Friday 4 May 2012

Blog-warming party for Crabbit At Home!


Come in, come in! Here: let me take your coats. Champagne? Delicious canapés? Do come through to the conservatory and make yourself at home.

Just a few ground-rules.
  1. Please keep your fingers off my Macbook and do not open my Twitter account and pretend to be me. 
  2. If you wish to look at any books on my shelves, wipe the chocolate off your fingers first.
  3. Do not go searching for the keys to my cellar - you won't find them, anyway. I'm used to hiding them from certain "friends". Gillian Philip, I'm frowning at you.
  4. Please put your gifts on the hall table, or beneath it if your gift is particularly huge. Thank you in advance especially for the sparkly wine, chocolate (especially from Coco of Bruntsfield, or, at a pinch, Hotel Chocolat) and Landlord or Tops'l cake from Botham's of Whitby
  5. If you see Jane Smith, don't tell her my new address.
And, talking of chocolate, we need a prize. All commenters below will be entered into a random draw and two lucky winners will receive a delicious luxury bar of Coco chocolate. I know it's delicious because I'm eating some now. You'll be able to pick your chosen bar from their website. I will post prizes to any UK address and if you don't have one of those, I do :)

In your comment, just say anything appropriately partyish. Tell me what you like about my home. Admire my etchings. Tell me if you see Jane Smith nosing around.

And - here's the nifty bit - you can even tell us any good news you've just received. Yes, a licence to boast, but nicely and BRIEFLY. (NB NO links to Amazon, please.) Or tell us about your own blog. And if you do it politely, elegantly and sparklily, they might even come and visit you when I kick them out. But you have to make it sound interesting, otherwise they won't. You're mostly writers so if you can't make your blog sound interesting, you can't... Oh, hang on: sorry, it's meant to be a party, isn't it? *stops haranguing and resumes smiling*

Meanwhile, let me refill your glass. The champagne is on me and I have immense amounts of it hidden in secret places, which only my butler knows.

Let the party commence and welcome to Crabbit At Home!

117 comments:

  1. Hello! Brilliant party you have here...though I'd rather you didn't refill my glass. I am only 14 after all :P I'm glad to be here - I finished the first draft of my first novel two weeks ago, and seeing as I haven't formally celebrated yet, this seems like as good a time as any! Now, where's the chocolate...

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    1. Hello Jenni
      I have some delicious elderflower if you'd like that, all specially decorated with lemon and lime and raspberries. And chocolate, definitely!

      Congratulations on finishing your first novel - I'm massively impressed. That IS worth boasting about! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Thank you. And on the elderflower and chocolate front, don't mind if I do! You are a very hospitable hostess, though the locked cellar does worry me slightly...I think I know what you did with all those annoying spammers at your email/blog...

      Delete
  2. oooh am I the first to arrive? Just wanted to tell you the exciting news I heard today - 'bout time I had some excitment.
    A couple of weeks ago I entered an online flash fiction competition, an unexpected fairytale in 350 words or less. You can read my entry here http://re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/writing-my-own-happy-ending.html
    Today I found out that all 88 entries are going to be published as an E book and in REAL paper too! http://sjiholliday.com/
    So I am rather excited - did you say champagne - well I think I should!
    Love the new blog - enjoyed the bit on boasting parents and wholeheartly agree,
    have a great party....

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    1. CONGRATS to you!

      Pass your glass.

      Oops, Mr M has just come home - got to go and say hello. Excuse me...

      Delete
  3. Charlotte Guillain4 May 2012 at 17:24

    My good news? Well, I am married to the in-house chocolate supplier and rely on him to ensure it is available whenever needed. But today I had the foresight to throw some in my shopping trolley so when he said in a voice filled with doom, 'There's not even any chocolate in the house', I was not only able to say 'Aha!' but I could reveal the aforementioned chocolate with a flourish. Two very happy (if rather simple) people. Happy Friday, happy chocolate, happy party to one and all.

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    1. You make a very good team! I bought Mr M a bar of Coco chocolate to wish him a good week. He ate two pieces and then went away all week, leaving it behind. I ate it in his absence but niftily replaced it with another identical one. And ate two pieces out of it, obvs.

