Puffin commission 2 more novels, and the Boy Bling goes yomping round the UK...

First off, a Press Release for the news on a further TWO novels in the WEREWORLD series!

Due to the instant success of Rise of the Wolf published on 6th January 2011, the first volume in the Wereworld series by British author and artist Curtis Jobling, Puffin is very excited to announce that they have moved fast and acquired a further two titles in the fantasy YA series.

As a result of the fantastic initial performance of the first book, shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, Puffin is moving the second volume from an early 2012 publication date to the summer of 2011. The two new novels will follow in 2012.

Following on from the initial two-book deal early in 2010, Shannon Park, Executive Editor at Puffin secured world rights for books three and four in the series from the John Jarrold Literary Agency, for a five figure sum.

Curtis Jobling says: ‘I am absolutely thrilled at the support and the belief Puffin has in Wereworld and am delighted to see how well received the first book has been. With book two already written and book three plotted, I’m looking forward to the busy adventure that lies ahead!’

‘I was delighted to hear so early in the game from Shannon with another two-book offer,’ said John Jarrold. ‘Having been a publisher for fifteen years before setting up the agency, I know all too well how unusual that is. Congratulations to her and the team at Puffin who have got behind Curtis so strongly.’

Shannon Park, Executive Editor, says: ‘From the first moment I read Wereworld I was completely bowled over by the inventiveness of the world Curtis has created. To know that we have another two opportunities to explore it is an editor’s dream come true. I can’t wait!’

Curtis Jobling designed the Bafta winning BOB THE BUILDER and is also the creator of FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT, the BBC’s hit children’s animation series based upon his book of the same name. In addition he has numerous shows in development with Disney, the BBC and others.

Please visit the Wereworld website at: http://www.wereworldbooks.com/site/home.php

Suffice to say everyone at Casa Bling is tremendously happy with this news. It means I'll have my nose in my laptop for the next 18months, but at least the first draft of the second novel (now due for release in July) is complete.

Back home from a rare spot of jaunting around the British Isles last week.

Wednesday I was down in London for the Waterstone's Book Prize, where the terrific "Artichoke Hearts" by Sita Brahmachari grabbed the top prize. Was a wonderful opportunity to meet the other authors such as the hilarious Candy Gourlay (who I've pinched a couple of these pics from - thnx CG!), the chortlesome Jon Mayhew and the rest of the shortlistees.

Me and Mr Mayhew, getting silly in our blouses...

The incredible team of young adults from Spinebreakers, Puffin's go-to folk with all Young Adult property!

Then it was off up to the Animex International Festival of Animation in Teesside for my usual pilgrimage to what I consider is one of the greatest festivals around. Superb turnout by attendees with a stellar cast of speakers again. Particularly touching was the festival's new affiliation with Dreamflights, a charity that flies severely and terminally ill children over to Florida each year. All the speakers brought along items for auction and the event raised well over the target of £1000. My own contribution of a signed and drawn-in copy of Wereworld (I illustrated a werewolf inside the jacket) went for around £40 apparently. Bravo to everyone concerned!

Old and dear friend Professor Stuart Sumida, anatomy advisor on COUNTLESS feature films for Disney, Pixar and many more. He digs up dinosaur bones for a living, the movies are just a side-thing - how cool is that???

Tony West, awesome animator and FX bod and co-creator of the award winning Dream On Silly Dreamer documentary that opened the lid on behind-the-scenes Disney. Note my face - this is what happens when an eminent professor grabs a fistful of your ass!

Bada Bling!