Curtis Jobling's Blog, page 5
July 7, 2011
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!
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!
June 16, 2011
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!
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!
April 28, 2011
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.
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!
April 10, 2011
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!
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!
February 14, 2011
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/ho...
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!
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/ho...
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!
January 26, 2011
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!
January 24, 2011
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!
January 22, 2011
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!
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!
January 19, 2011
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!
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!
