tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236498772024-03-13T16:02:29.990+00:00badablingthingI'm that Curtis Jobling, writer and illustrator. You may know me as designer of "Bob the Builder" (sorry) and creator of "Raa Raa the Noisy Lion" and "Frankenstein's Cat". I'm also the author of the "Wereworld" series of fantasy horror novels and the darkly comic YA thriller "Haunt". Published by Puffin, Penguin US, Simon & Schuster and Egmont around the world.Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-84035357375327726482015-11-06T11:29:00.000+00:002015-11-06T11:29:52.683+00:00Max Helsing and the Beast of Buck HillTo celebrate the release of <a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317993/max-helsing-and-the-thirteenth-curse-by-curtis-jobling/9780451474797" target="_blank">MAX HELSING AND THE THIRTEENTH CURSE</a> next week in the US, I'm publishing a wee adventure featuring our eponymous teenage hero on my blog. <b>"The Beast of Buck Hill"</b> was a short story that originally would feature at the beginning of <b>The Thirteenth Curse</b>, where Max is wrapping up one of his previous adventures, a la Indiana Jones. With the tone and subject matter - <b>WEREWOLVES</b> - it was also a way for me to exorcise some demons having spent the last few years writing (and loving) the <a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/DWV/wereworld" target="_blank">Wereworld</a> series of novels. So what you get here is me putting the sword to the lycanthrope, at least for the time being. Hope you enjoy this advance peek into the world of Max Helsing, Monster Hunter...<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The old man
shook his head wearily in the drizzle. His bushy eyebrows were knitted in
annoyance, face like thunder as his companion floundered. The boy's baseball
boots slipped repeatedly, struggling for purchase on the treacherous incline. A
khaki satchel swung around his shoulder, the kind one could hardly fit anything
in. It bulged as if it might burst at any moment, threatening to throttle him
as it caught about his throat. Utterly impractical in the wilderness, of
course, as was the rest of the youth's attire. His skinny jeans were coated in
mud, while his hoodie hung heavy with rain. The Chucks skidded through the
quagmire again; only a deft lunge from the boy's closed umbrella saved him. Its
metal tip sank into a clump of turf like a climber's pick, providing purchase
as he steadied himself, dignity almost intact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'City folk,'
muttered the old woodsman.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'What's that,
Mr Gelert?' asked Max, glancing up the slope, as he hauled himself onto firmer
ground. The man made no attempt to approach and help him, remaining where he
was, glowering with disapproval. With a sucking <i>pop, </i>the tattered old umbrella came loose from the wet earth, the
boy shaking mud from its end with a deft flick.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You always
take a purse out with you?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Oh, this?'
said Max, patting the satchel. 'It's my messenger bag.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'It full o'
messages then?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'No, Mr
Gelert,' said Max, climbing ever closer. 'That'd be my supper.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Who you
plannin' on feedin'?' said the man, his thick accent coaxing a smile from Max.
'The five thousand?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Hungry work,
hiking. My old man taught me to always be prepared.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Your old man
a boy scout, eh?' asked the lumberjack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Something
like that,' said Max, pausing to take in the view from the ridge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The sun hung
over the horizon to the west, a motley of fading colours coating the forest before
it. A great shining rainbow arced through the Massachusetts sky, its pot of
gold hidden somewhere within downtown Boston, ten miles to the north. It had
always struck Max as odd that an area so apparently wild as Blue Hills
Reservation could be sat right on his doorstep, so close to the city. He looked
back over his shoulder. A barren landscape of grey rock rolled out about him,
Buck Hill in all its grim beauty rising into the clouds. Black waves billowed through
the gloomy air, squalls of rain riding the wind and rushing over them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max blinked,
wiping the droplets from his eyes. Gelert chuckled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'What's so
funny?' asked the sodden youth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'It's bad
enough you bring a bumbershoot into the wilds, but then you don't use the darn
thing! You simple or something, boy?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Oh, the
umbrella? I thought I'd wait until I really needed it.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You're a
drowned rat!'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'This?' said
Max. 'Just a shower, Mr Gelert. Now tell me: whereabouts was this campsite?
Have we far to go?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Where the
hawthorn stands,' said the backwoodsman, pointing a gnarled finger a few
hundred yards beyond them. Max could see the twisted black tree clinging to the
ridge, buffeted by the harsh winds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max set off,
not waiting for the old man. A hand caught him across the shoulder, crooked
fingers digging through the sodden hoodie and into his collar bone. Gelert's
mouth was at his ear instantly, the grating voice causing Max to flinch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Might wanna
let me lead the way, boy. One wrong step and you'll be done for. You're paying
me to be your guide. Let me get you where you're going in one piece.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max tugged his
shoulder free. He looked about. The drop was indeed terribly sheer, the
precipice path falling away into swirling mists. He gestured ahead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Lead on, Macduff.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The woodcutter
was on his way again, muttering under his breath. Max followed, shadowing every
step.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'They say
there's a monster that haunts Buck Hill, Mr Gelert.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Who's <i>they</i> then?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Local legend
tells of a beast that wanders the woods and trails, preying on unwary
travellers.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You'd best be
careful then, eh?' </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I'm always
careful,' said Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You picked a
queer time of day to come snooping out here, lad.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Snooping's an
odd choice of word, Mr Gelert.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I say it as I
see it. You should've come when the sun was up, not at twilight.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I do some of
my best work at dusk. When it's stormy. And cold. And I'm wet through.' Max
grinned, but his eyes remained fixed upon the terrain, scouring the barren
incline. 'You must see quite a few tourists up here?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'In tourist
season, aye,' replied the man without looking back. 'But in fall? Nothing
pretty up here, just sheer cliffs, sucking pits and no-see-ums.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'No-see-ums?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Midges
that'll drink you dry, boy. Most folk who find themselves up here these months
tend to be lost. Like your friends.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'My what now?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Your
friends,' said Gelert. 'At the campsite.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Right,' said
Max, nodding. 'And you were the last person to see them?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Like the
newspaper said, they passed my hut around noon. I said hello as they went on their
way. It wasn't until I was passing by a couple of days later that I found their
campsite, tents abandoned. No sign of 'em at all. Not sure what you expect to
find up here.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Answers,'
said Max quietly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'They're
probably skiing in Banff or backpacking across Europe by now, darn students.'
He looked fleetingly back at Max as he trudged on, his sour demeanour never far
from the surface. 'Talkin' of students, how old are you, boy?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Fifteen.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You look a
lot younger.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Call it a
curse.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Curse.' The
woodsman grinned. 'Bit young to be at college, aren't you?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I'm gifted
and talented.' </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'So you say,'
grumbled Gelert. 'Strikes me you're a long way from home for one so young. That
father not worried about you?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'My parents
passed away.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Sorry,'
grunted the old man, his voicing lacking all sympathy. 'You got nobody then?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max didn't
answer, instead changing the subject. 'Funny thing is, Mr Gelert, those two
hikers-'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Your
friends,' interrupted the lumberjack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Yeah, my
friends. They aren't the only folk to have gone missing on Buck Hill.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'That so?' </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'That's so.
Over the last four decades there have been numerous disappearances, each
unexplained. I counted a dozen when I checked the local newspaper archives in
Boston. You've been here all this time, Mr Gelert. Did you hear anything about
them?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The woodsman
didn't answer, drawing ever nearer the twisted hawthorn as Max followed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'They're
spread out over enough time that they probably don't send alarm bells ringing.
The police in Quincy certainly knew nothing.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Regular
little detective ain't you, boy?' said the man, coming to a halt beside the
tree. Rough, jagged bark covered its trunk, pitted by age and the elements.
Gelert extended a bony hand out and gripped a branch. 'We're here.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max hopped
past him, planting his umbrella point into the ground and leaning on it like a
walking stick. He let his eyes rove over the area, searching out any clues. The
campsite was set back from the cliff, the grey rock broken up by marshy ground.
Raindrops peppered the brown pools as the downpour continued. If there had been
any tracks, they were now long gone; Mother Nature had washed them off the face
of the earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Do you know
if the police took their tents?' asked Max, his eyes still fixed upon the
puddles before him. He heard a groaning, creaking sound at his back, causing
him to turn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
He looked back
just as Gelert let go of the hawthorn branch, the length of wood rocketing
forward and catching Max sweet across the temple. By the time he hit the mud
with a splash, he had already blacked out.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Two unusual
noises brought Max back to consciousness. The first was the din of a steel band
who had set up shop inside his skull, hammering their drums to their hearts'
content. It was the lord of all headaches. The second sound was of Gelert
tipping the contents of Max's messenger bag upon the ground. All of his
belongings landed in a jumbled heap, as the woodsman shook the last articles
loose with a clatter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'What'cha got
in here, then?' said the old man, clearly to himself. Perhaps he thought Max
was still out cold. He flicked through an ancient looking leather-bound book,
shaking his head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Gibberish,'
he muttered, tossing it into the mud. Max winced to see <i>Urgo's Grimoire </i>treated so disrespectfully. That was an exceedingly
old book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The sun had
fled the sky, black clouds billowing overhead. The rain might have ceased, but
an awful portentous feeling had settled over the mountain. It was quiet, far
too quiet, the only sounds coming from the old lumberjack. Max slouched against
the hawthorn tree, hands bound by cord at his back, battered umbrella at his
feet. He let his fingertips play against the wrist bindings, his hands moving
carefully, silently finding a way to free himself. This had gone pear-shaped in
quite spectacular fashion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You woken up
then, Sleeping Beauty?' said Gelert, without looking across. Max sighed, all
hopes at subterfuge gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Please leave
my belongings alone, Mr Gelert.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Still being
polite, boy, even when in dire straits? I'll say this: you may've lost your
folks, but someone brought you up right. Nice to see respect in the youth of
today for once. I judged you as a wrong'un when I saw you at my door in that
hoodie.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max's eyes
narrowed as he watched the fellow rifling through his belongings. 'Appearances
can be deceiving.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Can't they
just!'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The woodcutter
clapped his bony hands gleefully, tearing the foil wrapping off the most
enormous - and still warm - pork pie. Max's heart sank. He had been looking
forward to that for his supper. The steam rose off it as Gelert took a bite,
the meaty juices dribbling down his jutting chin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'That's a good
pie, boy. Not bad as an appetiser.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max winced.
