Really hoping for good weather so that I can reach Sheriffhales. I love these small craft fairs where I can talk to readers over a cup of tea or coffee. I do hope it will be well attended, and that the weather is kind as I used to teach in this area and might meet old friends. It will be the first book signing of the year, it is a pity that due to my husband’s illness I have not managed to complete River Dark, but hope to have this sequel ready in the Spring.
Looking forward to a warm, cosy time.
(Had to re-publish this in order to restore the blog!)
River Dark - Chapter One - A Terrible Enemy
 |
| Copy of 18th century painting, help by Ironbridge Museum |
|
If I’d known I would be hunted down like a criminal, I would have turned away from Atterley Hall the moment I heard that horrible screaming. But this was the first day of my new life, I wasn’t going to give up now, and as the wintery sunlight broke through the early mist over the parkland, I took a deep breath, charged through the archway into the stable yard, and saw a huge black stallion rearing up, thrashing the air with his hooves.
Shrieking with anger, the horse began a furious dance. Swinging his body from side to side, he tried to shake off a small, grizzled haired man who clung grimly to the leading rein, his riding boots sliding on the damp cobbles. But he was no match for the angry beast, despite his square, heavy body and big fists, and unable to control the stallion, he punched the animal’s neck, making the creature wilder than ever.
Now bellowing in anger, the horse gave a violent twist of his spine, flung the terrified groom into the air, and I watched in horror as he landed cobbles on the cobbles with a sickening thud. With a furious prancing motion, the stallion clattered the cobbles and reared again. He was about to bring his enormous weight crashing down on his tormentor, and I frantically waved my arms and shouted, ‘Thunder, don’t!’
Plan A
Sophie Bignall drew three little characters for my next book cover and I then tried to use an eighteenth century painting of the famous Ironbridge as the background. But whatever I tried to do, and however much my Grandson, James Brinkler, manipulated the cover in Photoshop, the painting just would not sit happily with the charcoal drawing, (Sophie used charcoal so that this book cover
That's how the cover artist made the cover for my second book, Broken. She took a photograph I sent her and did the same thing. That is so kewl. <br /><br />I like the charcoal effect. I think the cover is mysterious. The children look forlorn, a bit sad. I see them and wonder why. I'd pick up the book.
Thank you, Joylene, such a battle with this cover. Good to hear that I am not alone with regard to my artistic efforts. :0) Although I am not an artist, so very pleased that you think the cover will attract people.
It's very inspired and interesting! I like the contrast of the stark black & white mixed with the smudginess of the charcoal drawing. I agree with Joylene. The expressions of the children make me want to pick up the book and delve into why they appear a bit woebegone. <br /><br />Popping in to say, 'Hello' and Happy Sunday afternoon! Have missed visiting my bloggy friends. Hope
Lovely to see you here, Larri, cheered me up. Invalid husband not too well today, but his friend has arrived so much happier Sunday for him.
Very nicely done! I think it's fabulous.
Thank you, Su, like every one else, or maybe more so!, I thrive on kind encouragement .
I think that it looks amazing. It was done very well. Congratulations with the progress.
It is such a great relief to finally finish this, Murees, at last I can get on with the editing!
I think it looks awesome. It's very hard to get permission to use images unfortunately. I've never had a reply to a request. NO wonder people abuse copyright!<br /><br />Lovely work.<br /><br />Did you know you have the dreaded catpcha codes on your blog? I don't usually comment when I see them, but I'll make an exception seeing as I can see it before I post my comment. If it
Hi Denise, thank you so much for your support, and no I didn't know about that wretched extra thing to reply, I deleted it, why has it crept back! Must delete again. Thanks.
I think that effect will look fantastic in the end. Can't wait to see it.
Thank you so much, Clarissa, will post the end result when my Grandson has put it together with title, etc.
Wow, what a creative way to put the different elements of your cover together! That's certainly one way to get a 3D effect:)
Thanks, Rachel, have just received the almost final cover - will post to see what friends think. :00
Hi Carole .. I agree - the charcoal cover is just lovely .. very clever .. cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary, I had to ask Sophie to draw the characters again, try to copy her original drawing for Candle Dark as needed the books to match. A battle to get it right for us both, but Grandson came to the rescue as before with his starlight effect.