A while ago, prompted by my previous publicist Karen Bultiauw, I applied to be the Writer-In-Residence at the famous Gladstone's Library. I was lucky enough to be short-listed, but I didn't get selected. However, as a result of the application, I was invited to be a speaker at the Hearth Festival which took place in early February at the library.

The other writers selected were Sarah Rarlow, author of The Acheaelolgy of Loss, Deborah Alma, the Emergency Poet and Poetry Pharmacist and Carole Hailey, author of The Silence Project. Here we all are along with Gladstone's Warden, Andrea Russell and the organiser of Hearth, Louisa Yates. 

Before arriving at Gladstone's (for the first time) I read the books written by my fellow speakers and was blown away. When the time came I felt slightly intimidated and I was pleased that my great writing friend, Kirsty Collinson was able to come with me on the adventure. Nevertheless, I was the only Children's Author and the other author's books were so powerfully profound - what did I have to contribute? But then I remembered the power of children's books. We are not the weaker relation, far from it. We set the lifelong love of books in those early, formative years. Our writing is powerful and memorable. In the end I needn't of worried - I fitted in just fine but I felt truly honoured and humbled to be included in such an amazing event. 

If you get the chance I do recommend staying at Gladstone's Library and if you use Bookshop.org to buy books (please don't use Amazon) then consider choosing Gladstone's as your beneficiary. They really do run wonderful opportunities for writers and readers alike. 

Being part of the writing community is a huge privilege and one I do not take for granted.

As a member of the Scattered Authors Society I get to take part in the annual writing retreat which is held at Folly Farm every January. It is the highlight of my year and makes getting through the winter completely achievable.

We share experiences, skills, ideas and knowledge and I get to spend time in a beautiful place with wonderful people.

I'm hugely grateful to be able to be part of something so special.

One of the many bonuses of being in Children's Publishing is that you get to go to other people's book launches. Some are better than others and I don't always post about them, but this one was super fun and probably, Jonathan Stroud, is an author that you will have heard of. If you haven't yet discovered this trilogy then you're in for a real treat. Probably only suitable for ages 11+ I would say. Enjoy!

This is the first of many upcoming posts and blogs that you will see before the launch of my next book, Project Pony. This photo features the lovely Turko, the X-polo pony that I still ride despite him just turning 28 years old (very old for a horse). The star of Project Pony is Loki, a cheeky palomino pony, that Nat, the main character, becomes close with. He is very funny, loving and greedy and based on the Terrific Turko. The book is out on 1 May 2025 with Firefly Press. Look out for all my posts about it that will increase with my own excitement! 

There's a new podcast on the block called Lit-Picking. It is run by authors Matt Killeen and Chip Coquhoun and the premise is that readers interview authors.

My episode drops this Thursday (28 November) at 5pm and I've been invited to listen along live. 

You can find it by searching Lit-Picking on any of your usual podcast platforms. Or here is the link from the one I use: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lit-picking/id1778220373

It was a lot of fun to be part of and I was lucky enough to meet my interviewers, Felicity and Esme when I visited their school in September. Have a listen live, or check it out later!

Totally delighted to officially announce that I am now officially a Writer-in-Residence for First Story:. firststory.org.uk/writer/camilla-chester/

I am due to start my first residency with Laurette Academy in early December. I'm really excited to be given the opportunity to work with a mixed year group of around twenty students who are all keen to develop their creative writing skills. We will be meeting weekly for sixteen weeks with the aim of producing a published anthology that celebrates group and individual achievements. 

Usually working with KS2 this will be a new challenge for me and who knows, it may even make me return to that teen romance I ditched.

Can't wait to get going and see what the students have to say. 

The main news to tell you all is that Project Pony, my next children's novel, has now been officially announced.

This is such an exciting part of the process as the text is currently with the illustrator and I'm so excited to see what she does, especially with the star of the book - a very cheeky pony called Loki. I have the same illustrator who did the wonderful cover for Call Me Lion, Irinia Avgustinovich, which I'm totally delighted about.

The text has gone to copy edits, once that is approved it has a detailed proof read, then proofs are produced so that reviews can be written and there is a bit of buzz and excitement before the book is released in May 2025

The image on this post is just a screenshot and cuts off my editor's and my quotes so I'll share those with you below. It is such an exciting time, especially as I thought for a while there I might never get another book out. Hold your nerve is a good motto to live by ;) 

Firefly Editor, Hayley Fairhead said: ‘I think every child would love a cheeky furry friend like Loki, especially when coping with difficult friendships and the thought of a new stepdad. Project Pony is a heartwarming tale for animal lovers everywhere and for anyone who has ever felt left out.’
Camilla Chester said: ‘I’m delighted that Firefly are holding the reins for Project Pony – the book I’ve always wanted to write. I’m excited to see Irina Avgustinovich’s cover designs and hope that, just like Call Me Lion, this book will spread joy and empathy through storytelling.’

I wanted to blog a little more about the ilb24 as it was such a memorable highlight in my author career.

It can be tough, at times, to keep believing that what you're doing is worthwhile and that your writing is reaching the right audience so being able to take part in something so incredible really does deserve some celebrating. Indulge me for a moment here please!

The best way to celebrate my experience at ilb24 is to share with you an email I sent to thank the organisers: ​

I just had a lovely reply of thanks and the photos which need to be credited to both ilb24 and the photographer, Arina Pavliuk.

I've just returned from the amazing ilb24 - the twenty-fourth International Literary Festival which is held annually in different locations all over Berlin, Germany. It was INCREDIBLE! 

​More soon!