'Appetiser?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Gelert looked
over at the bound boy. He licked his withered, gravy-stained lips, bushy
eyebrows furrowing where they joined in the middle. Max nodded, the puzzle
falling into place like tumblers in a lock. He had been foolish, rushing in
blindly. If he'd just waited for Uncle Jed to meet him back in Quincy instead
of stepping out alone, this could have been avoided. Put it down to a desire to
impress and the impulsiveness of youth. Max rather fancied it was his
inexperience that had got him in this mess. And what a mess it was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You heard me
right, boy,' said the woodsman, his voice deeper, more guttural now.
'Appetiser.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
As he spoke,
Gelert grabbed the thermos flask that had tumbled from Max’s bag, unscrewing
the lid with a spin. He peered inside suspiciously.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I wouldn't do
that if I were you,' said Max. 'You won't like it.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'That so?
You're in no position to tell me what to do!'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Gelert took a
great swig from the flask, before spitting half the contents back out across
the grass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Herbal muck!'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I did warn
you,' said Max, his hands working behind his back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'What's wrong
with a strong black coffee?' exclaimed Gelert, wiping his tongue across his
jacket sleeve. The old woodcutter straightened himself, towering over Max.
'City folk. Coming up here with their fancy ways and flowery teas. When will
your kind learn: you ain't welcome! This is my land, boy. The Blue Hills are
mine.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max spied a
glow in the heavens behind the lumberjack, slowly growing in intensity behind
the thick cloudbank. Spittle frothed on the old man's lips as they peeled back
in disgust, his ire fixed upon the boy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'You're like a
sprat swimming into a shark's mouth, thinking it a cave. You come out here,
looking for your friends, only to walk right into the same fate they did.
Idiot. I'm looking forward to this. A man spends most of the year living on
mutton, it's nice to spice up the diet occasionally.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
He snorted,
his eyes now twinkling yellow, his skin darkening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Can't beat a
fresh kill.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'I have to
say, I'd hoped it wouldn't come to this,' said Max, shaking his head sadly. 'I
thought you could be reasoned with.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The old man
cocked his head, his breathing heavy and rasping. 'You say what?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'There are
places you could have gone to, communes for folk afflicted such as yourself.
There's an island off Cape Cod that would've been perfect for you, if you'd
wanted to go. They'd have looked after you. Taken care of you like one of their
own, without hurting anybody. If you'd <i>wanted
</i>to go.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Gelert was
growling now, shaking loose his jacket, plaid shirt tearing beneath. He kicked
his boots off, one hitting the tree trunk above Max's head. The last thing Max
had expected when he woke that morning was to be confronted by a geriatric
backwoodsman performing a monstrous striptease, but life had a funny way of
throwing curveballs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'That's just
it. You wouldn't have gone if I'd paid your boat fare, would you? You enjoy
this too much. You don't want to be civilised. You <i>want </i>to be a monster. How can I reason with a killer?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'What're you
saying, boy?' snarled Gelert, his crooked yellow teeth catching one another,
too large for his mouth. His body continued to darken, sinew and tendons
creaking as his limbs changed shape. 'You know my secret?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Hardly a
secret now, looking at the evidence. I knew the monster was out here, just
hadn't figured it was you. I was slow getting there, but give me credit, I'm
still relatively new to this monster hunting lark. A novice, if you like. I
should've known your story was fishy when you claimed you'd said hello to those
students. I suspect there isn't a hospitable bone in your body, Mr Gelert,
human or otherwise.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Gelert
crouched uneasily upon lupine legs. Great black claws tore from his toes,
shredded flesh discarded alongside his clothes. Dark hair grew rapidly,
spurting in clumps across his body as Max heard the monster's bones cracking.
With a sickening crunch Gelert's ribs expanded, threatening to punch their way
out of his chest. With three huge gulps of air, his torso had doubled in size,
coated in black fur.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'See, I looked
a little further back than forty years. Census records show there's <i>always</i> been a Gelert living in these
hills. But here's the strange bit: there's no record of any marriages down the
years. I just assumed it was overlooked, missed by the authorities. I know
you're remote up here after all. It only occurs to me now - trussed up like a
hog - that there never <i>were </i>any other
Gelerts, were there? I know your kind are... long-lived. Has it been just you
all this time? Don't you play well with others?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Gelert roared,
the skin of his face splitting as canine jaws erupted, the air misting red
around him. Sharp ears rose from his thick grey hair, twitching as they
elongated with each shake of the head. Those yellow pupils glowed bright now,
twin suns of burning evil, the eyes of a hungry predator. His hands flexed on
either side of his monstrous body, hooked fingers twitching spasmodically and
scraping against one another. The clouds parted at last, the man no more, the
moon's magical glow bathing the beast in its eerie light.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max's
movements weren't so subtle anymore. His hands were shifting frantically behind
his back, wrists straining as he rubbed the taut cord across the jagged bark.
His eyes never left the monster as it threw its head back and howled at the
night. </div>
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Then stopped.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The beast
balled its fist and struck its chest, as if clearing a tickly cough. </div>
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'Heartburn?'
asked Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
An awful
gurgle rose from the monster's guts, causing both beast and boy to stare at its
belly in wonder. Again, the creature punched its breastbone, wheezing as it
gasped for breath. </div>
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'Spot of
indigestion?' Max paused for only a second before continuing sawing at his bonds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'That, my
furry friend, is why I suggested you didn't drink from my flask.'</div>
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The monster
dropped to its knees, one hand clawing at the muddy earth while the other
grasped at its throat. The beast's flesh seemed to swell, the fur rippling as
huge lumps appeared beneath it. Within moments, its entire body was shuddering
and shaking, its tongue lolling from its jaws, catching upon its teeth. Those
yellow eyes were pitiful now, wide with horror as they looked down at the
spilled flask.</div>
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'I'm with you,
by the way, Mr Gelert,' said Max, finally cutting through the rope and getting
his hands free. 'I love a good mug o' joe. Can't stand that herbal tea
nonsense. But then, I hadn't intended to drink from that thermos. You clearly
didn't recognise the smell in human form: perhaps you do now? That's wolfsbane.
It was to protect myself with, to throw at the beast, should the need arise.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Max rose
stiffly, heart racing as the monster continued transforming. Its entire torso
was bloated and swollen, getting bigger by the second, fur falling out in
patches as pink flesh turned red. It was enormous now, resembling neither man
nor beast, a gelatinous deformed blob. A terrible burning smell hit Max,
catching in his throat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
'Wolfsbane
will kill a man if ingested,' he said grimly. 'I dread to imagine what it's
doing to your innards.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The wobbling
fiend let loose a furious cry, lurching forward from where it crouched. Its
flesh shook, the skin splitting and hissing like a sausage in a pan. Max moved
quickly, ducking to snatch up his brolly and raising it before him. He hit the
catch and it sprang open, the boy hiding behind his shield like a Spartan
warrior as the monster impaled itself upon the sharp point. </div>
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A great wet
bang filled the air, a thunderclap that heralded a most hideous explosion. Max
remained hunched as lumps of the dead monster, both large and small, spattered
the earth around him. When the last pieces of flesh had finished falling, he
rose gingerly, looking about the muddy campsite. The brown puddles now ran red,
little left of the beast bar the odd, barely recognisable body part that
littered the ground or hung from the hawthorn tree. The boy breathed a sigh of
relief.</div>
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'Werewolves,'
said Max Helsing, shaking the last pieces of Mr Gelert from his gore-slicked
umbrella. 'Always be prepared.'</div>
<br />Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-34329918604362399162015-11-06T11:20:00.000+00:002015-11-06T11:20:53.261+00:00Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse - Book Trailer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4mlc-JEcKrc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4mlc-JEcKrc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
I do hope you're not eating your dinner. Here's a wee trailer I put together to introduce you to the world of Max Helsing. The first novel, <b><a href="http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317993/max-helsing-and-the-thirteenth-curse-by-curtis-jobling/9780451474797" target="_blank">Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse</a></b>, is published by Penguin Viking in the US next week, on the 10th November. You can order your copy now!<br />
<br />
