Rage of Lions - publication day!

Well that came round quickly!

It only seems like yesterday that RISE OF THE WOLF was published, and now the second Wereworld novel is officially available in bookstores and online. To celebrate, I spent the afternoon speaking with children at Westbrook Old Hall School in Warrington, where they hosted my talk and invited kids from St Stephens (Warrington) and St Aidans (St Helens) along. Had a smashing time, and its a school I've got an awful lot of time for.

Piccies below are from my visit to St John Bosco school in Liverpool the other week, the school Colleen Rooney attended no less. Yes, that's a caricature I did of myself prior to getting the girls to caricature one another. I left the school content in the knowledge that I'd destroyed some friendships there.

Anyway, dashing off with this brief blog today - am up to my double chins in the edit of Wereworld Book Three - no, I won't give away the title yet. But as soon as I can this will be the first place that hears.

Bada Bling!

Wereworld: Rage of Lions, July 7th...

It's three weeks away now until the release of Wereworld: Rage of Lions so do take a look at the wonderful trailer the clever blokes at Qurios Entertainment have produced for the series of novels. I've been busy writing book three (as yet untitled although, fair's fair, I've a good idea of what it's called) in the last few months, while working on the final edit of RAGE with the wonderful team at Puffin. Have to admit I have a different kind of nervousness building as we approach publication day (7th July) - I'm very aware that with this being the sequel to "Rise of the Wolf", I need to raise my game, make sure the stakes are higher for Drew and his companions. Only hope I've acheived that, as the story certainly gets darker for all Wereworld's lead characters.

Raa Raa the Noisy Lion will have hit your tellyboxes by now too, certainly if you live in the UK. It's on weekday afternoons, CBeebies, at 3:30, and it's been really well received. The extensive work we did with speech and language therapists throughout the show's development has really helped to bootstrap the educational/developmental angle seamlessly into what's a fun and entertaining show for preschoolers. I'll be heading out to Cartoon Forum in Poland later this year with two other preschool shows to present. Fingers crossed that they're as well received as Raa Raa was! My four year old is currently marching around the living room shouting/chanting/singing/yodelling the "Raa Raa Beat" - apologies to parents everywhere if the earworm themetune has wormed it's way into your noggin ;-D

Been so swamped with the writing lately that I've not been "putting myself about" as much as usual, although that's about to change. I've got a number of secondary school visits coming up over the next few weeks, and will be doing my first public signings for Wereworld: Rage of Lions at Waterstone's Golden Square, Warrington, on 9th July, 1pm. If you're around, nearby, and want to meet a fat-faced author, do come along. I don't bite. Much.

Bada Bling!

You wait all day for a lion to turn up, then two arrive at once!

Please can I assure you that I don't have a fixation with all things leonine. It might look that way with the two lion-related titles coming to the fore this year, but that was utterly unintentional. On a completely different note, look out for my new picture book, "Lying Lionel, the Linedancing Lion". Out at all (not very) good bookshops now!
Here's the cover art for "Wereworld: Rage of Lions", designed by super clever Patrick Knowles and illustrated by the fabulous Andrew Farley. Both Patrick and Andrew worked on the cover of the first book, "Rise of the Wolf", so it was great that Puffin were able to secure their services once again on the follow-up. The book is available on preorder from most online booksellers, including Amazon so do snaffle your copy now. I've been very busy this last month completing the black and white chapterhead illustrations for the interior of the novel, as well as working on Book Three. Progressing very nicely, am around 44,000 words into the first draft.

And who's this little chap? It's RAA RAA of course! He'll be hitting the tellyboxes on CBeebies very shortly, May 9th I'm led to believe. And if you want to get a sneaky preview of my new preschool show, pop onto Facebook and have a look at the Official Raa Raa fanpage there - there's a teaser of the show you can see, featuring Raa Raa and all his friends in the Jingly Jangly Jungle. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Bada Bling!

Writing writing writing...

I haven't been up for air recently with the blog posts - I've been working on the edit of the second Wereworld novel, "Rage of Lions," which will be published in the UK on July 7th. The edit for this came smack-bang in the middle of writing book three, which has been a big fat bunch of fun. With the editing complete (on my part) I'm back to bk3 tomorrow and really rather looking forward to it.

