I am a Podcast Guest on Before the Applause

This week I am a guest on Before the Applause, a podcast made by David Watson. We talk about my life before becoming an author, when I worked in the arts, the digital landscape and how I came to be a part of it, and how that has helped me as a self employed author now.

I have been lucky enough to call David a friend for over fifteen years. We met at the Royal Opera House, where we both worked as part of their digital team. We’ve been friends ever since.

David is Executive Director of Audiences & Media at National Museums Liverpool and has responsibility for Exhibitions, Marketing & Brand, Digital, PR & Communications, Development (Fundraising), Strategic & Creative Partnerships and Creative Studios (design and production) for the group which comprises of seven world-class museums and galleries. Prior to this he has worked for an assortment of high-profile organisations including  Birmingham Royal Ballet, Hull UK City of Culture 2017, English National Ballet, London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Royal Opera House and Rambert Dance Company.

THE PODCAST BLURB: Before the Applause Podcast – hosted by David Watson – is your backstage pass to the creative industries. This audio deep dive uncovers the real stories behind the arts and cultural experiences we all enjoy but rarely think about before the curtain rises. Each episode brings you candid conversations with the people who make it happen—dancers, producers, designers, actors, DJs, photographers, costumers, marketers, publicists, data analysts, and many more. From the triumphs to the challenges, David lifts the lid on what it truly means to build a career in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.  Whether you’re an aspiring creative, a seasoned professional, or just curious about the work behind the magic, Before the Applause is here to celebrate the people who bring ideas to life.

M. G. Leonard at Hay Festival 2025

M G Leonard at Hay Festival 2025

Hay Festival is always such a wonderful experience. Last year I did the schools programme, but this year I was on the public programme and accompanied by 40 mile and hour winds and lots of rain. Hopefully I warmed everyone up by taking them to Egypt in my Hunt for the Golden Scarab event.

I had such a great time talking to young readers about history and music, and was very impressed by how many Egyptologists came all the way to Hay to hang out and get their books signed. I was chatting and signing for well over two hours, and enjoyed every minute of it.

I wanted to thank everyone who made the long journey to come to my event. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.

FEATHER - shortlisted for Best Crime Novel for Children 2024

I am utterly overjoyed that Feather, which is based on a true crime, museum heist, has been shortlisted for the CrimeFest award. Twitch won this award back in 2022 and Spark was shortlisted the following year.

I’ve got all my fingers crossed that Feather might win this year as the wonderful CrimeFest have sadly announced that this will be the final year of the prize and the festival. I have enjoyed being a part of it and am pleased to be a part of the final festival celebrating crime fiction for all ages.

Golden Scarab Bestseller

To my utter delight, this week The Bookseller, the publishing trade magazine, did a review of the bestselling Children’s books in the first quarter of 2025 and I learned that Hunt for the Golden Scarab is the twelfth bestselling book of the year so far. That’s incredible, especially as it wasn’t available in shops until February.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has purchased, read, reviewed, or recommended my book. It really takes an enormous effort from a team of people to launch a book in such a way that people get to hear of it, especially as i”m not off the tele, and it’s super important when it’s the first story in a new series.

If you enjoyed book one, then the wait for book too is not long, The Legend of Viking Thunder will be sailing into bookshops in September and I’ve just finished writing the third book in the series which will be available from February 2026.

World Book Day 2025

World Book Week 2025 has been quite dramatic for me. I broke my ankle, walking my dog, four days before the busiest week in a children’s author’s calendar! I’ve had to do my school visits on crutches and deliver events sat on chairs, which is not my usual style.

However, I have been greatly cheered by all the children who have dressed as characters from my books. I do love to see these pictures. Below is a gallery of all the costumes I’ve seen this year. I think they are all absolutely wonderful. I’m truly blown away.

Thank you to all who have sent them over social media or email. If your child would like to be added to this gallery, you can email a picture to info@mgleonard.com

Waterstones Children's Book of the Month!

It is with HUGE joy that I can share the news that the wonderful Waterstones bookshop has selected Hunt for the Golden Scarab as their Children’s Book of the Month! I am enormously grateful to everyone who is championing my newest Time Keys series, especially those wonderful booksellers who are suggesting my stories to young readers.

Let the HUNT begin! Grab a special sprayed edges signed edition today!

Signed Independent Bookshop Edition of Hunt for the Golden Scarab with sprayed edges

At the end of January 2025 my brand new time travelling adventure series, TIME KEYS, is launched. I cannot wait for you to read it.

To celebrate the wondrous independent bookshops up and down the country, my publishers are printing a limited run of books will gorgeous sprayed notation edges.

To be sure to get one for you bookshelf, you’ll have to pre-order from your local bookshop.

If you would like a super extra special DEDICATED one, then you can pre-order from my local bookshop, Book Nook Hove. I will be popping into the shop in the week before publication to sign and dedicate all your books.

So if you know a young reader who enjoys non-stop adventures, why not pre-order NOW!

Hunt for the Golden Scarab - Cover Reveal

The Hunt for the Golden Scarab pack shot

It is with deep gratitude and enourmous delight, that I can finally reveal artist Manuel Sumberac’s incredible cover for my new book, HUNT FOR THE GOLDEN SCARAB, the first in the TIME KEYS series.

I can also share some of Manuel’s dramatic internal artwork, which perfectly illustrates the story. There are around forty of these spectacular illustrations through-out the book. My publishers, Macmillan Children’s Books, have done an amazing job. I’m beyond excited for readers to dive in.

You can pre-order a special SIGNED first edition of this book from Waterstones NOW.

M. G. Leonard’s new series: TIME KEYS

I am unbearably excited to finally be able to tell you about a top secret writing project that I’ve been working on for the past two years.

Ever since I first learned of string theory, the concept of time travel and music has been linked in my imagination. That was the first seed of an idea that has grown into my newest project.

Next year, I’m launching an epic new adventure series of books called TIME KEYS. The first book will be published in January 2025 and is titled HUNT FOR THE GOLDEN SCARAB.

This is the most ambitious series I’ve ever written and will be illustrated throughout by the incredible Manuel Sumberac. I really hope you’re going to love it.

For all the juicy details please read the official press release below.

Page one of press release

page two of press release