Last night we launched the book Inside the Pakistan Army by Carey Schofield at The Orangery, Holland Park.
It was all very nice. I attended with my colleague Jess Feehan (aka potato), and together we shifted every book we had. Now you might say that we should have taken more books just in case but I say this: they were big boxes and our tiny arms couldn't have taken the strain. Besides, everyone got what they came for. Books, booze and wonderful little chickeny and cucumbery canapés. Oh and the company of course.
Speaking of the company. General Pervez Musharraf was there. I gave Jess a whack when I saw him which was not subtle as I'd had a couple of glasses of champagne by this point so I didn't see him until he was actually speaking to me. He wanted to buy a book. Then this happened:
Katy: "Excuse me General Musharraf, would you mind signing a copy of the book for the publisher?" [lies]
His Generalship: "Yes, of course, for the publisher?"
Katy: "Yes, we like to get our books signed and put up on shelves in the office." [more lies]
This book now lives in my bedroom.
It may have been the case that I went all guns blazing into lying mode so that Jess wouldn't think I was stealing a copy of Inside the Pakistan Army. But then I realised I didn't fear Jess' judgement. I just get really embarressed asking to get things signed. If only I had Grant Tucker's audaciousness.
It was an interesting evening. Not least because the caterers ended up taking a bit of a shining to Jess and I. We were pretty hungry. And everytime a tray went past we both grinned at them like cheshire cats, only to be all coy at the last minute - "oh! Don't mind if I do!"
One guy with a bottle permanently in hand topped us up continuously before we'd even finished. At one point he looked at my glass, looked me straight in the eye, and began filling it again whilst shaking his head. Still - despite the evident disapproval - it was kind of him to continue doing his job.
A big thanks to The Orangery and the caterers for putting up with us and making the event a great success!
Inside the Pakistan Army is available now, priced £19.99