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If Little Darlings were to be made into a film, who would play Destiny?
I’m safely back from my America trip – though I did wonder if I was going to get stuck there for weeks because of the volcano in Iceland. It was very strange in my hotel, with everyone huddled in front of the television watching for news. There were lots of very happy children having prolonged holidays, missing the start of term. It was quite good fun in New York, because all the museums and galleries were free for any foreign visitors unable to fly home.
I did a lot of talks in schools and libraries – including my favourite library on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the one with two huge white lions outside. I met up with a girl from England and a girl from New Zealand, both of whom had stopped their families from sight-seeing so they could come and hear me talk – but the majority of kids were American, of course. I was able to tell them with pride that I’d once been invited for breakfast at the White House in Washington. I also told them about the times I’d met the Queen, and showed them how to bow or curtsey in case they might ever meet her too.
I also went to a big librarians’ conference in Texas while I was in the States. San Antonio is usually very warm and sunny but it was cold and pouring with rain the whole time I was there. Still, I was lucky – the moment I left they had several very scary tornados. Lots of people were dressed like cowboys there. I felt very tempted to buy myself a Stetson and cowboy boots, but managed to restrain myself.
It’s good to be back at home now – and wonderful to see my lovely little cat Jacob. My friend Bryony fed him one week, and my daughter Emma stayed with him the other, so I think he was very well looked after – but even so, I couldn’t help worrying about him. Than goodness he’s as sweet and chirpy as ever, and still comes to wake me up every morning for a cuddle.
I took my writing notebook away with me to America, so I could keep up with my work. I’m on chapter six of the new novel, which hasn’t got a title yet. My October book has just undergone a change of title – it’s now going to be called The Longest Whale Song. I’ve just seen Nick’s artwork for the cover and it’s brilliant, as always. I’m so lucky!
Love from Jacqueline Wilson