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    2. Charlotte Guillain4 May 2012 at 18:45

      He left the chocolate behind? I am in awe... This is my first virtual party and it's lots of fun. I've had far too much bubbly though so sorry if I stagger a bit. May have to head for the fast diminishing pile of yummy looking cakes...

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  4. *Backs through door with bread board full of cakes*
    Where do you want this putting, Mrs M?
    *Looks around guests with slight embarrassment and awkwardly tries to adjust overall*
    Should I take them through to the Kitchen?
    *Thinks: @hprw is almost certainly in there, propping up the kitchen sink*
    Blimey, this is all a bit posh, Morgers! Had the decorators in?

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    1. Ah, evening, Mr Baker. And thanks very much for the delivery. I *do* hope you used the tradesman's door???

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    2. Always, ma'am.

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  5. Hi crabbit - what a lovely house, ooh and you've got a cellar!

    Why's it locked?

    *rattles door*

    Is something in there?

    I have a little blog where I talk in part about writing but mainly about some of the weird and wonderful things that inspire me along the way.

    The Scribbling SeaSerpent

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    Replies
    1. Yes, something is in there. It's where I keep jane.

      Delete
  6. Hello? Hello? Nicola, can you chuck me the keys to these handcuffs please? I promise if you unlock me from the radiator, I won't try to get into your cellar again*.

    By the way, Jane Smith is over there, touching your MacBook with chocolatey fingers.

    My good news is that I just saw proof copies of Keith Gray's new anthology and I'm in it and I am soooo starstruck by the company I'm in, I need a large drink. The anthology is called NEXT and it's all about the afterlife, and could I please have Crabbies in my whisky? I hope you like the ENORMOUS present I brought. Happy blog birthday to you xxx

    *for the next fifty minutes

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  7. It's lovely of you to throw a party especially when we all know you have been so busy lately.
    I'll pop the champagne and flowers in the kitchen, sorry I'll slip my shoes off first.
    Now where is that lovely collection of shoes you have? Can we try them on?
    J.T

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    1. We-ell, I suppose so, but don't stretch or scuff them, please.

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  8. *Sidesteps Mr M and places board on kitchen table*

    Thirsty work this delivering lark.

    *Compares smartly cut city suit to white overalls and trilby*

    Had a good day at work, then? I can see you’re not going to get much peace this evening. Looks like Mrs M has plans ….

    Ah, Mrs M! You look nice in your Boots and South American goat herder’s cloak.
    Playing a tune for us on your nose flute later?
    I have my euphonium in the back of the van. I could accompany you!

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    1. Mike, I expressly told you not to bring your euphonium.

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  9. Excuse me, but I have another delivery of fizz and biscuits to make in Sheffield.
    I'll be back later.
    Evening all!

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  10. Hi Nicola, I've brought you my last Bothams of Whitby Landlord cake and a bottle of red.

    I have no good news whatsoever, which is why the cake has a slice missing and the bottle was opened as I walked through the door.

    What's everyone else having?

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    Replies
    1. Jan, the Botham's cake *is* the good news. Thank you :)

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  11. I'm still waiting for my whisky mac but Nicola won't unlock the handcuffs.

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  12. Gosh, it's thirsty work being nice to everyone. You are all very welcome and I congratulate you ALL on your news. Keep it coming.

    False alarm about Mr M. He's not back yet. But when he is, I'll need to go for a while as I haven't seen him since Monday and I need to be nice to him. And put something in the oven. Pfffth.

    Oh, there he is. Back later. x

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  13. *totters into the conservatory*

    I do like these spring shoes, Nicola. They are really comfy. I did double-check but the ground rules didn't mention anything about shoes, which is fab as I may stay in these all evening. I might even do a little caper (while we wait for Jane Smith to turn up in her Special Capering Party Slippers).

    I think all parties should have a nifty bit. But I don't have any good news, which is sad. Ooo! Actually I do. I went to a vintage fair last weekend, searching for a bridesmaid dress for me to wear to my best friend's wedding (she has asked me to be her bridesmaid. I'm not just going to turn up in it and look pointedly at her all day) and I found a lovely mint green dress from the 1930s. Very happy.