Bada Bling!Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-13262919293602872062015-09-10T23:08:00.003+01:002015-09-10T23:08:18.946+01:00World of Warriors - A NEW HERO - Tour!Busy week kicking off this Sunday as I yomp all the way down to Dorset from the Northwest. Penguin, Mind Candy and I are taking my first <b><a href="https://www.worldofwarriors.com/en-GB" target="_blank">WORLD OF WARRIORS</a></b> novel, <b>A NEW HERO</b>, on the road, which will including a series of huge school events the length and breadth of the country.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmPWZ5r3T-Ajn9y0VlvXMRtOkMPqHl69mSnphIciyF5X1RLbU-ZI4lFs77OzWABAfQp5gYlIhayKM9widJkDiFdrNjofQzqFo3hbfVxCKacIPlpSUO_WVfxdAPoa3GEqN6Ta-9w/s1600/War_group_keyart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmPWZ5r3T-Ajn9y0VlvXMRtOkMPqHl69mSnphIciyF5X1RLbU-ZI4lFs77OzWABAfQp5gYlIhayKM9widJkDiFdrNjofQzqFo3hbfVxCKacIPlpSUO_WVfxdAPoa3GEqN6Ta-9w/s320/War_group_keyart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The book is based upon the insanely popular game from Mind Candy, set within the world of the Wildlands where warriors from across Earth's history (and spanning continents) have been teleported to do battle. <b>A NEW HERO</b> follows the adventures of Trick Hope, a teenager from London, who finds himself transported to the World of Warriors and quite out of his depth.<br />
<br />
<u>MONDAY 14th September</u><br />
<br />
Allenbourn Middle School, Wimborne, Dorset.<br />
Shaftesbury School, Shaftesbury, Dorset.<br />
<br />
<u>TUESDAY 15th September</u><br />
<br />
Ilford County High School, Essex.<br />
Haberdashers Aske School, Crayford.<br />
<br />
<u>WEDNESDAY 16th September</u><br />
<br />
Rugeley Academy, Staffs.<br />
Wolverhampton Grammar School, Wolvo.<br />
<br />
<u>THURSDAY 17th September</u><br />
<br />
Cramlington Learning Village, Cramlington.<br />
Chantry & Newminster Middle Schools, Morpeth.<br />
<br />
<u>FRIDAY 18th September</u><br />
<br />
Baines High School, Poulton Le Fylde.<br />
Kirkham Grammar School, Kirkham.<br />
<br />
Particularly excited to be visiting Poulton on the last day, just outside of Blackpool, as that's where I was born and spent the first two years of my life. Not been back since, so we'll see if they recognise me as one of their own. Or peck my eyes out for being a colourful, flamboyant, hairy bird...<br />
<br />
Booksellers next week include:<br />
<br />
GULLIVERS BOOKSHOP (Wimborne)<br />
NEWHAM BOOKS (London)<br />
TALES ON MOON LANE (London)<br />
H & H SPALDING (Staffs)<br />
WATERSTONES (Morpeth)<br />
SILVERDELL BOOKS (Lancs)<br />
<br />
Should you wish to order a copy of <b>World of Warriors: A NEW HERO</b>, please feel free to contact the bookshops directly and place your order (they'll have backlist of Wereworld novels too). I'll be more than happy to doodle in them and dedicate accordingly. The book is also available on Audiobook, voiced by the fabulous Ben Barnes. You can even see the <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cd_CGTOGUo&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">TRAILER HERE</a></b>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zBKrT3k4W_f0cGnzUQu66Sijb0uwlTB1LRxXPiut7CpVgu6Qadbp17hbiF2cPO0VNRI84d3GBjCwOMn8p79fDhY5R6m6DfmJZeuX4ppM2HRs72BcQfZ4m-HgCDt6WVvjX2FWEw/s1600/audiobook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zBKrT3k4W_f0cGnzUQu66Sijb0uwlTB1LRxXPiut7CpVgu6Qadbp17hbiF2cPO0VNRI84d3GBjCwOMn8p79fDhY5R6m6DfmJZeuX4ppM2HRs72BcQfZ4m-HgCDt6WVvjX2FWEw/s320/audiobook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Look forward to seeing you out and about next week!<br />
<br />
BE EPIC!!!<br />
<br />
CurtisJo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-37544798070218438592015-06-21T20:59:00.001+01:002015-06-21T20:59:20.122+01:00HAUNT: Dead Scared wins Sefton Super Reads.It's been a while since I won anything.<br />
<br />
Let's be honest, it was 1983. I've been <i>involved </i>in the winning of things in the meantime - especially with my animated shows - but those are team efforts, where I'm a cog in a very talented (and large) machine. But solo? No. I strike lucky on the occasional scratch card, but that tends to be my lot.<br />
<br />
When I heard that HAUNT: Dead Scared had been shortlisted for the Sefton Super Reads, I was chuffed to bits. I was also very happy to go along on the day and participate in a fun event, but I never for the life of me imagined I might win. The four other authors who were present were all splendid folk and heavyweights of children's literature, I should add - Kevin Brooks, Sally Gardner, Rebecca Stevens and Paul Dowswell. We shared the stage and answered some fascinating questions from the children who had come to the ceremony. So of course, I imagined I was simply there to make up the numbers, bearing in mind my awards drought. Hey, there were chocolate HobNobs - I was never going to say no.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoyVwik-U8GM4V0HmdNuR9YLjOPIXkz7tfSOCD7odCHzddmhFnD_rnPtkln8x7w6ayzKEL2Zl-neboRputA3bNgtfwQPIRiFsTK1BWKnD-lm56gXYkCfVoBTL_93qsVCHutWRDA/s1600/Sefton+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoyVwik-U8GM4V0HmdNuR9YLjOPIXkz7tfSOCD7odCHzddmhFnD_rnPtkln8x7w6ayzKEL2Zl-neboRputA3bNgtfwQPIRiFsTK1BWKnD-lm56gXYkCfVoBTL_93qsVCHutWRDA/s320/Sefton+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To say I was thrilled when HAUNT was announced as the winner, doesn't come close. Kevin rightly pointed out that the look on my face wasn't one that could've been faked (I've always been crap at poker), and any hopes of cool were lost in my gibbering acceptance speech.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyNm_Px09Hi1KXnxRkdiLBc6aD9Zuz2iECnC_iBMi-2W2nKBV2jzGmftcYY82UKSPWl3AVNNmtnGBG7jg1Vy9ZUSJsoQzfaFcxvpsQaLiuKX5N6eY154TMqU4a8QVB5keuTCVZg/s1600/Sefton+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyNm_Px09Hi1KXnxRkdiLBc6aD9Zuz2iECnC_iBMi-2W2nKBV2jzGmftcYY82UKSPWl3AVNNmtnGBG7jg1Vy9ZUSJsoQzfaFcxvpsQaLiuKX5N6eY154TMqU4a8QVB5keuTCVZg/s320/Sefton+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps I never feel I'm going to win anything might be the fact that I'm a genre writer - I rarely deviate from fantasy and horror. These genres (along with science fiction) aren't to everyone's tastes, and I can accept that. They might even be looked down upon by other, more literary writers. Too commercial, too trivial, too silly. But it's where I'm most at home. And I'd argue all the live long day that important issues can be broached through each of those genres for audiences of all ages.<br />
<br />
Ma-HOO-sive thanks to the lovely Lesley Davies of Sefton Libraries and one-man-literacy-crusader Tony Higginson of Write Blend (formerly Formby Books) for running the Super Reads programme. And to the children who read all the shortlisted books, and continue to read across the Sefton borough, thanks for giving my wee book the thumbs up. Get your teachers to give me a shout and I'll come visit, just in case you haven't had enough of my muttonchops yet.<br />
<br />
PS: It was the Warrington Park Art competition I won in 1983, by the way. I came first in my age group, aged 11. You had to design a 'Park Of The Future', so naturally I ripped off Silent Running and stuck mine in a globe in deep space.Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-2685241123483714362015-02-25T07:43:00.002+00:002015-02-25T07:43:27.276+00:00HAUNT: Dead Wrong - Blog Tour!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQH8DAa_pqc4mvzwb6qONN4Xzi_DamTONA15IKyva-BjhFEvvq_GXEwXtQayhEluEoTJM6_CGTrjNVo0sKnJdIomh4f1YCRoLuI8dd8W5fVhrkGU0vCfOIdtrtECygSsZw_iSfw/s1600/Haunt+Blog+Tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQH8DAa_pqc4mvzwb6qONN4Xzi_DamTONA15IKyva-BjhFEvvq_GXEwXtQayhEluEoTJM6_CGTrjNVo0sKnJdIomh4f1YCRoLuI8dd8W5fVhrkGU0vCfOIdtrtECygSsZw_iSfw/s1600/Haunt+Blog+Tour.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Will and Dougie are back! Thursday 26th February sees the release of "HAUNT: Dead Wrong", and to celebrate this there's going to be a Haunt-centric blog tour featuring the above fabulous friends online. There's different articles on each, not solely concerning the YA ghost story but also Wereworld and my animation background. Do pop along, join in and comment!Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-78387786334501250642015-02-06T12:49:00.002+00:002015-02-06T12:50:10.717+00:00School author events a-go-go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHZjXEHztyolkDLIQWVk5DhrK35EdN8NSL1kIgohWvEtNpNarN_9bSYmtnnDPczUiOQGjXgc1F2OeTd7n6bWDZgRqnRT8lQujYrwxiRsHWx8qAdmkbPo5MLYYG2SykSl3fC9nyw/s1600/CJ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHZjXEHztyolkDLIQWVk5DhrK35EdN8NSL1kIgohWvEtNpNarN_9bSYmtnnDPczUiOQGjXgc1F2OeTd7n6bWDZgRqnRT8lQujYrwxiRsHWx8qAdmkbPo5MLYYG2SykSl3fC9nyw/s1600/CJ1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lots of school visits in January, more than ever in fact. Here are a few write ups from those trips. Remember - students, teachers, librarians - if you'd like me to visit, just get in touch, either on the official Curtis Jobling website or on Twitter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.congletonhigh.com/21/news-events/article/278/author-wins-over-students-with-workshops-words-and-wolves" target="_blank">CONGLETON HIGH SCHOOL</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2015/02/03/curtis-jobling-visits-harrogate-grammar-school/" target="_blank">HARROGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/11724235.Author_visit_for_Great_Sankey_pupils/" target="_blank">GREAT SANKEY HIGH SCHOOL</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/11601351.Author_pays_a_visit_to_Penketh_school/?ref=mr" target="_blank">PENKETH HIGH SCHOOL</a><br />
<br />
In fact, you can see a great film from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_musaqP9ao4" target="_blank">my visit to Penketh High here</a>. And if you're STILL not sure of what an author visit involves, you could do a lot worse than look at this informative video I recently produced ahead of a school appearance....<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfmB9egLHrM" target="_blank">Curtis Jobling - Author and Idiot</a><br />
<br />
Bada Bling!<br />
<br />
<br />Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-27591820346965271372014-11-03T16:36:00.003+00:002014-11-03T16:44:35.338+00:00Fright in the Museum<div class="MsoNormal">
This blog post was originally written for my local paper's Halloween edition, but I thought I'd share it here as well. Cheers to photographer Dave Gillespie for letting me share some of his photos, You'll spy some of them are mine. No prizes for differentiating one from the other.....</div>
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I've never made a secret about the fact that my love of
roleplaying games, books and film inspired me to become a writer, but a huge
influence on my formative years was always right on my doorstep. Growing up in
the 80's in Warrington, weekend trips to town usually involved regular haunts,
all now long gone; G&I Models for lead Citadel Miniatures to paint, Our
Price for the latest vinyl, and the dearly departed Bookland on Cairo Street.