Being spoiled rotten on the idiot lantern lately with some quality telly finding it's way into my head. Have been hearting "Treme" in a very big way - sends me back to my visits to Louisiana as a guest speaker of the Red Stick Animation Festival in Baton Rouge. Although this is New Orleans and not BR, it's somewhere I was lucky enough to visit. My literary agent, John Jarrold, is a convert to that beautiful city, getting out there frequently to unwind. This only ever makes me envious as I'd love to get back there with Mrs Bling some day. In short, Treme is brilliant storytelling that delivers at a slow-burning pace. It's in no hurry, appropriately as it's New Orleans, and what else would you expect from the creators of The Wire?

"Boardwalk Empire" finale was last night. Yes please, sign me up for season two. Another show that's not worried about a sprint finish, it takes it's time building the characters and stories. Comparisons to The Sopranos are only to be expected, and that's no bad thing in my eyes. And "True Blood" season three came to a bloody conclusion last week too. I know! Who'd have thought a show about Louisiana, vampires and werewolves would be top of my telly list? Busy week's writing ahead of me.

The lovely Mrs Bling is taking my darling daughters camping for the week and leaving me free to write, with no distractions. This'll be a weird one. I'm used to spending the odd period of time away from home and family, but I'm not used to being left to rattle around alone for anything longer than a day. God knows what she'll return to - by friday I'll have probably pooped on the carpets, whizzed on the curtains, eaten the cat litter and thrown up on the sofa. I hope she's arranged for someone to call round and check on me each day...

Bada Bling!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD: Book Tour pictures part two

"And for my next trick..."
(Moreton High School, Wolverhampton)

Note the coloured pens - I was colouring in and everything!
(Moreton High School, Wolverhampton))

Me, Benny Westwood, my stunt double and the Challenge Cup. Note the sad faced boy in front of me. Judging by his expression and the look of longing he's throwing the trophy I'm guessing he's a Widnes fan...
(Waterstone's, Warrington)

This has nothing to do with the book tour whatsoever. This is what happens when Niel Bushnell lands at Casa Bling on New Years Eve with gorgeous family and lashings of fizzy beverages in tow. Please note that it's a torn cocktail sausage stuffed up my nostrils. No, I don't know why. Also, the tears are on account that, to my surprise, I discovered they were hot and spicy as opposed to plain!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD Book Tour in pictures...

Defacing books. What a bad man...
(Moreton High School, Wolverhampton)

That queue was for Bob The Builder. It dispersed quicker than a fart in a hurricane when they realised it was me at the end...

(Our Lady's Catholic High School, Preston)

Hairy man and Wolfman. And so natural too. We look like conjoined twins, the only way you can tell us apart is the ginger burners. Me and Super League's greatest mascot, Wolfie...

(Waterstone's, Warrington)

Did I ever tell you about the time I won the Challenge Cup?
(Waterstone's, Warrington)

You'll often find me crouching down when I read, surrounded by my homies from the 'hood.

(Penketh High School, Warrington)

Fat bloke posing in front of books shocker!

(St Anne's RC High School, Stockport)

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Days Four & Five

Thursday was an early start down to Wolverhampton ("It's great down 'ere, innit?") Visited Moreton High in the morning and Deansfield High in the afternoon. Debbie Haynes chaperoned myself and Jayde from Puffin around for the day, representing Wolverhampton Childrens Book Group, a great organisation who do some terrific work bringing books to a wide audience. Thanks to Faye from Waterstone's for being present with her cashbox!

After Wolvo it was down to London where Jayde passed the Jobling baton over to Vanessa who handled the last leg. Spent the evening in Ipswich and visited Copleston High in the morning, speaking to an audience of 300. Then it was on the train north to local rivals Norwich, speaking at Catton Grove Primary to various primary schools. Thanks to Rob Welton and Tasha from Jarrold's for organising the event - another awesome independent bookseller.