    And now I'll step out of your lovely shoes, leaving them right here for someone else to try, as am dashing to another party. I know! The social whirl. I might be back, slurring, at some point later. If you see me, tell me to go to bed. Ta!

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    Replies
    1. Loved the idea of turning up in a bridesmaid's dress without being bridesmaid!

      Delete
  14. Oh God! I've just tripped over Jane Smith disguised as a biscuit. There are crumbs all over the Mac, and your most secret files are all open. Over there that Gillian Philip has inveigled someone to let her out of the handcuffs and is sawing at the cellar lock. She has a straw, an oxi-acetylene torch and a purposeful look in her eye. Hope the champagne is in a steel safe with double thick walls.

    I have a Djinni and assorted beastly creatures and beings on my blog, as well as a video in which you star as your Crabbit self but no exciting news. Yet.

    Now where's my champagne and chocolate?

    PS: your present is hanging off the chandelier. It's in an orange box and may have pointiness involved. You get no more clues than that.

    PPS: Mike Jarman is creeping about suspiciously with a large covered object. OH GOD X 1000. IT'S A EUPHONIUM. *faints*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Orange box and with pointiness involved??? THat's EASY! Mandarina shoes, ha ha ha ha ha! (Thank you!)

      Yes. I know Mike has his euphonium. I'm TRYING to ignore it.

      Delete
  15. Whew, it's quite a long flight to get here but I made it. Wonderful place, Nicola, and having read much Southern Gothic stories in my teens, I do understand "things" kept behind locked doors.

    Good news? Well, I have begun writing daily again. So there's that. And, tomorrow night I'll be able to take a gander at the Supermoon. It will appear up to 30 percent brighter and 14 percent bigger than the dullest moons. Will toast THAT for sure.

    *finds a glass of bubbly* Cheers to you!

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    1. Marisa, that *is* good news. I]m doing that, too. It's very satisfying.

      Delete
  16. Bonsoir Nicola!
    Bonsoir all! I cant stop long as Ive been away from home all week and Mr King will be expecting a bit of attention. My good news is that my train is on time. Hurrah! Well, I like what you've done with the place. Here, I brought you some macaroons. I hope you like macaroons? They do go quite nicely with champagne. Actually there's not much that doesn't go with champagne is there? Well I'd better go and mingle! Great shoes by the way . Xx

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    Replies
    1. You're right - there's very little that doesn't go with champagne.

      And your train being on time is excellent news.

      Welcome!

      Delete
  17. Blimey! It's a bit noisy in here. Couldn't you have attracted a quieter crowd?
    I just popped in to say 'phew...' finished my week's work! Is that worthy of congratulations? It doesn't amount to much more than staying alive and not killing anyone else, but some weeks that's a lot to ask for.

    Anyway, delish champers, dahling. I knew you'd have the good stuff. And, hic, before you ask, that ring mark on your occasional table was NOTHING to do with me. *collapses in heap and wonders who's going to finish cooking the curry that's busy simmering in the oven*

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    1. I was assuming the ringmark was Gillian, actually, but your denial suspiciouses me....

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  18. *arrives and is not recognised as for once is NOT wearing leathers and bike boots but a dress and heels. Wavers about a bit then decides to stand still*

    Hello. Evening everyone. OK if I take these cakes into the kitchen? I made them but they're all chocolate and made with finest Belgian.

    Two bits of news from me - also included in the anthology of Once Upon A Time flash-fiction which is thrilling and I had a request from a publisher to submit my complete MS after editing & proof-reading, which is stunning.

    (http://cameron-writes.blogspot.fr/ is where I hide when not on Twitter writing about our bizarre life in a tiny hamlet in France.

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    1. I didn't recognise you, Cameron, but I must say you look remarkably at home in that dress, even wavering.

      Congrats on your news!

      Delete
  19. Elizabeth Dunn4 May 2012 at 18:24

    Excuse ignorance but I Googled Jane Smith. Is she Jane Smith member of Olympic Korean Female Boxing Team? Or Jane Smith Double D Cup Enchantress resident of Las Vegas? Sounds good either way. I would quite like to be her friend. Or cellar mate.
    My good news is I tried on a size 12 bathing suit and it FIT.

