Flexing the autograph muscles

I’d never seen so many copies in one place, and was only slightly daunted at the prospect that I might get writer’s cramp. To coincide with British Science Week, WH Smith invited me to do an author signing event at the Nottingham Victoria Centre branch.

I have to give credit to WHS and particularly its local store manager Will Wren, who could not have been more enthusiastic and helpful. The poor fellow had been in early to set up the display, and probably had to stay late to take it down again, and it all helped make me feel a bit special.

I’d taken along some of my collection of science toys, which are discussed in detail in the book. I couldn’t carry the microwave oven and, sadly, the US Air Force declined to lend me a stealth bomber for the event, so the toys had to do. Newton’s Cradle proved popular with the adults, providing a steady click-clack background to the event, while the younger customers made a beeline for this year’s fad toy the fidget spinner. The only moment of concern was when one youngster ran off with my laser pointer and began targeting people’s eyes. He had a remarkably good aim, until he was admonished by an extremely embarrassed parent.

I needn’t have worried about the cramp though. It turned out to be an unusually quiet Saturday, for reasons unknown, and I think I signed perhaps 20 copies altogether. What this means, of course, is that these rarities will in future become collector’s items with a value far above their sticker price. Eventually.