All roa<span style="text-align: center;">ds ultimately, though, lead to Museum Street.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3f0aXWve6PMVN_cp6mHe57Wa4V1l6cPlvGl9qcfQ5aTbp71DXo98Xs6inembhxfj-UrFxFDJ8zGZSjRaHwye-Vg9Ei3czEC5KZkvr-fr-pd_OqZjYlocmFEtWeFqNsjGoWJRGA/s1600/Curtis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3f0aXWve6PMVN_cp6mHe57Wa4V1l6cPlvGl9qcfQ5aTbp71DXo98Xs6inembhxfj-UrFxFDJ8zGZSjRaHwye-Vg9Ei3czEC5KZkvr-fr-pd_OqZjYlocmFEtWeFqNsjGoWJRGA/s1600/Curtis1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>(Gibbet - the last person to be hung in one in Britain? Only a Mr William Jobling. There are folk songs written about the poor fellow. Check out his story <a href="http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/william-jobling-martyr-or-murderer-1-1283255" target="_blank">here</a>)</i><br />
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The fact that the museum and library were adjoining meant
there was a two-bird-one-stone shenanigan going on. Reading has always been the
purest form of escapism for me, more so than any film. I didn't need to see
Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies to know what a hobbit looked like. I'd
visited the Shire as a nine year old schoolboy via the books. In the library I
could make a nuisance of myself, pestering the brow-beaten librarians into
ordering obscure, fantastic and frankly inappropriate works of horror fiction
before hopping next door for the real deal. The museum was where the genuine
frights were to be found.</div>
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<i>(Egyptian child's mummy)</i></div>
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My memory isn't what it once was, and perhaps the more
ghoulish artefacts I found on display have taken on mythical proportions in my
mind, but I found a world of wondrous chills and thrills in Warrington Museum
as a boy. The more macabre the exhibit, the better. Skulls and skeletons, of
all shapes and sizes from all manner of beasts, were a must-see. As were the
insect rooms with a freakish selection of giant bugs that made my skin crawl. I
distinctly recall the mummified infant, its ancient sarcophagus replaced by one
of glass. And of course the two human heads -one a shrunken Amazonian, the other
a tattooed Maori - the latter recently, thankfully, repatriated. All of this, at
my fingertips.</div>
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<i>(Amazonian shrunken head)</i></div>
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That I've gone on to write fantasy and horror novels such as
<i><b><a href="http://wereworldbooks.com/site/home.php" target="_blank">Wereworld</a></b> </i>came as no surprise to
friends and family. <i>Haunt: Dead Scared </i>is
based upon my life growing up in Warrington (the sequel, <i>Dead Wrong, </i>will be out next year). Indeed, in my next two novels,
for two separate publishers, museums play a major part within the stories. <i>World of Warriors </i>is a new game from
Mind Candy (the guys behind <i>Moshi Monsters)</i>
and I'll be writing a series of books set within that universe - the first book
opens in the British Museum. I also have <i>Max
Helsing: Monster Hunter </i>coming out in the States, featuring a museum of
anthropology directly inspired by Warrington's own house of history.</div>
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I occasionally get asked: "Are your books too scary for
children?" My answer is no. But they <i>are
</i>scary. Fear is an emotion that affects us all, and what better way for a
child to experience it than through a book? Books don't chase us down the
street. Books don't make us jump out of our skin. If a book is scary, close it.
Crikey, if it's <i>really </i>scary, throw
it in the chest freezer in the garage. A little fright now and again can be a
healthy jolt to anyone's heart, especially via the pages of an engaging,
entertaining book. Or even through the dark, foreboding doors of your local
museum.</div>
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-51896832386934176482014-10-08T10:45:00.000+01:002014-10-08T18:08:20.534+01:00Welcome to the WORLD OF WARRIORS. I'll be your guide...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm absolutely thrilled to announce that I'm donning chainmail, strapping on gauntlets, hefting a shield and picking up something pointy - I shall be authoring a series of exciting middle grade adventure novels set within the WORLD OF WARRIORS, the new game from Mind Candy, creators of <i>Moshi Monsters. </i>These are going to be wholly original works, featuring characters from the game as well as those of my own creation. Unlike other books-based-upon-games (or films) I'm telling my own tales here, with complete creative freedom, so there's an entire fantasy world at my fingertips, ready to explore.</div>
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Lovers of WEREWORLD should love WORLD OF WARRIORS too, as it'll feature many of the thrilling, battling and dramatic elements that have made that series so popular. There'll be fantasy in bucket loads, and if the helm fits, horror at times too. Expect warriors from throughout human history, spanning time, continents and cultures, to put in an appearance. You can check out the fabulous <a href="http://www.worldofwarriors.com/" target="_blank">WORLD OF WARRIORS website here</a>, complete with a peak at the game footage.</div>
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As a child I was fascinated by warriors throughout history and roleplaying games, and without a doubt those two themes are married perfectly together with this game. I got to try the game out the other day, thanks to the good folk from Mind Candy HQ, and I have to say in hindsight that was a questionable idea. It's so flipping addictive! I know if I'd played WORLD OF WARRIORS as a 10 year old it would have blown my tiny mind. As a 42 year old it's had a similar effect. Well done chaps. I'm now faced with the challenge of writing the books with the distraction of playing the game looming large at my shoulder like a hulking, brutish barbarian.</div>
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The full press release is below.</div>
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Yours from the Wildlands</div>
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Curtis</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Penguin acquires publishing rights in<i> </i>WORLD OF WARRIORS, <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">a brand new game from<i> </i>Mind Candy, the creators of <i>Moshi Monsters</i> </span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">London,
8 October 2014 …</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Penguin today announced acquisition
of publishing rights in the brand new battle strategy game from the creators of
<i>Moshi Monsters</i>, WORLD OF WARRIORS. Richard Haines,
Acquisitions and New Business Manager Penguin Children's,<b> </b>has acquired global rights, all languages from Mind Candy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">WORLD OF WARRIORS is a brand new game from
Mind Candy that will launch this year in six languages on iOS and Android. The
mobile game will see players battling it out to bring peace to the vast
Wildlands by defeating a power-crazed warlord and his evil Skull Army. Ninja vs
Aztec, Knight vs Viking, Roman vs Samurai, the game features a whole host of
historical characters all with incredible back-stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Publishing under the Puffin imprint,
there will be a multi-layered publishing strategy for WORLD OF WARRIORS,<i> </i>launching with the Official Guide and
Official Sticker books in June 2015. Puffin will also publish a third strand of
author-led fiction written by </span><span class="paitext"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Curtis
Jobling,</span></b></span><span class="paitext"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> the designer of worldwide hit children's
television show <i>Bob the Builder</i>, and the author/illustrator of numerous
children’s books, including Puffin’s Wereworld series. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Jobling’s middle-grade novels will be
action-adventure stories based within the WORLD OF WARRIORS realm, expanding on
details in the game as well as introducing unique characters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Richard Haines, Acquisitions and New
Business Manager, Penguin Children's said,</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> ‘WORLD OF WARRIORS is an incredibly
exciting and ground breaking new brand from Mind Candy that offers us fantastic
creative opportunities. We will be able to further develop the game world and
expand the experience alongside gruesome facts and true stories from history.
On top of this, Curtis Jobling’s new fiction series based within the world,
which will help make the WORLD OF
WARRIORS<i> </i>publishing a global success'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Darran Garnham, Chief Commercial Officer, Mind Candy
said,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">
‘We are extremely excited to partner once again with Penguin after achieving
such huge success with them through the Moshi Monsters franchise. Through this
partnership we hope to ensure the global success of the World of Warriors
franchise across its many touch points. In terms of publishing, WORLD OF
WARRIORS’ eclectic mix of characters and stories lend themselves to both
fiction and non-fiction and we can't wait to see both.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Curtis Jobling says:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">‘I'm thrilled to be the authorial voice of
this epic saga, getting a chance to explore the <i>World of Warriors</i>
through a series of exciting, original novels. I couldn't resist the
opportunity to write these combative characters that span history and cross
cultures. Each tale will feature a desperate, diverse and deadly gang of
battling warriors as they embark upon an incredible quest – the biggest
challenge will be getting them to work together and not bash lumps out of one
another!’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">For further information please contact </span></u></b><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Adele Minchin, Publicity Director<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">T: 020 7010 3304 or E: </span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="mailto:Adele.Minchin@uk.penguingroup.com"><b><span lang="EN-US">Adele.Minchin@uk.penguingroup.com</span></b></a></span></u><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Notes to editors: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">About Penguin Children’s</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Penguin Children’s won Children’s Publisher of the
Year at the Bookseller Industry Awards for 2011. It comprises the following
imprints: Puffin, Ladybird and Warne. Famous for its classic fiction and
beautiful picture books, Penguin Children’s Group started out as a non-fiction
publisher with its first title appearing in 1940. Today it publishes a wide range
of fiction, picture books and children’s classics and some of the world’s
favourite authors including Eric Carle, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney, Jacqueline
Wilson, Rick Riordan, Cathy Cassidy and Eoin Colfer and popular character
brands such as Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit and The Snowman. It has also paved the
way in publishing tie-in books behind interactive brands like Club Penguin, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Moshi Monsters, Skylanders and Angry Birds. Penguin have also become
experts in the field of publishing YA literature which connects with both
teenage and adult readers, including <i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> by John
Green, <i>How I Live Now</i> by Meg Rosoff and <i>Beautiful Creatures</i> by
Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-fareast-font-family: ArialMT;">About Mind Candy</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-fareast-font-family: ArialMT;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-fareast-font-family: ArialMT;">Mind Candy is the online games developer
and entertainment company behind the hit global children’s brand Moshi
Monsters. The company was founded in 2004 by Michael Acton Smith, a UK-based
entrepreneur who previously founded Firebox.com. For further information visit </span><a href="https://outlook-co.randomhouse.co.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=gT4DFdr8g0SUB3fU2NvjAwAaQQGosdEIQnDKnleEptuHKe4M16-ZRcGJQGYInd8IydNtdrXBCCk.&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mindcandy.com"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-fareast-font-family: ArialMT;">www.mindcandy.com</span></a></div>
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-34785845172838014332014-10-01T12:48:00.001+01:002014-10-01T12:48:16.545+01:00Testimonials? You want testimonials? We got testimonials...<div class="yiv1145782752msonormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I'm frequently asked for testimonials for my school events, but I never have them handy. NOW I DO! Take a look at the smattering below. And if you're in cruel mood, you can read the previous blogpost which covers an amusing collection of comments from students as opposed to teachers, librarians and festival directors!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Curtis was one of the most