The train journey home was memorable - 5 hours with no buffet car or trolley. Thank goodness I had the (admittedly rare) foresight to pick up a fat pasty and bottle of water from Norwich.

Highlight of Friday was a little girl asking me to write down my favourite line from Rise Of The Wolf alongside her dedication. Took me completely by surprise, excellent stuff!

"They're chanting for their king."

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Day Three

Felt awful leaving home this morning, not at the prospect of talks and enthusing about Werewolves, but because I'd left dear Mrs Bling spinning all kinds of plates. The office ceiling sprang a leak last night from a burst pipe in the bathroom and the chaos that ensued was utterly miserable. Think we'll be moving the location of the office asap!

Met up with Shannon, my wunder-editor from Puffin, in Liverpool first thing and together we travelled the brief distance to Bebington to visit Wirral Grammar School for Boys. A great event run by the expert Tony from Pritchard Books in Formby and Julia, the school librarian. Kids were wonderful and just the right side of excited. Again, hairy man or wolfman went down a treat - really think there's a future in that quiz. Thanks to the staff and boys for making us so welcome, hope to be back there in the near future.

In the afternoon it was over to Manchester to the East Manchester Academy. Incredible modern venue with a theatre/hall to run the event from. Local primary school Yr 6's joined the senior Yr 7's for a fun event, expertly organised by my old chum Debra Conroy and her team from Manchester Library Services. Was nice to catch up with Debra and hear how amazed she was by my jump from picture books to novels! She's a big Wereworld fan - makes me chuffed to bits.

Tired and ready for another early night. Plumber left after sorting the leaky pipes earlier, an old schoolmate who has been a lifesaver. Recommendations are worth their weight in gold when it comes to tradesmen, and I can't give Penketh Plumbing a bigger thumbs-up! Cheers Rob!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Day Two

Spent the day in deepest, darkest Lancashire today, being buzzed around by the awesome ladies from Silverdell Books in Kirkham, possibly the greatest independent bookstore I've ever seen. They were Indie Bookstore of the year in 2010, and for good reason too. Elaine and Sue were great chaperones for both events, really looking after myself and Jayde from Puffin in between shovelling ice cream down my neck. I won't forget today in a long while!

First up was a trip to Our Lady's Catholic High School in Preston, coincidentally Nick Park's old school. Top turnout and a queue of kids circling the assembly hall as they snaffled their copies of Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf. Also got to see an awesome little animation that one of the budding filmmaker/students had produced featuring his lego Batman. Inspired, and only hope that young man can go on to bigger and better things. Thanks to Lisa for helping to arrange the event so brilliantly with Silverdell.

In the afternoon we visited Stonyhurst School near Clitheroe, which was quite breathtaking. Made Hogwarts look like Grange Hill. Mrs Robinson, the school's head of English, had got the kids really fired up - a chorus of Bob The Builder greeting my fat ears upon arrival. A group of younger pupils, aged 7, entered the hall midway through my reading from Wereworld, quickly about-turning when they realised it was too scary and horrific for them. Sorry! Thanks to all the boys and girls who attended the event.

Home again now, pooped again now, and getting ready for an early night. The Wirral and Manchester await me tomorrow, plus the chance to catch up with my groovy editor from Puffin, Shannon...

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Day One

I'm hoping to be able to post an update each evening this week after my adventures on the book tour conclude each day, but it's wishful thinking the way I feel currently. Thoroughly pooped after a hectic day. We started off the tour at St Anne's RC High School in Stockport, my guinea pigs for a new talk. Covered the animation work in the beginning before moving on to a "Hairy Man or Wolfman" pop quiz which went down a treat. Ended on a reading of Part One, Chapter Three from Rise Of The Wolf: "The Visitor." Signed a bunch of books, the staff and pupils were lovely and then it was back to Warrington.

The afternoon was spent at my childhood school, Penketh High, and I was convinced the kids had been prompted to cheer wildly upon my entrance, only to be told it was impromptu and unexpected. Returning as I was as the conquering hero, the rest of the talk went terrific. Very sparky and engaged, with some great questions from the kids although too many centering around my apparent love of JLS...

