Out now! The Special Edition, including a new story featuring the witch, Dragwena.
AWARDS
I’m very pleased to tell you that SAVANNAH GREY has been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. This is generally regarded as the most prestigious in children’s and YA fiction, so it is a privilege to be named to the list. It’s especially pleasing to me given that novel’s tricky and almost still birth. The shortlist is announced early next year. I’ll let you know how it does.
THE HUNTING GROUND
My new teen ghost novel, THE HUNTING GROUND, is due out in MAY 2011 in the U.K. The cover’s now come through and check it out ... Do you like it?
It’s a fairly generic cover for a ghost story, admittedly. Initially I wanted something more unique, but I’ve warmed to it. At least this way everyone knows they’re getting a haunted house story, and just in case the pic leaves you in any doubt those words ‘Haunted by ...’ should be a dead giveaway, as it were.
SAVANNAH GREY
Continuing with the theme of covers, the U.S. edition of SAVANNAH GREY is out in April 2011, furnished with a VERY different cover from the U.K. edition. Here they are, side by side.
I must admit that while I like my U.K. cover a lot, I’m very partial to the U.S. edition.
Originally it was even more graphic, with needle-like spikes emerging in all their glory from Savannah’s milky throat. That’s been toned down for the final version, which I guess makes commercial sense, especially as when I asked on Facebook what people thought most people definitely found the U.S edition too strong.
Actually, I’m interested in your views about your very favourite cover. What is it? Let me know. I think on the next update I’ll give you a few of mine ...
NEXT NOVEL
My publisher, Orion, and I have now agreed on my next novel. It will be a fairly large-scale fantasy adventure set almost entirely on a world called ARAMANTH.
It’s a weird and wacky place, full of all sorts of lush and unusual creatures, as well as a few elves. I’m hoping to have the first draft done by the end of spring 2011. I’ll keep you posted – or if I don;t keep you posted I’m struggling with it.
Ciao ..... and be good to each other, you guys.
