The Book of Dreams Cover

My American publishers just sent me the cover for The Book of Dreams, due out Spring 2009. I think it's FABULOUS. It will be shiny metallic red ink. That completes the four elements for the books: The Hunter's Moon is air (and mist), The Summer King is water, The Light-Bearer's Daughter is earth, and The Book of Dreams is fire. Each book reflects these elements in a general or specific way: the first has fairies appearing in light and mist and involves a flight through the air sequence; the second involves sea fairies and lots of watery themes; the third is all about mountains and under the earth; the fourth definitely involves a fiery climax as well as dragons! And, yes, that's Dana on the front cover but you will also find Gwen, Laurel, Honor, Findabhair and Finvarra and a host of others in the book.

Ask a Juby

Hah. Two posts in one day. But this is appropriate. I am busily writing up an interview with Susan Juby for the CANSCAIP journal. CANSCAIP is the unnion we both belong to, i.e. the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers. I'm a big Juby fan, so she is getting what every author dreams of: twenty minutes of well reasoned praise. (I can't remember who said that, however.) Spent over an hour chatting to her on the telephone today. She's in BC and I'm in Ireland and we have 8 hours, the entire Canadian landmass, and the Atlantic Ocean between us.

Done and Dusted!

Yes, it went off to my agents on Friday - my new young adult fantasy novel based on Celtic mythology. Hurrah! Will say more about it in the future. My brain is exhausted. But I am really happy with it. I think it's fabulous.

Nearly There

Yes, it's three chapters to go and then a quick read-over for typos and this baby is off to my agents before the week is done! A new young adult fantasy based on Celtic mythology. More will be revealed in the near future. I'm utterly thrilled. But I'll be even more thrilled when I announce that it's gone. Then I write up my interview with Susan Juby - more about that anon, also - and complete the final copy-edit on The Book of Dreams. I won't go near the final draft of my new adult novel until the winter. There's some fun ahead first! Will blog as it happens. God, I'm feeling prolific these days. Also knackered.

Pauline Baynes 1922-2008

A great lady and gifted artist has passed beyond the circles of the world. Favoured illustrator of both CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, she was a shining part of my childhood. Sail on, silver bird.

Online Graphic Novel

My friend, author/illustrator Martin Springett has done it again. A fabulous graphic novel which he has posted online. You can catch glimpses of the artwork - as shown here - at http://www.wixletree.com/. If you sign up as a member, you can access all of it. The Wixle Tree is a truly stunning piece of work. The images are magical!