The evening involved a trip to Waterstone's in Warrington where we held an open public signing session, including a bit of doodling followed by the reading. The kids were younger here, mainly primary school level - just hope I haven't given any of them nightmares. Was also delighted to see Warrington Wolves present, including Wolfie, the Challenge Cup, Ben Westwood and Ben Harrison. Top chaps all of them and many thanks for turning up. Cheers to chums Pip, Sarah, Danny and their kids for turning up, as well as all the children who came tonight outside of school and before bed!

Preston tomorrow. Watch this space.

Bada Bling!

Rise of the Wolf on Waterstone's Prize shortlist

Great news yesterday, when Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf was named on the shortlist for the 2011 Waterstone's Book Prize. The ceremony will be in a month's time at the flagship store in London Picadilly, so looking forward to a jaunt to the capital at the beginning of February. I know it sounds corny but it really is the taking part that matters - I'm tremendously flattered that the book has been chosen on the shortlist and simply being involved is a huge buzz.

Popped into Waterstone's in the Trafford Centre yesterday as Mrs Bling and I were having lunch over there and couldn't resist popping in to see them on display. I possibly speak on behalf of all the nominees when I say it makes such a difference seeing your novel on a stand-alone display, front-of-store. Hopefully the interest in the books sees them all go on to be big successes.

Just to clarify, by the way, no, I know, I'm not an animator as quoted in most of the news articles - its a job in animation that I only briefly flirted with at art college many full moons ago - I don't think I'd have the patience to actually animate, let alone the skill. It's the designing of Bob that I have to hold my hand up and accept responsibility for.

Speaking of which, I'm off down to Birmingham this Thursday to talk to the Animation Forum West Midlands about my work in animation as both a designer and creator of content, concentrating specifically on being a freelancer in a competitive creative industry. I'll be doing a little retrospective of my own work as well as highlighting the things one has to do to not only get a foothold in the industry but also to climb the ladder.

Lastly, once the excitement of next week's Wereworld Book Tour (details here) I'll be looking forward to Animex International Festival of Animation at the beginning of February. Ordinarily I'd be doing a workshop on the Wednesday but as this clashes with the Waterstone's Book Prize bash I won't be able to run one. I shall, however, be present from the Thursday and will be appearing on any panels Festival Director Chris Williams wants me on. Get along, it's a fantastic affair!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD LET LOOSE!

Well, it's out there. My wolf has left the cave and entered the wider forest. "Rise of the Wolf" was officially released yesterday into the wild and is now snaffleable by anyone who wants it. You can find it at any good bookseller on the high street or online so do let me know how you get on with it.

Yesterday was a splendidly surreal day, starting with champagne breakfast. Three glasses of bubbly in my tummy and I had to take my girls to school. We got there in the end, although I don't think they appreciated me stumbling through bushes and hedgerows and turning up at the school gates with nests in their hair. By 9:30 I was fit for no purpose and quietly sat down at the kitchen table to regather my thoughts and coordination. I was in fine fettle by the afternoon and Mrs Bling and I spent the evening having a splendid meal at TOM @ 101 in Stockton Heath, ending in a chocolate orange creme brulee which was indecently marvellous.

Thick head is subsiding this morning as I get back to work.

You can also get WEREWORLD on Kindle too - thanks to Chris Taylor-Davies @CTD on Twitter for sending me this piccy of his "first edition!" Its the Dark Arts to me, all smoke and mirrors!

Also, visit the Official Puffin Wereworld Website for all kinds of interactive goodies and exclusive articles. You can also become a fan on Facebook too on the Official Facebook Wereworld Page.

Currently preparing for the book tour, as mentioned in my previous post, where I'll be making whistlestop visits to schools and libraries across England in the middle of January. If you're interested in contacting me regarding availability to come to your school, college or festival please do get in touch either on here or via email to frankscat@hotmail.com and I'm sure we can sort something out - talks usually cover my work in animation as well as publishing.

Right, enough jollity - back to work for me. This is the first Christmas period I've taken off for years and, wonderful as its been, I'm itching to get writing again.

Bada Bling!

