself more nervous, but there’s always these little irrational fears that dance around in the back of your mind. I’m just not quite sure what is expected of me so it’s going to be a completely “novel” experience. Har har Ok I couldn’t resist that one.

Next time on my blog: A blow by blow on the book launch. Do stay tuned.