One of the most heartwarming and memorable moments of my author journey so far took place at Waterstones in Taunton, where I had the absolute joy of reading from my book, Chloe’s Extraordinary Telescope. It was a day filled with smiles, curiosity, and such genuine enthusiasm from readers of all ages that I still feel the warmth when I think back to it. 

Standing there, sharing Chloe’s world with everyone, brought back the emotions I felt while writing her story. It’s a tale that came from a very personal place — that tension between rules and imagination, between confinement and the dream of something more. Chloe’s telescope, her magical window into the future, is symbolic of the hope and curiosity we all carry inside us, especially as young people learning to navigate a sometimes-restrictive world. 

Reading aloud, watching the reactions — a few gasps, some laughter, and lots of thoughtful expressions — reminded me of why I write. It’s not just about the words on the page, but about the connections those words create between people. After the reading, some young readers came up to ask if Chloe’s telescope was real (oh, how I wished I could say yes!), and others shared their own stories about seeing the future in dreams or in their art. That’s the kind of magic no telescope can match. 

A short clip of the reading was uploaded to YouTube, which was such a lovely way to share the event with those who couldn’t make it. Watching it now feels a little surreal — as if I’m getting a peek through Chloe’s telescope myself, looking back at a joyful moment that still inspires me. 

I’m incredibly grateful to Waterstones Taunton for hosting the event, and to everyone who joined, listened, and made me feel so welcomed. These are the kinds of days that remind you why storytelling matters — because it brings people together.