"SANTA? OH MY GOD I KNOW HIM!"

Tis the season to watch my favourite Will Ferrell film, sorry.

3 weeks away from publication date for "WEREWORLD: Rise of the Wolf" - 6th January - and it's all getting very exciting.

SPINEBREAKERS - Win Yourself Were-d
If you're a budding illustrator or you just like the idea of doodling a werewolf, check out the exclusive competition that Spinebreakers are running, whereby you send your own drawings of Drew, the lycanthrope hero of Wereworld, in to be considered. Be warned though, if you win you get a doodle sent back by me featuring your good self hairified!

WEREWORLD BLOG TOUR
All a bit thrilling and new to me, a BLOG TOUR where I'll be starting off a mob drawing of a werewolf and sending it on to a number of participating Young Adult/Fantasy bloggers. Check out the folk taking part on Once Upon A Bookcase's blog and you can chart the drawing's progression. This could be hilarious!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR
I'll be spending a week on the road in the middle of January promoting the novel all over the shop.
17th Jan AM - St Anne's RC High School, Stockport
17th Jan PM - Penketh High School, Warrington
17th Jan EVE - Waterstone's bookshop, Warrington
18th Jan AM - Our Lady's RC High School, Preston
18th Jan PM - St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe
19th Jan AM - Wirral Boys Grammar School
19th Jan PM - East Manchester Academy
20th Jan AM - Moreton High School, Wolverhampton
20th Jan PM - Deansfield High School, Wolverhampton
21st Jan AM - Copleston High School, Ipswich
21st Jan PM - Catton Grove Primary, Norwich

Each event will feature a wee retrospective of my work in animation, a powerpoint quiz about werewolves (!), readings from the novel, therianthrope drawing and booksignings. Should be a hoot!

Putting my hairy hobbit feet up over Christmas having delivered the first draft manuscript of the sequel to Puffin this week too. Time to hit the Chocolate Oranges methinks!

Bada Bling!

Wereworlding

COUNTDOWN TO PUBLICATION: 36 days. Zoinks!

It's been a busy few weeks in Casa Bling as the whole family has been paid a visit by that delightful seasonal scamp, the Winter Vomiting Bug. Cue two weeks of every one of us catching the lurgy in turn, ending on me being the last to fall. All just about back to normal on the health front.

The second Wereworld books is written! Well, it's written but not yet edited. I need to go at it with a flymo to get the wordcount down - currently its sitting around the 130k mark which is at the limit of where it should be. When you consider book one, Rise Of The Wolf, was 85k then it seems very obvious that I have to hack it back. It's taken a lot of time to go back through the story firstly and make sure everything ties together properly. I've been advised that the best way of getting the wordcount down is to remove those words that aren't really helping the plot move along - "and," "they", "he", "she", that kind of thing. Should have it down to a manageable size in no time.

I've also been working on the WEREWORLD WEBSITE which is looking great. There's a LOT more to be added there yet, including interactive maps, quizzes, Q&A's and even a test to discover what kind of Werelord you'd be. Follow the link and take a look at the great trailer that was produced by QURIOS ENTERTAINMENT and you can also take a look at an extract from the novel, a complete chapter, "The Visitor".

I'll also be linking my blog, yes, this, badablingthing, to the official Wereworld Website, and I'll be updating it more frequently as an author diary, just so people can keep up to date with my movements at festivals, tours and the like, as well as any illnesses that I'm mopping up at home...

I've also been doing a lot of Tweeting and getting to meet some great bloggers who have a vast knowledge of Young Adult, Fantasy, Scifi and Horror literature. It's terrific to be able to reach out and start hooking up with these folk, albeit in a virtual way for the time being. Must recommend a few of them:

Dave Brendon - great blogger, bookseller and writer who is based in South Africa and has his finger on the pulse of all that is Scifi, Horror and Fantasy. If you follow the link you'll see a lovely review Dave did for Wereworld (squeaky bum time from Mr Bling after reading that, I can tell you).

My Favourite Books - a UK trio of avid literati, Liz, Mark and Essjay run this site which is about as comprehensive as you'll find online. Jump in and follow them and enjoy the banter - just don't get them started on Warhammer 40K!