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    1. No, it's @hprw on Twitter... She's famous for being terrible. And luckily she still hasn't clocked that we're having a party.

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    2. Best not talk too loudly abpuit ther Champagne, then. Very fond of the Champers is Jane Smith. ;)

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    3. Andge jorry gud it ish toooo. De Shampoooo I mean. Hic

      Delete
  20. I love what you've done with the place, lilac is so calming and inviting. I've brought a nice bottle of chianti but they were all out of fava beans so I've brought a couple of pies instead - hope you've got some brown sauce? I had a little party of my own last night when I told my 88 competition entrants that I was going to publish them all in a wee anthology. There were shrieks, streamers and confetti. We're all hungover today. We did Snoopy dancing. It was fun. If you're interested, you can pop over to www.sjiholliday.com and take a look. Right, where's the bottle opener? *hic*

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    1. Hello Susi didn't see you there - disappeared with a bottle of champagne to celebrate being one of your 88 competition entrants...I'm still soooooo excited! VERY BIG GRIN AND HAPPY DANCE!:-)

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  21. Hurray hurray - love the decor. In my good news, I had a lovely long chat with Liz Kessler today in which we hatched plans for winter adventures!

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    1. OOOOH, now that *is* good news! I look forward to hearing more :)

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    2. Winter adventures, eh! I know what THAT's about, and can't wait.

      Delete
  22. Hi Nicola,
    Great decor - a really relaxing colour. I suppose my good news is that I've been away from my day job all week chilling out - oh yes, and I've learned how to work the camcorder and Twitter on my new phone, and taken some exciting footage of my cat walking across the conservatory roof.
    What a great idea for a blog.

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    1. Hello, Sheila! Sorry I didn't reply earlier - a group of comments escaped me and then ipad wouldn't let me comment. On my own blog, FGS!

      Delete
  23. Well, this all looks lovely! Oh, excuse me, the bubbles have just gone right up my nose from the champers! Hope you like the dress - peacock feathers are my favourite,shame I couldn't get shoes to match...
    You wanted good news? Had an email today from the agent to say that editors (at the Book Fair) like my outlines...just got to hope the writing fits the bill now.
    Right - off to sample the cakes...

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    1. Greetings, Squidge! (Bit late saying hello to you - sorry. I missed it earlier and then when i transferred to ipad, ipad stopped letting me comment.

      Congrats on your news!

      Delete
  24. Here I am!

    I've drunk all the fizz that Morgan hid in the cellar, the chocolate I haven't snaffled yet has been squidged inside Morgan's Mac Book, and the cakes have been reduced to crumbs.

    Shove up, Mrs Phililililip, and make some room for me. I've been very busy and I need to take a rest now. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I managed to ignore you ALL evening. Did you notice?

      Delete
  25. *peeps in the door* Hmmmmm! UK residents you say? What about the Irish? *puffs out chest* We love a good party, we do! *rubs chocolaty fingers over Macbook* Gosh, you certainly know how to have a knees-up, Nicola. *looks around for more mischief* And good news? I can't say I have a lot to share at the moment but I'll get thinking. *releases Gillian Philip from handcuffs* What a gorgeous house you have - can I have a look at your shoes? *slips into the kitchen where Jane Smith is holding up the counter and robs her cocktail (she's had enough!)* Can I have a look at what other music you have? I fancy something a little more upbeat. *sticks a heap of Mike Jarman's cakes into handbag* Do we get party bags??

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  26. *runs back in and grabs orange box that Lucy Coats hung from chandelier*

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is getting well out of hand, as I knew it would as soon as that Smith woman arrived.

    Maria, I'm very sorry about the UK thing - it was purely me being mean about the postage. But I'm delighted to enter you, our Irish cousin, into the pot. Or hat or whatever.

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    Replies
    1. Scribbles address of ancient auntie in Dumbarton to put in the hat. Although if you send chocolate to her it will last about three seconds ... or decent malt ... or Bannock. Is that champagne "virtual"? I can drink that.

      Looks hard at Gillian Phillip - did you bring that Seth with you? Is it safe to sit with you? I haven't forgotten the Synopsis launch party.

