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Oooooh.....

Just seen rough mock up for cover art of Myrren's Gift. I just can't get the cheshire cat grin off my face. I love it!

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Is this really the appropriate forum for discussing Fiona's personal life?

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Hi Fiona!

That's great! You're lucky to have such a wonderful working relationship with your publisher. Hmmm... Maybe I should send out my manuscript to HC in Australia, eh! ">

When you say Hobb-style, are you referring to art of Michael Whelan, or are you referring to the UK version of the cover? I know that they sometimes differ from the US version. As a matter of fact, I'm a fan of Michael Whelan's, and it's my dream to see one of his paintings on the cover of a published book of mine! Alas, that may not be possible, as I hear he doesn't illustrate books any longer... I agree with you that Hobb's book covers are superb. I have the image of Assassin's Apprentice as my computer's wallpaper. ">

Can't wait to hold a copy of Myrren's Gift! I'll do my best to be the first Canadian to get it! ">

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I think if a number of them were to come back unimpressed we might have to re-think things. But so far so good, the feedback is bright and enthusiastic. What that now means is that sellers might start talking it up in bookstores hopefully and excite readers that they just HAVE to get hold of Myrren's Gift for their Christmas read. That's the marketing rationale anyway (grin). Some of the media get uncorrected proof copies of the book too, particularly those such as glossy mags which have to work several months in advance.

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Bats, artists rarely have time to read the book but they no doubt sit down with the publisher's creative director to talk through the very detailed brief provided by me and also my editor. Between us we know the tale best of all and then it's up to him or her to take that written/oral brief and turn it into something dazzlingly visual. In this instance, the guy got it so very right. I'm really excited and only hope it turns out to be as good as the mock up. Mind you, I'm still waiting to see the Hobbesque style carvings which are being done by someone else to frame the central pic. I picked out a series of icons from the book which could be used in this stone relief - my favourite being that in Morgravia's cathedral each of its magnificent pillars in the nave is held up by one of the famed magical beasts. Each Morgravian - from birth it is said - identifies with one of those beasts and so makes a pilgrimage to the cathedral to touch the sculpture of their animal. For the cityfolk of Pearlis, they can visit the cathedral regularly and always move to their beast to share a few private moments before carrying on with their business. Wyl, (our hero) identifies with the winged lion whilst all the King's of Morgravia always have the warrior dragon. These two creatures I hope will feature in that relief.

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Any chance you could post a sample of it on your website?

I'm really, really curious! ">

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Alas, Manon! Not permitted to. Owned by HC and the artist and I'm really allowed to do anything with it yet until the cover is offically imminent.

It is, in the words of one person who has seen it, 'awesome'. That's a good choice in the sense that the art is using a scene set in The Razors, a vast and terrifying mountain range where self proclaimed King of the Mountains, Cailech, has his fortress. The artist has taken my verbal brief and brought to life something I had only envisioned in my mind's eye. His work is totally brilliant in my opinion because he has more than captured the sense of awe, foreboding and secrecy which surrounds this place. Very brooding colours - nothing at all like Trinity covers.

And this is just the central pic. Around it is going to be motifs from the story. Very exciting.

Will keep you posted on progress.

Uncorrected preview proofs of the novel are doing the rounds now - wish me luck that the booksellers enjoy it.

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You are such a TEASE Fiona.....

......................
Focus

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Can you at least tell us who the artist is Fiona?

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That's good to hear, Fiona! As I understand it, a writer doesn't have a say in the art work that will adorn her book, so it's a blessing if you're satisfied with it. I can't wait to get my hands on that book! December, you said...?

">

Edited by: Manon Mooseketeer at: 8/7/03 10:35 pm

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Hi Manon

I've been extremely fortunate with HarperCollins as it has always involved and consulted me on the covers for my four books now. I've been permitted to suggest the scene we work with and I actually send through an early brief for the creative group on how I envisage it. And then when the first rough comes through I get to comment on it and make suggestions for amendments before we go to final art. It's very much a partnership at HC and I'm one of the members of a close working team and one of the reasons I love being with this publisher who respects my ideas and suggestions well beyond the draft manscript.

With Myrren, they asked me which scene would be best. I gave them about a dozen and then we whittled it down to an outside scene so I then suggested a shortlist of about four which I thought would work. Plus they're being extremely generous in allowing my dream to have a Hobb style cover with motifs around the central pic. I'm yet to see those - can't wait.

Wrothy, the artist is Les Petersen.

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This is very exciting news Fiona..... not long now

I am not joining the cue to torture it out of you (and yes, this will surprise one or two people). I shall happily sit back and savor the anticipation....

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That's great to hear Fiona! Les did a wonderful job with Trudi Canavan's books, and I'm sure his work on your series will be of the same high standard.

For those who haven't heard of Les, you can see examples of his work at members.ozemail.com.au/~lesjo/index.htm.

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Les peterson doesn't he do Dame Edna?

Wicked grins!!!

Sorry coudl not resist.

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Les Peterson doesn't he do Dame Edna?

Soldier, in exactly what sense do you mean he does Dame Edna? You've put visions in my head that I really didn't need there.

mg">

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That certainly sounds like a dream publisher Fiona.

I was interested to that previews of your book go around to booksellers. I guess that is pretty standard (?) - and it make ssense, just not something I realised happened so far in advance.

Well I'm sure they'll love it anyway. Maybe I should open a bookstore so I can get a preview. ">

Does there feedback have any influence over the final book - like a movie test audience?

It all sounds very exciting.

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This is fantastic Fiona, thank you for sharing the process with you..... all in all very exciting lider">

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December will you hurry up NOW!

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Hi,Fiona,I will be looking for your new novel,in December,the
art work for the cover is important,isn't it,does the Artist,
read your novel before,or do you tell him what you have in mind,I also enjoy David Gemmell's books but the art on the
books,lacks something,nothing really to do with the story. Bats

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Thank you,and it sounds just I would like to see on the cover
I bags the Winged Dragon,or a little bat?prehaps,:n I know
be happy with the Dragon. Bats