Mr Ripleys Enchanted Books - UK based again, run by the talented Mr Ripley and covering all modern childrens books. You'll also find his awesome Book Cover Wars there too - do take a look and make sure you vote for the one with the hairy-bummed Werewolf on the cover! ;-)

There are more that I've come across on Twitter but I'll mention them on here as I remember. Do sign up, log in and follow all my developments on Twitter as we near the publication of the novel.

Bada Bling!

Closing in on Release Date

It's been a funny couple of months as the momentum builds on Wereworld. In one breath I'm working hard on the manuscript for book two (more on that later) and with the next I'm doing my bit as we ready ourselves for the launch of Rise Of The Wolf on January 6th. There's been a lot of to-ing and fro-ing on the manuscript but that's all been put to bed now - expecting the finished version of the novel to be ready in the warehouse in December when I should hopefully receive an advance copy. The one I've had up until now has been a bound proof, not the finished novel, with plenty of typos, errors and the odd name mistake. The finished version now has these areas cleaned up in addition to black and white chapterhead illustrations added.

The other thing I've been working hard with Puffin on is the marketing side as we arrange not only a book tour for schools, libraries and booksellers in January but also develop a Wereworld website, which shall go live soon. This will be an interactive affair, ensuring that the most avid fans will be able to dig even deeper into Drew Ferran's world and unearth all manner of secrets.

Book Two is, well, almost done. The first draft, anyway. I've one chapter to write now, the epilogue "Fractured Family" and then I need to work back through it, editing it back pretty heavily. It currently runs to around 130,000 words which is right at the top end of the expected word limit suggested by Puffin. Can shave a bit off that and then hand it over to my editor Shannon to hear her thoughts. Squeaky bum time, though, handing over such a big body of work to someone, regardless of her being a chum. Emma, my wife, will have a butchers too and give me her thoughts on it. I just hope it has a similair impact to the first book.

I've also had my eyes opened recently to the book bloggers out there, specifically the ones who tweet on Twitter - have a look, you'll find me there. If you tweet be sure to check out the very excellent @Enchantedbooks @LizUK and @DavesFandSFW and many more. A great way to keep in touch with what's happening in the world of both YA and science fiction, fantasy and horror. The last chap, Dave, has published the first review of Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf. Read it here.

Bada Bling!

Shenanigans...

Late update on the goings on of the Bling but here goes.

WEREWORLD - although I've been working on the first draft of Book Two in the last few months, that's been put on hold by the developments with the first book. "Rise of the Wolf" is getting picked up by a couple of other territories in addition to the UK, including the US - due to this I'm trying to incorporate the comments from across the pond into the finished manuscript, which although time-consuming will make for a better book, and ensure that the UK and US editions are the same, bar the obvious spelling diffs (colour vs color, realise vs realize etc) It's all tremendously exciting and is totally new territory for me. I'm starting over, regardless of previous publications in picture books. So the additional edit is now complete and my m/s is with Puffin. Back to writing Book Two...

RAA RAA - rumbling on like an afro-headed monster, the preschool show is looking, quite simply, beautiful. The animators, set builders and modelmakers have done a stellar job and the air date is creeping up bit by bit. Spring next year - zoinks! I've written a couple of scripts myself and have put my hand up for a few more too. No werewolves in this mind....

AOB - development is continuing on a few of my other shows but, as you may imagine, WEREWORLD and RAA RAA are demanding an awful lot of my attention, in between the regular day job of being dad. Last six weeks have been chaotic as we had the kids on their school summer break and they go back on Monday (can I hear a WOOP!) Bad dad that I am I was smuggling my sketchbook and laptop with us as we went camping here and there.

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD jacket art

OK, so it has been a while since I posted any news on here but, as I mentioned in the last post, the lure of Twitter is a powerful one. If you're looking for updates of what I'm working on that's the best place to check - follow me as curtisjobling

In my defence it's been pretty hectic here, with pace picking up on WEREWORLD. Went down to meet with the Puffin Sales and Marketing team last month, expecting to meet with 4 or 5 people around the table, and it was more like the Imperial Senate from Star Wars. There must have been 30 folk from various international territories around the table, which was thrilling to see as they're all right behind WEREWORLD. Book One is pretty much edited and am now 27,000 words into Book Two. If I could write these stories all day and all night I would be a happy man.

