Yesterday was great fun, picked up by cab from home, driven through my patch to the ITN studios in Holborn (hardly sweating at all). I met Rachael from the publisher's PR company as I tried to bypass the security checkpoint.
We were led through to the huge newsroom, TV's and computer screens everywhere. Everyone was bounding around the place in some form of organised chaos.
One cup of coffee later (some of which ended up going down my jeans, the reason why I wear black jeans a lot) and I felt a lot calmer. Never underestimate feeding your caffeine receptors.
I was introduced to Chris, the presenter who would be interviewing me and both he and the producer put me at my ease. I was told that the piece would be 3 minutes long and I was given a bit of warning of the questions I would be asked.
Of course, all that would change as the schedule changed for some important news.
I snuck a look at their computer scheduling software. They plan the programme to the second. It's all immensely impressive.
I was taught about the microphone and what I should do immediately before and after the interview.
Then I was led into the studio. I was expecting a big studio full of people, but was surprised to find the presenter as the only person there. The cameras and prompters were all robots and the presenter had a foot control that did some arcane trickery.
I can't remember the interview. But I did note that he really plugged the book well.
Then it was back in the car to go home in order to watch myself make a fool of myself on telly.

Not *too* bad, but the important thing (after chatting with the LAS' press office) is that I still have a job.

Now I'm just waiting to fly out - this has been posted not only from my mobile, but also on an empty stomach so please ignore the 'Janet and John' approach.

Feel free to chat among yourself, I have no idea what the internet is like in the resort, so I may, or may not be able to post from there. If I can't, then I'll be back next week.

Keep safe.


(Flight MYT0037, so if it crashes, you'll know why I won't be updating this blog any more).

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Sent from a mobile phone, in the middle of Gatwick airport.
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