It's been quite a week here, as proof pages for both
Handling the Truth and
Dr. Radway's Sarsaparilla Resolvent arrive. Over the next few days I'll turn my attention to the second, my 1871 prequel to
Dangerous Neighbors, which features Eastern State Penitentiary, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Schuylkill River races, George Childs, a famous murder, and a boy named William who rescues animals for a living.
This book also features illustrations by William Sulit and a book design by Elizabeth Parks (and copy editing by my blogger friend Quinn Colter). It will be released this coming March from New City Community Press/Temple University.
I've worked with my artist husband on two previous books—
Ghosts in the Garden (New World Library) and
Zenobia: The Curious Book of Business (Berrett-Koehler). This past year, we've been collaborating on a third—
Dr. Radway's Sarsaparilla Resolvent, an illustrated teen novel that features Philadelphia's own Baldwin Locomotive Works, Eastern State Penitentiary, the great Schuylkill River, a blowzy named Pearl, and my hero George Childs, among other places and souls. It features, as well, the odd tonics and medicines of the time—the strange promises and possible powers of herbal concoctions and flowering vines. William of
Dangerous Neighbors fame stands at the center of this novel. Two twins waft through.
This morning, my husband has completed the design of the book's cover (he has also created nearly a dozen interior illustrations), and while I cannot unveil the whole, I am happy to share this small corner of an image that perfectly captures 1871 and, at the same time, suggests the story's very modern spirit.
I am ridiculously happy about all of this. Not just that the book will exist (spring 2013). But that my fictional William was rendered by my real-life William, and that a very kind press is giving both a home.
Wonderful...I cannot wait to see the book in person...I've waited so long...or so it seems. :)
Can't wait to share it, Serena!!
iGreat illustration! I'm doing research on Eastern State Pen right now myself for a short story. I love their research coordinator--she's a real treasure trove of information.
I'm looking forward to seeing the final product!
How exciting! Two books at once!