Here's the cover art, above, for you to have a sneaky peek at. Love to hear thoughts!

RAA RAA is rolling into production finally - first five weeks shooting completed now and it's looking rather luscious. Lovely to see animators working with smiles on their faces while they get to know a new cast of characters. The sets and puppets look awesome, thanks to the modelmakers at Chapman Studio and the puppetmakers at Mackinnon & Saunders. And yes, the name did change from RAH RAH to RAA RAA - on account of that original name being taken by a certain international pop mogul.

Bada Bling!

Developments left, right and centre...

First up - you can follow my work and other goings-on on TWITTER from now on. Have a butchers!

I've been missing from the blog for a couple of months as we've had an eventful time in Casa Crayon. Mrs Crayon gave birth to a new shaving last month, Constance, who (6 weeks old today) is doing marvellously well. Older siblings are all very much in love with her so let's hope things stay that way!

On the work front I've been wrapping up on the preproduction design work for my new CBeebies preschool show RAH RAH:



Background artwork all delivered now so my role on continued production is all designwork and general input on the creative direction of the show with the team. Its looking pretty special I have to say - off to Chester Zoo next week for an introduction of the show to the wider team (publishing and merchandise partners) so there's a real momentum. It'll be airing in Spring 2011.

Other animation work has been the development on a new HIT animated preschool show, which I've been collaborating on with Ian Carney (superscribe) and Studio Liddell (superstudio) - that's looking great too and I'll be able to talk shortly about it on here after a few press releases start to appear.

In publishing I'm about to start work on my first picture book in a few years, working with UK publishers Tick Tock Books - very excited about this as it's a story that is also an animated series concept. Be great to get it out there as it was first envisaged, a pop-up book!

And with "Wereworld", the team at Puffin have started sending through some rough ideas for cover art and the like (I won't be doing this - I don't for a minute want to be accused of Dennis Waterman-syndrome). Very eye-catching and is going to really brand the whole series of books in the long run.

Bada Bling!

PRESS RELEASE - "Wereworld" novels picked up by Puffin!

TWO-BOOK DEAL FOR YA FANTASY NOVELIST

Puffin are very excited to announce that we have acquired two fantasy novels in a new series entitled Wereworld by British author and artist Curtis Jobling. Shannon Park, Executive Editor at Puffin secured world rights for the series from the John Jarrold Literary Agency, for an undisclosed five-figure sum. The Wereworld novels are due for publication in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

WEREWORLD follows the story of fifteen-year-old Drew, a shepherd’s son, as he comes of age and discovers he’s the last of the long line of Werewolves, and rightful (yet reluctant) ruler of the land of Lyssia, where lycanthrope ‘Werelords’ reign. Before long he’s hurtling headlong into an epic journey of fantasy and horror, from one deadly encounter to the next, meeting exotic Werelords at every turn as he’s drawn inexorably towards his destiny.

‘When Curtis approached me with the first volume of this series, I could immediately see the strength of his imagination and invention,’ said John Jarrold. ‘Much respect to Shannon for seeing how wonderful the idea was and getting it through the system at Puffin, including giving editorial guidance even before she could formally present it in-house.’

Shannon Park says, ‘I am so thrilled to sign up this series, which blends themes of traditional fantasy and contemporary horror within an action-packed story. Werewolves are hot property right now, and this series has huge appeal for the 10+ fantasy market.’

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

The first novels in the Wereworld series are due for publication in 2011 and 2012.

For further details, please contact John Jarrold or Jayde Lynch on:
John Jarrold - email: j.jarrold@btinternet.com phone: 01522 510544
Jayde Lynch - email: Jayde.Lynch@uk.penguingroup.com phone: 020 7010 3072

PS: Yes, I know, it's a Rick Baker Werewolf image. But then, he is the King.