popular authors at the 2012 Manchester Children’s Book Festival and has, to our
delight, agreed to join us again this year to help launch our Festival Reading
and Writing Relay with an event at Central Library. His talks are always both
inspiring and entertaining and, even more importantly, he is a joy to work
with." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Kaye Tew <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Festival Manager,
Manchester Children's Book Festival<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">"Curtis was a huge hit when he visited our school. He spoke to
nearly 400 students in the Main Hall and successfully kept them all entertained
and engaged for a whole hour and a half – no mean feat! His talk was delivered
in a humorous but appropriate manner. He spoke with such enthusiasm and
conviction about not wasting your creative talents that students couldn’t help
but be inspired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Curtis started by talking about his experience of working in the
animation business and impressed the boys with his art work, before moving on
to his writing career. The finale of the event, “Hairy Man or Wolfman” was a
brilliant interactive quiz that the boys just loved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Teaching staff and students alike really enjoyed the talk, so much so
that they were <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>still talking about it days after the
event. In fact he was so good we got him back again!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Janet
Clarke<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Librarian,
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, 21<sup>st</sup> March 2014<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"A visit
from Curtis is always one of the most entertaining author events I've ever been
to. Not only is he a brilliant author and illustrator but the combination of
the two elements in his talks has the whole audience, adults and children
alike, totally enthralled from start to finish. His wit and humour and
interaction with his audience guarantee no session is exactly the same. As well
as all this he is a great bloke, no prima donna author, making a day with him
more than easy for any school or library, I would heartedly recommend him."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Debra Conroy<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Children's Library Services,
Manchester City Council<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Curtis
has visited us on a couple of occasions and his workshops are always memorable
and exciting! Last time he took us on a whirlwind tour of his experiences as an
illustrator and as an author – all of which served to inspire and motivate the
children – they loved it so much they were talking about the workshop and his
books for weeks afterwards!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most
importantly for us, as teachers, Curtis’s messages to the children, regarding
reading and writing, fully supports our teaching and has inspired the children
to apply the skills they’ve learnt, from his workshop, to their own work."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Mary
Peters<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Deputy
Head, Westbrook Old Hall Primary School, Warrington<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuEA5WTKaARYDOD45IvPGm7-Jzg9fAZc43yPs0XXFxSJaKJAy5QRaYaed2ciGE5EnvQDGVpOFhS_QfVQR25uPcFL5nCmtYdGl011MxjNucQXVimZIjH1OghuLCR39LyDfjk7Trg/s1600/BB3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuEA5WTKaARYDOD45IvPGm7-Jzg9fAZc43yPs0XXFxSJaKJAy5QRaYaed2ciGE5EnvQDGVpOFhS_QfVQR25uPcFL5nCmtYdGl011MxjNucQXVimZIjH1OghuLCR39LyDfjk7Trg/s1600/BB3.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv1312599259msonormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Curtis has
now visited our school twice. We were so enthralled by his first visit that we
had to invite him back again this year as part of our World Book Day
celebrations.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> Students (and staff) were captivated hearing
him talk about his work as an Author and Illustrator and about his love of
Animation. His wealth of experience and ease of manner has made him very
popular with our students. We found his talks hugely entertaining and many
students returned at lunchtime to chat with him and have their books signed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1312599259msonormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I have
organised several Author visits to our school but none have engaged the
students in the same way that Curtis has. So much so, there was real excitement
from the previous year’s cohort when they knew he was visiting us again.“</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1312599259msonormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Helen Bayliffe</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv1312599259msonormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Library
Resource Manager</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">, </span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sir Graham Balfour High School, Stafford</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-76993782960289038242014-03-31T22:36:00.001+01:002014-03-31T22:36:37.855+01:00Author visit testimonials, straight from the horses' mouths!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you're ever considering having me visit your school to hold storytelling, animation and creative writing workshops, please refer to the following comments that I was recently from a fabulous librarian. The students filled in feedback forms which were handed back to staff, and this is a selection of their comments. Suffice to say I've been weeping, but they're tears of laughter. Is there a better testimonial than the below? If so, I haven't found it....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">************<span id="goog_149052755"></span><span id="goog_149052756"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Curtis Jobling seems like quite a talented person and made
a good impression’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘I think how he described his animation and shows was very interesting,
and is probably something that I want to try later in life.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘His books are really interesting if you are into that sort
of thing.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘The presentation / assembly could be classified as boring
but it had its’ moments, like when he showed short clips of a cow that wanted
to kill herself.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Curtis is a quite short, with a waistcoat and short sleeved
shirt, he also has sideburns which are very long and dark trousers on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a small nose and a Pork Pie hat and he
as a faded beard.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘He was very funny and wasn’t boring as he kept you on your
toes when he changed the tone of his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is definitely a book I would like to read.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘I think it was really fun for a workshop’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘I believe that the workshop was more interesting than the
talk because it was a bit more up close and personal.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Overall, I enjoyed his visit and would like him to come
again if possible’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Overall it was a fun day and was very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favourite part of the day was watching the
cow clips. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘It was lovely to meet a famous<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>author and producer and I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hope I can meet him again. He has inspired me
a lot in writing.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Curtis Jobling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is an
author/ illustrator/animator who came into our school to not only persuade us
to purchase one of his books, but also to inspire us to write and animate
ourselves.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘He explained how he made the animations and we also watched
the Nickolodeon adverts which everyone found hysterical, despite the fact that
in truth they were really quite disturbing.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘His books seemed quite interesting and descriptive for the
people that are into that stuff.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘It was brilliant and I really enjoyed it.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘His book was good, I know because he read a bit to us and
it was very interesting.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘He had sideburns and a loud voice, which travelled round
the room.’</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘His jokes were quite funny and when he did the assembly it
was quite interactive, which was good.’</span></div>
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-6706278946769366402013-12-16T20:33:00.002+00:002013-12-16T20:33:38.398+00:00Final event of the year - Brownedge St Mary's High School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Great final school event of the year, and rather local too, Bamber Bridge outside of Preston. It was my absolute pleasure to visit Brownedge St Mary's - staff at the school were already in touch with me through my social media activity and when the opportunity to speak to the students arose they really leapt upon it. I'm quite missionary with my visits to schools, passionately promoting the idea of wider reading for pleasure, but at St Mary's I really was preaching to the converted. It was wonderful to encounter staff and students alike who had a real love of literature - this can only help the pupils across all areas of the curriculum as they go forward through their school life and beyond.</div>
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Big thanks to Tony Higginson's Formby Books for supplying books on the day, and certainly looking forward to revisiting St Mary's some time in the new year. On that point, if any of you fancy having this wordling crayonboy visiting your school, please do get in touch. I've still got gaps in the calendar around World Book Day so give me a holler and let's make it happen.</div>
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<br />
Have a very splendid holiday season and a happy new year!<br />
<br />
Bada Bling!<br />
<a href="http://www.wereworldbooks.com/">www.wereworldbooks.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.curtisjobling.com/">www.curtisjobling.com</a><br />
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-56532660230245375642013-11-05T14:59:00.004+00:002013-11-05T14:59:59.091+00:00WEREWORLD Virtual Visits from Curtis JoblingWho would like to host a <strong>Virtual Visit</strong> on my <strong>Wereworld Skype Tour</strong>? I know it's tricky for a UK based author like myself to visit classes in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the like, so here's an exclusive learning opportunity for you, running for a week from the 2nd December.<br />
<br />
I'm offering 30 minute sessions where classes and groups of students can experience my acclaimed presentations. The talk has been a huge hit across the UK and also on my recent American tour, so if you fancy a whistlestop introduction to my career in animation (Bob The Builder, sorry!) which leads into me transforming him into a werewolf, then get in touch. I'll talk about the Wereworld series: the wider world of the Seven Realms of Lyssia, the Werelords who inhabit it, and where my inspiration comes from, culminating in a reading from one of the Wereworld novels. <br />
<br />
If the audience hasn't been shocked into silence, I'll be welcoming a Q&A at the end of the reading where students can pick my brains - just be sure to put them back as you found them. It'll be an interactive, inspiring, and thoroughly engaging virtual event which should get even the most reluctant reader excited about reading for pleasure!<br />
<br />
The only thing I ask in return is that the school ensure each of the students who participate (minimum audience number of 25, an average class size) has a copy of Rise of the Wolf, the first novel in the Wereworld series. The talk itself will be free.<br />
<br />
Teachers, librarians and parents: do please get in touch with your details. Students: tell your teachers and point them this way. Spaces on the tour for events WILL be limited, so get them while they're hot!<br />
<br />
Bada Bling!Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-866523172613935352013-10-21T08:55:00.001+01:002013-10-21T09:11:29.505+01:00Speed reading - don't do it!I've been getting an AWFUL lot of messages from folk via email and the official <strong>Wereworld</strong> Faceache page who have read <strong>War of the Werelords</strong> and are dismayed by certain deaths, one in particular. Firstly, I'd just like to say war is cruel, it's tough, it's heartless and people can and will die. Not everyone escapes unscathed. More importantly, though, can I ask you to please RE-READ the final chapter again, only this time, soak it up, take it easy, read carefully what is said. <br />
<br />