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    2. I brought him but I haven't seen him for ages. I think I saw him sneaking off with either Maria Duffy or Lucy Coats. Or possibly both at once.

      Delete
    3. He's with me. Hands off. I need him for 'research purposes'. *handcuffs Seth the Faeryboy to wrist*

      Delete
  28. Nice to be here, thanks for inviting me,
    Hope all goes well with this lovely little blog in the future.

    P.S. Loving the purple! :)

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    1. Thanks! I love the purple, too. Pretty much my favourite colour.

      Delete
  29. oooo.. you boozy lot! Have the champers and leave the chocs for me,well maybe I'll just have one glass of bubbly. I love the shoes too Nicola. Your blog is always such good fun. My good news, is that the ebook version of novel 2 will be out soon says publisher. Cheers to all at the party! hic!

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    1. Thanks, Leela. And that *is* good news. Cheers!

      Delete
  30. Love the warm pinky lilac and am particularly taken with your 'brain' which I thought at first glance was a table lamp. (And no, I'm sadly not drunk, merely demented).
    My good news is that my 5th novel, 'A Crowded Coffin' has been accepted by Robert Hale, hopefully for publication next year. This is the follow-up to 'Murder Fortissimo'and both books feature Harriet Quigley, former headmistress and described by one reader as 'Miss Marple with Balls'.
    PS There's a bottle of Laphroiag with your name on it hidden under the teacosy.

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    1. You thought my brain was a table lamp and yet you are not drunk?? Well, I have an amusing story to tell about that brain, which I will be doing next week at some point. :)

      Huge congrats on your news!

      Delete
  31. Oooh, a party! Lovely! And there I've been so busily beavering away all evening posting a blog interview with the inimitable Che Golden. I do believe I deserve a glass of bubbly, and a nibble of chocolate.
    Mmmm... Thank you so much, Nicola!
    (And see, I haven't even bitten anyone in the short time I've been here! On my very best behaviour, young Crabbit.)

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    1. Hmmm, suspicious about this. How long can it last, this not biting?

      Delete
  32. Arrrgghhh! This is my fourth attempt at commenting - that's me you can see outside in the rain, knocking at the windows!

    I have lots of good news - not least my son's sudden intense interest in books - hurrah! I suppose that the overarching good news is that I finally have a diagnosis in respect of the health problems that I have had almost all my life. It's the subject of my latest blog - www.wheniwasyou.wordpress.com - too. And I've lost two-and-a-half stone since January, despite the fact that my medical condition makes weight loss very difficult.

    Ah, thanks to whoever let me in. Best not to let me near the bubbly, though - it allows that Gillian Phillip to lead me astray!!

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    Replies
    1. Bubbly does that. So does Gillian.

      Hooray re your son! And your news, too!

      Delete
  33. Charlotte Guillain4 May 2012 at 19:29

    Mr G is asking me why I'm typing away here on a Friday night. I explained that I'm at a party but he looked at me sceptically. I tried to lure him in but he assures me he can't make witty banter when he's in pyjamas...

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    1. Fair enuff. It only takes a little practice.

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  34. Nicola, I'm in the kitchen making a brew. I've brought one of my favourite books -Oracle Night by Paul Auster. Do you want to swap with one of yours?

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  35. ooh, party. I too am particularly taken with your artificial brain - do you open th elid and find midori cocktails inside?

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  36. *peers round door nervously and takes deep breath*
    *shoulders back, head up, another deep breath...*
    WALKS IN!

    *pops pressie on table and shyly moves across crowded room, feeling very intimidated by all the chocolate-smeared literary talent staggering around the room in pointy shoes.*

    *finally finds the host...*

    Congratulations on the success of your party Nicola, I've really enjoyed the atmosphere and witty banter. I can't hang around long unfortunately but I will certainly be back to 'visit' again soon! Wonderful blog, i wish you every success!

    *morphs into a wallflower and mingles quietly *

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    1. I'm a little over-awed too Melissa - can I get rid of these ridiculous heels and keep you company?

      I brought a present but it seems to have disappeared ........ glares wildly around for whoever could have nicked a Fortnum's hamper, a big one!

