Ellie Hubble writes about her work experience with the Appledore Book Festival.

'I'm going to throw up.'

This was my first thought at the Appledore Book Festival. An essay, a screen test and an on-the-spot interview out of the way, I had the misguided notion that I could handle the Festival. 'The scary stuff was out of the way,' I told myself. Ha. I was wrong.

'And this is Ellie Hubble,' a voice proclaimed from behind me somewhere. I looked in front. Michael Morpurgo. Before I knew it I was perched on the edge of a lime-green armchair, surrounded by a cornucopia of electronic equipment, with half of Appledore waiting expectantly. Oh, and let's not forget Michael. I was given the nod to start. I battled through my questions, with a few added extras and it seemed to go really well so I was happy and everyone was smiling so it can't have been that terrible. He came across as an absolute professional who knew what to say and exactly what he was doing. There was lots of advice in his talk for aspiring writers and his delivery was amazing, truly a master storyteller.

Well, I thought that I would turn up, interview Michael and then amble back home. The committee had other ideas. Before I knew it or could prepare mentally I was back in the chair, this time with Benedict Allen. I can safely say that most of the female population were jealous of me then! Instantly approachable and with an inspiring outlook on life, his humour and knowledge kept the audience in the palm of his hand. Towards the end of his talk, Tony Koorlander (cameraman and my mentor) tapped me on the shoulder. I knew it, I was out. 'Ellie, we want you to interview Patrick Gale.' Shock was followed closely by terror which I disguised with a quick 'ok.' I didn't know at the time that Patrick was raring to go and that I would have all of 30 seconds to come up with some questions. The dreaded chair again. This was probably the only moment during the Festival when I thought 'Where's the exit?' I was pleasantly surprised however as Patrick was one of my favourite people to interview. A brilliant communicator who was so sweetly unassuming that he had a rather magnetic quality about him.

Later that evening I was back again, hooked on the drug that is the Appledore Book Festival, to watch 'Have I got (Devon) News for You'. The event was well-attended with a lot of heckling and witty banter being hurled from one side of the Church to the other. All in all, a dauntingly exciting day!

Day two and I had the bug now; I would take whatever was thrown at me. First up I had to interview Peter Christie. His thirst for information and structured presentation really did bring history to life. He was quickly followed by Kate Furnivall who was very well-informed and experienced.

Day three I got the chance to interview Victoria Glendinning and Bideford's own Tanya Landman. Tanya was very funny, amicable and was able to practise some comic accents through her use of puppets! The children really got involved with her talk. Victoria intrigued her audience as well. She was subtly mischievous with a very sharp and intelligent way of putting her material across.

I was incredibly anxious about day four as Malcolm Rose and Karen Wallace came to my own school; West Buckland. Not only did I interview them but I acted as ambassador and host too which was a new experience. Karen quickly went off to the prep school from which I've heard excellent things and Malcolm to talk to the senior school. A chemistry lecturer turned novelist, it was bound to be interesting and Malcolm didn't disappoint. His event was a sort of forensically analysed crime scene masquerading as a literary talk. The students were very impressed and amused by Malcolm, and indeed so were Tony and I. After his interview we sat chatting with him for almost half an hour (sorry Miss if you're reading this, that's why I didn't make it to French) and we just found him so fascinating.

The next day I had the pleasure of watching Ion Trewin, Chris Mullin and Colin Shaddick in Appledore. Ion and Chris were superb speakers whose conversation could have gone on all night and no one would have been bored. Colin Shaddick captivated the audience with his wonderful poetry and guitarist backing. He was helped out by a few friends including an amusing A Capella group and a man who juggled whilst singing with a deaf guitarist as his accompanist; suffice to say it was an interesting night.

Saturday. How could it be Saturday already? Finally a chance to interview the legend that is Tony Koorlander. This was the man who had helped me get this work experience and guided me along the way. I'd been referred to as his 'apprentice' but he wasn't at all like Sir Alan. In fact quite the opposite. In his talk technical difficulties in the Church prevented him showing some of his amazing WWII footage and yet he battled on, calm as ever, and solved the problem. Tony was well-informed and an excellent speaker, so good that he was literally press-ganged afterwards as there were so many people who wanted to talk to him!

Sunday. Last day. Never has a week gone so quickly. I had the great opportunity of interviewing Julian Fellowes. Tremendously likeable and funny, the audience were enthralled. When he read a passage from his latest book 'Past Imperfect', all were laughing. What a way to end the Festival. Everyone then wandered back to Appledore Hall where we had a drink and talked about the success of the week. It had surpassed everyone's expectations. The atmosphere was so friendly and welcoming. Thanks to everybody on the committee who gave me this terrific opportunity; it was brilliant fun, I've met an eclectic bunch of people and I've learnt a huge amount. Roll on next year!