Let's talk about the weather....

As we return from our Easter break, I'll have you know, that this Sunday 23rd March was also World Meteorological Day! Perhaps this explains the chaotic weather conditions over the weekend which included a 30-second hailstorm, two bouts of snow, bright sun, blustering winds, sleet and rain. Could the elements have been celebrating?? It certainly gives me reason to highlight our upcoming fantasy series about Weather Wardens, by Rachel Caine. It's a modern fantasy series, set in today's world as we know it, but including a parallel universe of powerful wardens who can control the elements. Ill Wind (Book one) will be out in a months time. Intrigue, corruption, murder, thrilling battles between extreme weather and a sexy and feisty female weather Warden as heroine, who is being chased by a storm... Considering the bizarre weather this weekend, I might think twice before labelling the series as fantasy... Oh! And today we're celebrating Christina's birthday who designed the brilliant cover for Ill Wind (fans on Rachel's Caine's blog have already given it a big thumbs up!). So Happy Birthday Christina, Happy World Meteorological Day (members of the World Meteorological Organisation are actually celebrating it today) and just keep a close eye on the weather people...

Easter - eggscellent (in a Mr Burns voice)

All hail the long weekend! I don't know about you, but I'm probably going to spend most of the easter holidays curled up reading with my smarties easter egg. It might even turn into something of a hibernation.

Chiara as some top seasonal recommendations below which have inspired the following puns. Apologies, I am fully aware of how ripe and past their sell-by date they are. But my excuse is that after working on the new catalogue for the last few days (covering July - September, as well as a few other titles that crept in - watch this space) I need to let off steam; my brain is scrambled, fried and only capable of handling things over-easy. heh heh :)

Rabbits and eggs!

Am off now for the long Easter weekend break, but considering we're in for a chiller (see BBC 5 day weather report) here are two quality reads to keep you entertained as you rug up indoors whilst...um, still keeping in with the Easter spirit: The Rabbit Factory, by Marshall Karp and The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy, by James Anderson. Guaranteed you'll finish them both over the four days. I mean, frankly, what else have you got to do besides eat chocolate??

HAPPY EASTER to all!

The Colour of Magic - to see or not to see?

Last night I saw the preview for Sky One's TV adaptation of Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic, to be broadcasted Easter Sunday. I'm probably one of the few people in the world who hasn't read a Harry Potter book, let alone seen any of the films, and I probably put this down to the fact that Terry Pratchett got to me first. I became a fan of the Pratchett's Discworld novels years ago. From the moment I read the line "A thought crossed his mind - very fast, and looking both ways in case it got knocked over" I was hooked. (I take no responsibility for misquotation) . I still delight in the layers of humour and the surreal that Pratchett so brilliantly delivers. So I have to admit, whilst I was at first delighted to see the preview for The Colour of Magic pop up on my TV screen - a bit like suddenly spotting someone you know on the telly - I'm now slightly unsure as to whether or not I really want to see the film. Whilst the technology these days means that productions such as these are remarkable, part of me wants to keep my own unique image of the Discworld, safe from a TV producer's interpretation. But I'm curious. Of course I'm curious. I never did see the first adaptation, The Hogfather, so if anyone saw that one and would advise For or Against seeing The Colour of Magic, I'm all ears! Reviews welcome. Because after all, it could prove to be a disappointment - like the colour of magic itself, a mere "greenish-purple" (according to wizard Rincewind).

And Elmer Fudd thought Bugs Bunny was a challenge...

Today we all enjoyed a jolly lunch with author Zoë Sharp and her hubby Andy. They had just come from filming a Meet the Author video where Zoë talks about her thriller Second Shot (Look out for the clip - will be online soon!) before heading off to a photoshoot in Oxstead. (Zoë doubles as a photo-journalist for the motorpress ie. if you ever believe the stereotype that authors hide in their studies wearing twead - think again. You're much more likely to see Zoë hanging out of a fast-moving Ford GT to get a cool low-angle shot.)

Anyway, amongst banter about dodgy flights, property development and book covers, the conversation somehow veered onto German Giant Rabbits...which of course I then HAD to google and I now share with you the evidence of what can only be described as: nature gone slightly mad. (Please refer to above image - I think it's eaten Peter Rabbit.) Will you look at the thing? Bit of a large target for rabbit hunters, but I bet this hefty fella wouldn't go down with one shot... or even a Second Shot. Or even a Third Strike ! (See? See what I just did there?)

I won't begrudge any rolling of the eyes...

Bag ladies

The countdown to the London Book Fair at Earls Court is on. Between 14th and 16th April you’ll be able to say hello to the A&B ladies at our stand (J205 in case you’re wondering). But extra kudos will go out to those who manage to spot us on the go – we’re getting some lovely bags printed with the rather nifty A&B logo and our proud slogan “The small publisher of BIG books”. And through the wonder of technology we can see what they are going to look like before ink has touched canvas.

Well, what do you know, I've managed to blog without mentioning a frock...I've moved onto accessories instead!