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    2. Perfect behaviour, Melissa, thank you. Impressed.

      Delete
    3. Hello! It's so kind of you to join me, pull up a pew next to my ...er, hamper.
      *swigs champers before shuffling awkwardly off said hamper*
      So sorry, yours, i believe?
      *Nods towards the chocolate-induced chaos rapidly unfolding throughout chez morgan.*
      They're not quite so intimidating when they're chocolate-coated and full of alcoholic bubbles are they? There's even a rather friendly cat claiming to be from australia here. What's in the hamper by the way?
      *prizes open lid and peers inside* ...

      Delete
  37. Hurray, a party! Friends, books and boots.
    Oh, may I bring my dog in? He's very quiet.

    *puts two mysterious-looking boxes under the table*

    Hope you'll like my gift.

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  38. OH no I'm late, I'm so sorry. I couldn't find the Chococo chocolates I bought you. I can find the delicate box but it seems empty. I am sure it has nothing to do with the lick of chocolate at the side of my mouth. I didn't eat them I'm sure....hic...in the same way I haven't drunk the bubbles I brought. Do you like my shoes? Yes I know I should be wearing them and not carrying them but I can't walk in heels you see, don't they look pretty? Beautiful and shiny and red...
    Wonderful party, seems I have missed a lot of the fun but thanks for the invite. Got to go. Have to attach myself to my pump and have my 'real' food. Have a lovely evening all
    Oh and yes,good news...umm...haven't got any at the moment as am busy doing rewrites and marking (still). I do have a little blog where I tend to ruminate about my writing processes. Do pay me a visit, you would be very welcome http://chaosmos-outofchaoscomesorder.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/whats-in-name.html

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    1. Hmmm, the shoes are all very well but the chocolates would have been even nicer... Oh well, you can stay, I suppose. *is somewhat ashamed of being rude to guests but it's that time of night."

      Delete
  39. Sorry, sorry, late, late. *Shrugs off coat, grabs glass of champagne from passing very hunky, scantily clad waiter, and stuffs three Butler's chocolates in mouth* Was in the pub with the husband. Got to keep him happy you know. Only had half a bottle of Rioja so should be able to make conversation with fellow writers.

    Boast, you say? OK, I have a story in latest Fiction Feast. OK, it's not much, but I'm working on the novel. 37,000 words in 2 months is not so bad going.

    Nice house. Where's that hunky waiter gone, I'm empty.

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    1. Oh my word, "I'm empty"? "Nice waiter"? Be still my sordid thoughts.

      (I knew I'd lower the tone.)

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    2. Tone well and truly lowered. *frowns*

      Delete
  40. Miaou! We made it. Spike and I have brushed our fur and clipped our claws and washed our whiskers and we have brought you some extra-special Haigh's chocolate from the extra-special factory near us - oh and put that salmon in the 'fridge for you and Mr M later purrlease. Thankyou for inviting us.
    Oh, the Catdownunder part does have a blog..in which she talks about all sorts of things - books on Saturdays this year because she is a "friend" to the National Year of Reading in Australia. (Oh yes, she tries to write too - novels for middle readers - which will give you a clue to the fact that she is really not terribly grown up - she keeps reverting to kittenhood which makes it very difficult for me, Spike. PS I might stay for a bit if the weather keeps nice but Downunder turned out to be rather nice - unless you need me for another book. S)

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    1. Sorry, Cat, if you think the weather is nice, you were listening to me during the wrong minute. It's gone cold again.

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    2. Oh right - thanks for the warning. Spike says he is not going to unpack just yet. I am going to write my blog post - hope it sends some in your direction.

      Delete
  41. *staggers maudlinly around kitchen with Jane and other reprobates singing I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles* THIS IS A GREAT PARTY

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  42. *crawls around on hands and knees looking for shoes* that champagne WASN'T virtual, it was real. Lovely party. Going to have to go now. Ooop, that's the stockings laddered.

    Anyone seen a pair of crimson suede and velvet sling-backs?

    Thank you very much. Left the broomstick outside, don't call a cab.

    Night all.

