It feels funny to be writing a silly little diary entry with all the terrible pictures coming out of Japan (a country I love). So silly, in fact, I cancelled today's iPod list.  That can wait.  All best wishes sent across the ocean.

This is just to say that I'll be appearing at this year's Hay Festival with the brilliant David Almond on Saturday, 28 May at 5.30pm.  It's been great seeing so many of you there the past couple years, so hope that continues!  I've updated the Events page and hopefully will have a bit more up there very soon, too.

Great new comments lately, I love reading them (and I just like Irish names, Finbar, having had one myself!).  And remember I'm now on Twitter as @Patrick_Ness.