Either I've been too clever by half and far too subtle or there are a great many people who just speed-read these days. You miss so much when you skim - authors use all those words for a reason, you know? ;-) I don't want to get too preachy here (I do, actually), but so much of what characters think and feel is often hidden within the way they speak and think. It's the little things that can give away so much. <br />
<br />
As an example, I got a message from one reader the other day exclaiming they had received book six in the post. They'd been very excited about the prospect of receiving it as had been clear from their updates online. However, later that SAME DAY I saw an update saying they'd read it and loved it... <strong>IN ONE DAY???</strong> I expressed my surprise and disbelief, to which they happily replied they prided themselves on being a 'quick reader'. No, that's nowt to be proud of. Skimming a book is just that: you're catching one in every twenty words, you're absorbing the merest details from a page as your eyes scan over it. You're not enjoying the book as the author had intended. It's like ordering a seven course meal and only taking two or three bites from each dish. <br />
<br />
Please don't speed read and then ask why certain things happen in my books or why so-and-so character snuffed it. You could be heartily sustained by a banquet. Instead you're settling for a happy meal. ;-)Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-12266462824283674572013-09-21T16:48:00.002+01:002013-09-21T16:48:56.582+01:00"WEREWORLD: War of the Werelords" Tour
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">To celebrate
the UK release of the final book in the Wereworld series, I'll be embarking
upon an official tour next week, starting on Friday 27<sup>th</sup> September
at the Manx Lit Fest. After that it's a whistlestop tour visiting schools all
over. If you're keen to pick up a signed, doodled in and dedicated copy of one
(or all) of the six novels, I'd recommend you get in touch with one of the
booksellers listed below. They'll be very happy to help and will reserve copies
for you. Check the tour dates below, sniff out a bookshop and drop them a line!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Friday 27<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">MANX LIT FEST</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">,
Schools Programme<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bridge Book Shop</b>, Isle of Man<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 29<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">2:30 PM
<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">BATH KIDS LIT FEST</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">: CURTIS JOBLING CREATING CHARACTERS WORKSHOP<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></u></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Monday 30<sup>th</sup>
September </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">AM<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">OLDFIELD SCHOOL, BATH<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Waterstone's Bath</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">PM<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">HENBURY SCHOOL, BRISTOL<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Durdham Down Books</b>, Bristol<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 1<sup>st</sup> October <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">AM<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">SHREWSBURY HOUSE PREP SCHOOL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, SURBITON<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Regency Bookshop</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">PM<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">SHOREHAM ACADEMY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, SHOREHAM-BY-SEA<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Regency Bookshop</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 2<sup>nd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">AM<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ST MARTINS PREP SCHOOL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, NORTHWOOD<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chorleywood Bookshop</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">BEAUMONT SCHOOL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, ST
ALBANS<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Waterstone's St Albans</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 3<sup>rd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">KINGSDALE SCHOOL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, DULWICH, LONDON<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">FOREST HILL BOYS SCHOOL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, LONDON<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dulwich Books</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Friday 4<sup>th</sup> October <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">AM<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">WELLINGTON SCHOOL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, ALTRINCHAM<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Waterstone's Altrincham</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ALTRINCHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bookseller: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Waterstone's Altrincham</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-81215878884065909392013-07-04T22:53:00.005+01:002013-07-04T22:53:42.619+01:00Warrington Wolves Foundation and the Children's University - Graduation Night!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>(Warrington's wonderful schoolchildren graduating!)</em><br />
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This evening I was witness to a pretty blooming marvellous spectacle, the graduation of 100 school children from Warrington through the Children's University scheme. These were pupils who had participated in extra-curricular learning experience, outside of the classroom environment. The scheme isn't just in the UK, it's worldwide, and it's dedicated to providing educational activities to children of all ages alongside the fine work that schools provide. I'm patron of the Children's University in Warrington, through my work with the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation. Over the course of the last few years I've been delivering workshops to the youngsters of my hometown - as have many others - and tonight saw the children celebrate their achievements.<br />
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<em>(Neil Kelly, Director of the Warrington Wolves Foundation, and Wolfie. "He's behind you!")</em><br /><br />Caps were donned, gowns were draped, and a procession of mini-graduates marched passed with grins of monstrous proportions plastering their faces. As if the smiles of the children wasn't enough to melt the coldest heart, the tearful looks on their proud parents and grandparents in the audience would've stopped a charging rhino dead in its tracks. No doubt some of those children in attendance, participating in the scheme, might not ever have considered a further education. Perhaps they will now. I don't know. Only I do know that if I'd had someone for creative industries (as an example) visit me in school when I was their age it would have had a profound effect. That's the biggest kick I get out of all my work: visiting schools all over the country and overseas and enthusing about the fact that one can make a living out of one's hobby. Writing WEREWORLD? A job? It's an absolute blooming pleasure, and I'm sure that came across to the kids tonight. I'm lucky that I've turned my pastimes into a career. That's what I've been doing for years. I might just get found out now.<br />
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<em>(The shy and retiring author, and friend...)</em><br /><br /> Huge thanks to Neil Kelly and the ace team from the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation for ALL their hard work managing the CU scheme in the town, and thanks to the University of Chester for the support they've shown. Wobbly handclaps to all those who've delivered workshops in the last year and all the parents who've encouraged their children to participate. Most of all, WHOPPING CONGRATULATIONS to all the boys and girls who have walked away from tonight's graduation ceremony with a very special certificate tucked under their arm. Here's hoping this is just the first step along a very special learning adventure!</div>
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-64786661353267532222013-07-04T09:03:00.004+01:002013-07-04T09:03:53.109+01:00Author visit to Penketh High School, my old stomping ground!I spent yesterday at Penketh High School, scene of my formative teenage years and many bouts of bad haircuts, bogging acne and body odour. It occurred to me as I pulled up that it was 30 years ago since I'd first attended the school. More shocking was the fact that a handful of teachers who had taught me were still there (I'm mentioning no names to protect the innocent). I was speaking with Years 7 and 8 in the morning, 11-13 year olds, while after lunch I got to talk to the Year 6 pupils from Penketh's numerous feeder schools who were there for the day.<br />
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<br />As school visits go, this was a bit of a treat for me. If I'd had an author or artist visit me when I was there back in the day, it would've had a profound effect upon my fragile little mind. It would've shown me that one CAN make a living in creative industries, that art and media aren't simply bits of extra-curricular fluff. Sadly, I never got any advice as a lad that supported my desire to pursue a living in the arts. To now be back at my old high school and have the opportunity to enthuse about what I do for a living (which, let's face it, certainly beats a 'proper job') was a real honour. If what I had to say struck a chord with just one student who was in the room, then that's a job well done. If at the very least the lads and lasses were entertained by my wobbling gob then that also puts a big Cheshire Cat smile on my fat face.<br />
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<br />I also got to meet the rather marvellous Mr Hughes, headmaster of the school. You may better know him from his various appearances on morning television and viral tweets. I actually introduced him to Tony Higginson from Formby Books as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntkjTbUG_QE" target="_blank">'Gangnam Head'</a>. If you watch the video, all will make sense, I'm sure. Smashing chap.<br /><br />Massive thankingyous to ALL who were there yesterday, especially Ian Farrar for coordinating the whole enchilada, and Jon Kay for taking care of technical requirements (and providing good gossip) first thing in the morning. Most of all, thanks to all the students from Years 6 through 8 who endured my anecdotes, animations and arty doodles. You were great, every one of you, even the lad at the back who thought that Frostie The Snowman was a fair answer to the question: "Name me an entirely computer generated movie." I know. I don't know what he was thinking either.<br />
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"Can I have your name please, sir?" That's what the lady at Starbucks asked yesterday. Naturally, I happily obliged, and this is what came back. That's not even an attempt at a real name. She may as well have just put a random collection of consonants together. I tried to make it easier on an earlier visit to a Starbucks, having had my name repeatedly misspelled by them. When they asked for my name I replied: "Spartacus", garnering a chorus of guffaws from others in the queue. Humourless 'barista' replied: "Can you spell that please?"<br /><br /> Meh. The worst misspelling of my name is unrepeatable on here, and it featured on the front of my 'Frankenstein's Cat' picture book. No. I'm not even going there...Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-56976699725117735022013-07-02T21:01:00.003+01:002013-07-02T21:01:40.150+01:00Hijinks with Tommy Donbavand, AWARD WINNING author of Scream Street!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A grand day out in the company of the wonderful Tommy Donbavand today, author of the Scream Street series of books. We were both appearing at St John Bosco Arts College in Liverpool for their annual book award ceremony, which Tommy's Scream Street was in the shortlist for. He was up against Michael Morpurgo, David Walliams and Jacqueline Wilson for the prizes, which in addition to the actual best book included best villain, best setting, best illustration and best character.<br /><br /> It was a bit special to see the master at work. Tommy's a real pro. For Morpurgo he convinced the kids that the fellow hates children. This wasn't too difficult, all said and done. His other feats were far more impressive. Walliams was written off as a fraudster, his work the fevered wittering of eighty-six year old homeless man, Alfie Thompson (a surprisingly prolific author - just google what I've said!) And as for Wilson, the kids really bought into the idea that she punches kittens for giggles. After that all five awards were safely in the bag.