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    1. *pulls head out of hamper to discover Cameron Writes has left ...without her hamper.*
      *seizes chance to morph from wallflower into luxury hamper full of expensive goodies*
      *jumps inside hamper with intention to reside here for the night.*
      Night night all. Please continue to party around me but if you could keep the noise down it would be much appreciated. Zzzzz

      Delete
    2. Early morning update: Cameron Writes never made it out of the door. I've just moved a sleeping Cat to one side and have discovered Cameron Writes under the ludicrously expensive biscuits between the preserves and some incredibly expensive choc...oooh. *rustling of wrapper* Brekkie!

      Delete
    3. miaou - am not asleep just yet. Spike ate all the salmon I stowed in the 'fridge. Here Nicola - hide this one from him!

      Delete
  43. Can I go home now? You're all drunk.

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    1. Bookwitch, you can check out any time you want.... But I am completely sober. I do not do silly bad things, ever.

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    2. Thank you. You are a nice person.

      Delete
  44. By the way, no one has actually yet admired my etchings. Just sayin'...

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    1. It was Jane who brought the etching powder, Miss.

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  45. *whispers* Morning! How's the hangover? Thought I'd pop back with my rubber gloves and help with the tidying up...

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    1. Now, on the one hand, I do *not* have a hangover because I drink very modestly and sensibly. On the other hand, your help in tidying up is much appreciated. The washing up is over there.

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  46. The Brass Section5 May 2012 at 10:10

    Rubs eyes, stretches and wonders why now the owner of a parrot’s tongue.

    Drowsily ponders on the alien and confined situation he finds himself in. Hazy memories trickle back into a befuddled brain.

    Gets up on knees and crawls past an empty bottle of Highland Park and out from behind the sofa.

    Looks around and scene of devastation.

    A pair of knickers hanging from the chandelier, a half eaten box of chocolates strewn across the carpet and a slice Margarita Pizza stuck to the cheek of a gently snoring woman flat out on the sofa.

    Tiptoes across room and down the hall. Gently lifts the latch and quietly let’s self out into fresh Edinburgh air.

    Now where can I find a bacon buttie at this hour?

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    Replies
    1. Didn't you see that I was handing out bacon butties in the north wing?

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  47. Well spotted, Keren. I've dealt with her now.

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  48. Right, you lot, OUT! Party's over and I've got work to do. Thank you very much for your excellent company and for keeping Jane and Gillian in the cellar most of the night. (Not the wine cellar, obviously.)

    I will put all comments through a random generator as soon as I've tidied up, and i'll let you know who wins the chocolate.

    Have a good day. Sunny here AGAIN in Edinburgh. For at least the next 5 minutes anyway.

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  49. My head hurts, Keren. Have you got any paracetamol?

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  50. Oh no, I missed the party. Was the wine good? Did you have canapés ? I have a good excuse, at least I think so. My husband surprised me with tickets for Dancing on Ice, now I coukdn't turn that down , could I? Hope you all had a lovely party and look forward to dropping by again.

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  51. Oh greetings! CocoBruntsfield invited me on twitter. I'm a little clumsy (don't leave your good china at hip level) but I make a mean raspberry mousse cake. Can I come in? A bit of cheery news: My husband's immigration has been approved for our move to British Columbia. Bit of boasting: Should you need an escape after such a wild party, grab a cake, head outside, find a view, photograph your cake, and send me the photo. This would make me quiver with joy.

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  52. Just realized the party is over. I am standing in the rain, my hat squished, my mousse cake dripping onto my shoes. I'll go. Chocolate will make everything better.

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  53. Sophia and Cassim - oh dear, I'm so sorry you missed it. I think there's some chocolate left over though - here you are...

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  54. Thanks, Nicola, for hosting such a wonderful party and for staying up so late. Even virtual parties are hard work, I guess.

    Good thing you've got enough leftover so you don't need to cook for three days.

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  55. Thanks for a lovely party Nicola, hope we didn't leave too much mess for you to tidy up xx

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  56. And the winners of the chocolate are.......tarantara.....Gillian Philip and Mike Jarman! they been officially informed and have placed their order. Now I just need to get to Coco of Broughton Street and get out of there without buying a few extra bars...

    Katalin and Sarah, my pleasure :)

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