You may have noticed a little flurry of activity recently around a certain little book I have written and illustrated. It’s safe to say I’ve been a bit excited about it!
![](https://www.happydesigner.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/9781911167150-755x1024.jpg)
Why OMD?
I play the electronic drums and synthesiser in a band with my husband. Our band is called Manoeuvres – it’s a tribute to the one and only Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark! I am a MASSIVE OMD fan, to me their music is like no other and you can usually find me in my studio with one of their albums on listening to some obscure electro synth stuff! So when it came to writing something new, alongside my Gillie Can series, I was inspired by my favourite band. As it happens, it turns out sometimes it’s good to meet your heroes. The band have been so supportive and so helpful, not to mention friendly! They’ve even put the book on their website so you can order a copy, which has been amazing.
The Book
I wanted to choose a name that stood out, and that had German origins. OMD are heavily influenced by Kraftwerk, and they love German electronic music, so I wanted a name that had a nod to their German influences. As it happens, Gudrun is actually a name from Norse legend, but a very good friend of mine is called Gudrun, and is German. I thought that was good enough for a main character name, so Gudrun it was! I knew it was going to be a children’s book so had to make the main character young, but someone had to be into OMD. Her parents were the obvious choice! And so the book began to form.
![orchestral manoeuvres in the dark](https://www.happydesigner.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-the-dark-childrens-book-slw.jpg)
Gudrun’s parents think they can win her over at an OMD concert, but can OMD win over little Gudrun?
Gudrun Magee is six years old and her parents love a band she can’t stand! Her parents are huge Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark fans, and Gudrun just can’t understand it. One day, they take her to an OMD concert. Her Mum is out to catch the eye of her crush, Paul, and her Dad is brushing off his dance moves. Will Gudrun don the geeky tie?
The Signing
Saturday, July 13, 2019, 2 PM – 4 PM
![](https://www.happydesigner.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/OMD-Book-FBbannerEVENT-NEW-1024x460.jpg)
Venue: The Railway, Meols, The Wirral (Part of the Wirral Festival of Firsts and Friends of 632,3003 event)
I’ll be signing copies of my OMD book at the Wirral Festival of Firsts (small plug: we’re also playing there!) and I’d love to see you there! I’m so excited because I’ll be meeting other OMD fans and talking about my book.
I will be selling my books, of course, but there will also be a few extra goodies available on the day! There will be some limited signed/numbered prints, pin badges and other little treasures available for purchase. What more could you want?
**PLEASE NOTE** Cash sales only (I won’t have a card machine with me!)