<br /><br /> Great to spend the day with Tommy and librarians Sophie and Claire. Cheers to everyone who came, hope you had a grand day. Bit of a special one for me tomorrow. I'm visiting Penketh High School, my old stomping ground, to speak to Year 7, Year 8 and the Year 6 pupils from all the feeder schools. Shall report in with a detailed report on my adventure tomorrow, but I'm REALLY looking forward to this one.<br /><br /> QUESTION: What's the best thing you've ever won? For me it was winning my age group at the Liverpool Chess Congress when I was ten years old. I got to choose my prize - a Disney's Black Hole pop up book. Trust me, it was WAY better than it sounds, just like the film itself. So what about you???Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-53811155423219392612013-06-26T18:01:00.002+01:002013-06-26T18:01:21.240+01:00Missionary work in Widnes and a great sporting victory. Of sorts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="userContent">A busy day today. The morning was spent back at Wade Deacon High School in Widnes, alienating - sorry, working with - a bunch of Year 8 students. The gentle ribbing re: preschool characters being Warrington Wolves fans continued, culminating in one lad telling me he didn't like me one bit. This was directly as a result of Spud the Scarecrow's rugby allegiance, although the lad <strong>did</strong> concede that <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wereworld-Rise-Wolf-Book-1/dp/0141333391/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372266036&sr=8-2&keywords=wereworld" target="_blank">Wereworld</a> sounded rather awesome. So I'm going to put that in the "win" box.<br /><br /> Signing session in the library brought a gaggle of yoofs who were big readers along, including young Ben, pictured to the left in this picture. Ben's what we call 'a character'. By that, I mean he speaks in an American accent. Yet he lives in Widnes. I asked what had made him move to Widnes, and he explained he's always lived in Widnes. It transpires Ben watches a LOT of US telly and has adopted the accent. A cautionary tale for all, methinks. Those old duffers out there might remember Dexter Fletcher in Press Gang. That's what I'm talking about.<br /><br /> Super lad, though, as were all the students today. Even those who suffered with selective mutism in the final session. There were some startled faces out there, and I don't think it was on account of my hat and sideburns. At least I hope it wasn't - that would be hattist. Or hairist. Or somesuch...<br /><br /> I still had time at the end of the day to make it to Daughter #1's school sports day, where I triumphed in glorious fashion in the Dads Obstacle Race. There was a touch of the flamboyant about my performance, naturally, with a bit more wiggling, skipping and victory celebrations than was the norm. But I felt I'd earned it.<br /><br /> QUESTION: What's your greatest triumph? And did you fall to your knees, weeping hysterically, like you'd kicked the winning drop goal at the Wembley Challenge Cup Final? I'm not saying that's what I did... cough cough... some might though....</span>Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-23602234297635926772013-06-24T23:08:00.001+01:002013-06-24T23:08:31.149+01:00How to turn a roomful of peaceful pupils into a partisan mob with a rugby related anecdote.Come on, we've all done it, haven't we?<br />
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Great day with staff and students of Wade Deacon High School in Widnes, Cheshire. This has been the first of three visits I'll be doing over the coming weeks, speaking to students in Years 7, 8 and 9. Showing incredible kindness and generosity, the school have chosen to purchase around 150 copies of "<strong><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8626241-rise-of-the-wolf" target="_blank">Rise Of The Wolf</a></strong>" for select pupils in each year group, a tremendous gesture. It was a huge thrill to see students walking around today with their books clutched to their chests, my graffiti daubed within the covers. <br /><br /> I got booed at by quite a few of them, but you can hardly blame them. I <strong>did</strong> point out that Spud the Scarecrow of <strong>Bob the Builder</strong> fame has a red and green scarf because my beloved rugby team, Warrington, had those colours for their away kit the year I designed the show. You could say I was leading with my chin(s), sullying their childhood memories with partisan rugby banter. I like to think it was playful booing, although the shoe-throwing and screwdrivers in my tires were a bit over zealous....<br /><br /> Tomorrow sees me heading down to That London to meet up with my old mucker Tom McLaughlin. Tom's a super talented author/illustrator (you'll have seen his fab books) and the two of us have collaborated on our first 'lift-the-flap' picture book for Egmont Press. I haven't illustrated this - odd, considering my past in picture books - but simply written it. Fab artwork all supplied by Tom.<br /><br /> On my OWN doodle front I'll be doing a new set of black and white pen and ink illustrations for the chapterheads in the UK edition of "<strong><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17572806-war-of-the-werelords" target="_blank">War Of The Werelords</a></strong>". Kicking off with those on Thursday and I'll be previewing them on here too ;-) Stay tuned, Wereworld fans!Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-30702128437191630702013-06-22T17:54:00.003+01:002013-06-22T17:54:39.955+01:00Two (not so) random acts of kindness. Humans can be rather awesome, you know?A lovely moment this week from one of the pupils at St Augustine's school in Warrington. The young lad had saved all his pennies in order to get the first Wereworld book, Rise Of The Wolf. Sadly, at the signing event, he realised he was a couple of pounds short of the amount he needed for the book. Rather than mentioning this to his teachers, he simply decided to purchase a Raa Raa the Noisy Lion board book for his <br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">one year old sister (she's a huge fan apparently), passing up his opportunity of getting a signed, doodled in edition of Wereworld. <br /><br /> To say I find his kindness touching doesn't come close.<br /><br /> Now, this young man is utterly unaware of the fact that his father has emailed us to let us know about this big brother's act of kindness for his little sibling. Dad's asked if there's any way we can send him a book, and he'll pay for it, as the poor boy is obviously a bit crestfallen. Even better than that, I suspect a certain author will be revisiting the school in the morning with a signed, doodled in copy of Rise Of The Wolf for the boy, and we won't be expecting pennies for it either.<br />
It seems to have been a week for kindness. In addition to the young man who so generously spent his own pocket money in this way, we <br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">also received an email from a stranger in Yorkshire. I know what you're thinking: "That doesn't narrow it down, it's Yorkshire, surely they're ALL strange there," but bear with me. (Sorry, the cheeky Lancastrian in me just came to the fore).<br /><br /> This was from someone who was living in our old house and had received fan mail from somebody in the United States. The stranger didn't know who I was from Adam, nor what my work was, but was so touched by the letter that they felt obliged to forward it on to us. We assumed they had received the letter at my old home which we left 6 years ago, a converted church reading room, in a North Yorkshire village, and said so much in our reply. Turned out it wasn't THAT home but the one we'd vacated 5 YEARS PREVIOUS to that. So, this lovely lad from the US had found an address that I hadn't lived at for 11 years. And somehow, the message still came through. Kudos to the tenant of my old house from yesteryear! Makes my helping an old woman up some steps with a shopping trolley this morning look rather paltry.<br /><br /> Here's a wee scan of the back page, where young Chris from Cambridge, NY, shows that no author has a monopoly on wordplay <i class="-cx-PRIVATE-fbEntstreamEmoji__image img sp_b430mu sx_3985d9"></i> <br />
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Bada Bling!<br />
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PS: I'm allowed to make the Yorkshire joke - I'm a half-breed Yorkie mongrel thanks to my old man, plus I do rather love the old county.</span></span>Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-32159094804370116562013-05-21T12:34:00.003+01:002013-05-21T12:34:48.567+01:00WEREWORLD: STORM OF SHARKS out today in US! Plus, Sandbach School visit...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today sees the US release of WEREWORLD: Storm of Sharks - long awaited and the penultimate volume in the series. Still working on the last book as we draw dangerously close to the deadline date, but rest assured War of the Werelords will be in stores in October. <br />
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You can also take a look at the cracking video piece produced from yesterday's visit to<a href="http://sandbachschool.org/lrc/author-curtis-jobling-visits-sandbach-school/#.UZtZL7lwbIU" target="_blank"> Sandbach School</a>. I had a fabulous time there (as you can probably tell) and am very much looking forward to a repeat visit. Huge thanks to librarians Ms Abrahams and Ms Tomlinson for arranging a great day.<br />
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Bada Bling!Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-47610096712332429162013-05-18T12:00:00.003+01:002013-05-20T16:00:44.927+01:00Author talks in Bristol...<br />
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I had a great time this week on a rare visit to Bristol with the fine folk of Puffin. I visited two schools - Queen Elizabeth High and Bristol Grammar - encountering a super bunch of students and teachers. It was lovely to be back there as my own career really started in Bristol nearly twenty years ago, with a work experience placement at Aardman Animation Studio working on Wallace & Gromit's "A Close Shave". This made my talk particularly relevant to the guys and gals in the audience I expect.<br />
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There's a lovely write-up of the BGS gig <a href="http://bgslibrarian.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/curtis-joblings-tour-through-wereworld.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Really hope I can make a return visit to both schools soon to spread the 'Were-word' that little bit further. Huge thanks to Hannah at Puffin, Annette at QEH and Lucy at BGS for organising the events. And if you want me to visit your school to do a talk - <strong><u>GET IN TOUCH!</u></strong> Speak with your teachers and send them this way. Would be great to come and talk to you.<br />
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Bada Bling!<br />
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Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-43170233395770745232013-05-08T08:22:00.002+01:002013-05-08T08:22:51.198+01:00Ray Harryhausen, 1920 - 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first year I spoke at the Animex International Festival
of Animation in Middlesbrough, I found myself on a panel with fellow industry
bods including visFX guru Tom Martinek from Industrial Light and Magic. The
panel was hastily arranged as there was a technical fault, so the four of us
fielded questions from the audience. Then came the beauty:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">'What was it that first made you want to work in the movies?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think Tom fielded the question, unsurprisingly name-checking
the opening shots of STAR WARS as the Star Destroyer looms into view whilst
chasing the Rebel Cruiser. It's undeniably breathtaking and had a profound
effect on both myself and Tom as kids, as well as the other members of the
panel - they all agreed that this shot was possibly the 'lightbulb' moment
where they fell in love with cinema. Not so for me. I bucked the trend. Much as
I loved Star Wars and profound as its influence was on my young mind, it was
another film that had fired my imagination, from the comfort of my living room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason And The Argonauts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing the statue of Talos groan into life, watching the
skeletons rise from the ground, sprouting from the Hydra's teeth - these were
what captured my heart as a kid. Yes it's jerky compared to modern day CGI
special effects, but as stop motion animation goes this remains sophisticated,
stylish and utterly breathtaking. Indeed, this film no doubt inspired every
single film maker on the Star Wars franchise, not least George Lucas and Phil
Tippett, stop motion animator of many memorable sequences in the series. The
name of the fancy shmancy restaurant in Monsters Inc is no coincidence. A namecheck
to whom? Uncle Ray, of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That's how I've always referred to him, anyway, though I
only met him the once. Mention 'Uncle Ray' to any animator, and they'll know
who you're speaking about instinctively, just like 'Uncle Walt'. Harryhausen's
influence cannot be underestimated as it isn't just animators who have been
inspired by him: illustrators and storytellers alike take their beats from his
work. The many Sinbad movies, at times flawed by dodgy acting from the human
cast, were never let down by the true stars - the monsters of Harryhausen
remained utterly believable, the master breathing life into the unreal. One of
my real favourites was The Valley Of Gwangi - cowboys vs dinosaurs? What's not
to love? He was doing mash-ups before anyone KNEW what a mash-up was...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now he's gone, though his influence remains. If I hadn't
fallen in love with his films and characters, I'd probably never have spent my
childhood playing with Action Men and Star Wars toys at the bottom of the
garden, 'dolly-waggling' as my imagination ran riot. This was where I started
growing as a storyteller, lost in my own little world, re-enacting the
shenanigans Sinbad and Jason got up to. I would never have fallen in love with
the Greek Myths if it weren't for Uncle Ray. I'd never have devoured every
puppet animation I saw as a kid if it hadn't been for Uncle Ray. I'd never wanted
to be an illustrator if it wasn't for Uncle Ray. I probably wouldn't have
fallen in love with roleplaying games if it weren't for Uncle Ray, as this was
truly where I learned to spin a yarn. I wouldn't have worked on Bob the Builder,
or Wallace and Gromit, or Raa Raa if it weren't for Uncle Ray. And I'm pretty
sure my first paid gig, Mars Attacks, wouldn't have happened if Uncle Ray
hadn't first animated those skeletons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I met him that one time twenty years ago at the short lived
Banbury Animation Festival. He'd have been in his early seventies at the time
and, frail though he was, commanded the audience's attention. Having a plethora
of monsters on stage with him also helped as the assembled geek army watched on
with slack-jawed wonder. I recall Dr Graeme Garden, of the Goodies fame, sat
behind me in the crowd, there with his son. A fan, just like anyone else, who
wanted to queue up and shake the great man's hand at the end of the talk. Hands
that brought monsters to life...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You'll be missed, Mr Harryhausen, but never forgotten.</span></div>
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Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-53072850690764437522013-05-06T17:00:00.001+01:002013-05-06T17:00:05.470+01:00Author visit to the Anglo American International School in Moscow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hot on the heels of the Endangered Authors jaunt across the United States, my next adventure took me to their old sparring partner, Russia. For a good look at how the trip went, check out the splendid <a href="http://vimeo.com/65173518" target="_blank">wee film produced by Bogdan</a> across on Vimeo.</div>
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I arrived into Domodedovo which is one of Moscow's airports. I say it's Moscow's, but it's a whopping hour and a half's drive away on a clear run. I didn't get a clear run on the way i<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">n - the rain had descended in quite dramatic fashion, making the long road into the city quite a joyless affair. It's fair to say one has a preconceived idea of what Moscow is before one visits, thanks in no small part to what appears in the news and press. First impressions weren't great for me, as I drove past countless high rise blocks for mile upon mile. However, upon finally reaching the apartment I would be staying in, my opinion was beginning to change.<br /><br /> Librarian of the Middle and High School library at the AAS, John Bishop, was waiting to meet me at the door, showing me in giving me a moment to settle before rustling up some company for the evening. Joined by the very lovely Bogdan Mihai and ace art teacher Ellie, we set off to the Corner Burger restaurant. I know, I know, it's not the authentic Muscovite meal, a BLT Cheeseburger, but I was in need of instant and familiar sustenance at that point in time. We shared a laugh and the guys filled me in on the school before I set off back to my apartment to sleep.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvq9Lz7WfYON-dwHmeOluqfYlC-Gaj9Fk9Gtjk0ldghhg1Z7WDn5a9yL1lFo6qi63dXBCesF1-gLUCikRl8p1JkprG0hRri11o6MdvKrhLirjuXLalaTJvaV4vZlHClTdR0niLhw/s1600/BJB2GZVCUAIYYVW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvq9Lz7WfYON-dwHmeOluqfYlC-Gaj9Fk9Gtjk0ldghhg1Z7WDn5a9yL1lFo6qi63dXBCesF1-gLUCikRl8p1JkprG0hRri11o6MdvKrhLirjuXLalaTJvaV4vZlHClTdR0niLhw/s320/BJB2GZVCUAIYYVW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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An old school bus waited for us in the morning, taking myself and a gang of teachers from the apartment block to the school itself. Security was tight, as one would expect: the school caters for the children of diplomats, business leaders and the like, from over 60 countries in all. Melanie Sobool, Elementary Librarian, and co-conspirator of John's, helped me set up and introduced me to the kids over the following three days. I have to say the kids and staff of the AAC were universally fab, to every man, woman and child. I was made to feel thoroughly welcome and just enough of a rock star to think they might rather dig WEREWORLD once they start reading the books. But this wasn't all about WEREWORLD - I was speaking to kids from pre-Kindergarten upward, not my usual crowd for a distant school visit, but Bob The Builder casts a long shadow over my CV it would appear. Concentrating on picture books and preschool television, I then moved onto Frankenstein's Cat for the 2nd and 3rd Graders before moving onto WEREWORLD with the 4th and 5th Grades. </div>
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<br />Suffice to say it'd be great to return and talk not only to the Middle school but also the High school - there's plenty in my colourful career that should appeal to any young person setting out into a creative future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-Q3z2HxKzyEQrC68PpBj1QQlP3hDbsrQtbXr7qH8dF9JxDHv2h57meBgVxRuf02IfFHtKLGqt2rzHFcALwM96z1c7nOFCBJRQSN0DB1g8ovQTjSkQaHkeLULZibCD8Tghw0t9g/s1600/BJBhVS_CcAEEm3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-Q3z2HxKzyEQrC68PpBj1QQlP3hDbsrQtbXr7qH8dF9JxDHv2h57meBgVxRuf02IfFHtKLGqt2rzHFcALwM96z1c7nOFCBJRQSN0DB1g8ovQTjSkQaHkeLULZibCD8Tghw0t9g/s320/BJBhVS_CcAEEm3c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Subsequent evenings didn't disappoint, and I've really got to thank John, Bogdan, Melanie, Ian Forster and the rest of the staff for chaperoning me throughout my visit. Monday evening we walked down to Red Square to cop an eyeful of the Kremlin. That's an awful lot of bricks. And mortar. And gold. Lots of gold. Tuesday evening involved a trip to the Stanisavsky and Danchenko theatre to watch the ballet - my first time for a bit of tight-festooned dance action and it didn't disappoint. Quite incredible and breathtaking. The only disappointment was the crooked old woman who pushed me aside in her eagerness to get into the theatre beforehand, resulting in a torn pair of jeans. </div>
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Home now, and things are slowly returning to normal. Very slowly...<br /><br /> Bada Bling!</div>
Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23649877.post-53348396928488936792013-05-06T16:47:00.003+01:002013-05-06T16:47:54.856+01:00Endangered Authors US Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm back home in Blighty now, the tour complete and a mountain of dirty laundry all I have to show for it. If you want to find out more about the tour, your best port of call is the official <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wereworldbooks" target="_blank">Wereworld Facebook</a> page. The tour featured four authors - myself, <a href="http://geoffrodkey.com/" target="_blank">Geoff Rodkey</a>, <a href="http://www.jacquelinewest.com/" target="_blank">Jacqueline West</a> and <a href="http://www.adamgidwitz.com/" target="_blank">Adam Gidwitz</a> - with Peter McNerney from the <a href="http://storypirates.org/" target="_blank">Story Pirates</a> the maniac behind the microphone. But this is just a teaser of how things went, the transcript of the final days of the tour and a few choice snaps from the trip. How were those final two days? Let me tell you.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWdLD1ZenTGiNcVUEj3HOHDZ3B2N9YLVNX2h_kkcjTb6jv4roM8lHvedG0jeUWA5wi5gV2xVWt-WD1k7tw5izX9uDG58azZilhJ6xDk3T6mSOfFhY2aqzP630Y7sNOwJ8TZA-fA/s1600/12407_307079112756403_363112355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWdLD1ZenTGiNcVUEj3HOHDZ3B2N9YLVNX2h_kkcjTb6jv4roM8lHvedG0jeUWA5wi5gV2xVWt-WD1k7tw5izX9uDG58azZilhJ6xDk3T6mSOfFhY2aqzP630Y7sNOwJ8TZA-fA/s320/12407_307079112756403_363112355_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were in Connecticut for the penultimate day, our first port of call Meadowside School in Milford where librarian Gail Sostilio and a tremendously excited gang of kids (and teachers) awaited<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">. Molly Sardella from Penguin had joined the gang - alongside Elyse Marshall the whole tour has been down to their perfect pitch, planning and handiwork. In the afternoon we headed down the road to Abraham Pierson School in Clinton, where librarian Emily Kelsey greeted us with grinning kids and rather fabulous homemade brownies.<br /><br /> Thanks to Karen from RJ Julia bookstore for championing both of these events.</span></div>
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And the final day? New Jersey awaited, under the watchful eye of Watchung Booksellers (specifically the lovely Marisela and Liane!) What hospitable hosts and grand (and giddy) company! Our first port of call was Charles H Bullock Elementary in Montclair, followed by Ridgewood Avenue school in Glen Ridge. Both schools provided us with a terrific send off for the final Endangered Authors day. Adam's temptation to total the set on the final event at Ridgewood Ave needed to be tempered - I suspect he'd seen a Who documentary or somesuch the night before. Or he'd had too much coffee at the fab Comfort Food Kitchen that lunch. We certainly went out on a high, with Peter pulling out all the stops as Holden A Grudge for the last two shows. There was mad cackling, pantomime child-bullying, screaming, hooting and hollering - all wholesome, nutritious family entertainment. And I only managed to upset one girl with my One Direction mockage (sorry Hannah!)</div>
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Then we were on our way, Jacqui and I the first to depart to Newark for our respective flights home. It was strange and sad to say goodbye to the gang after we'd formed such a tight unit/troupe over the previous three weeks. We'd all got used to one another's oddities: Geoff's need to eat six square meals a day; Peter's inability to imbibe more than one beaker of alcofrolic drink; Jacqueline's moist eyes whenever a waggy-tailed, furry-rumped, four-legged friend trots by; and Adam's penchant for locking his travelling companions in the back of each car we travelled in. Yep, sad indeed to say goodbye to them all as I feel I've made friends for life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbLULwrxaglMZjfmB1AdEaJrP9jMBbhMfrTx2wlhzalKqwppK_ojFuUUjx6iUVRW-G67YfTvFgV8_JTqczuBumbJFi7Z5we9Qm27GImUgzeBvNgiZvPTYTZUHaQ_eW6Eym1e3bQ/s1600/IMG_2826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbLULwrxaglMZjfmB1AdEaJrP9jMBbhMfrTx2wlhzalKqwppK_ojFuUUjx6iUVRW-G67YfTvFgV8_JTqczuBumbJFi7Z5we9Qm27GImUgzeBvNgiZvPTYTZUHaQ_eW6Eym1e3bQ/s320/IMG_2826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got to say a BIG thank you to Elyse Marshall and Molly Sardella at Penguin who put the tour together. It's been quite an incredible achievement - thank you so much my dears for inviting this wee fella along with such fabulous authorly company. <br /><br /> THANK YOU to all the schools and especially their librarians who have got behind the tour. This has only confirmed to me my suspicion that the job of librarian is truly a calling and one of the most worthy within any school. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4RiAEJgXFNTz5wTSX2rGEJS0gOxejjdBpquKAY3JeG_pAoKy67wCyCVSwRbeFBV59v4kB27-fK3_CFoDAsiK7m-8bkMXK-YJcZXl7p7-RULCurhkMotomyvhK17U0aGs6IyfhA/s1600/IMG_5208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4RiAEJgXFNTz5wTSX2rGEJS0gOxejjdBpquKAY3JeG_pAoKy67wCyCVSwRbeFBV59v4kB27-fK3_CFoDAsiK7m-8bkMXK-YJcZXl7p7-RULCurhkMotomyvhK17U0aGs6IyfhA/s320/IMG_5208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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CHEERS to all the students who attended the show - I hope you've fallen in love with all four of the authors who fought for their lives under Holden A Grudge's wicked questioning. Remember - KEEP YOUR HOBBIES! Who knows where they might lead?<br /><br /> LOVE and STUFF to all the wonderful booksellers and stores who have liaised between Penguin and the schools and ensured that every child (and adult) had a chance to snaffle a book or four as a memento of the tour.</div>
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But most of all THANKS to my fab four travelling companions. Couldn't have imagined doing this with anybody else. The sadness of our parting is outweighed by my reunion with the Jobling wolfpack back home, though. </div>
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Coming next is my report from my trip over to Moscow to speak at the Anglo American International School. It was a hoot and an eye opener. Don't expect my body clock to be in working order again until sometime in May.<br /><br /> Bada Bling!</div>
<br />Jo Blinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164759684355532490noreply@blogger.com0