Steve’s Comments (group member since Sep 26, 2010)

Steve’s comments from the Q&A with Steve Morris group.

I shall compile a longlist of suggestions. I'm determined to get this right this time. Browsing around the bookstores and libraries, there really is a big difference between "knockout" covers and dull uninspiring ones. YA covers often are the most appealing!

Well, I'm going to ask them to avoid people on the cover because fashions date so quickly, even hairstyles. It is set in 2012 and someone covered in tatoos probably is right for now but we might think the same way about that as 80's fashions in a year or two's time! I want them to make something bold and almost controversial. I don't think I'll get away with anything controversial somewhow so it needs to be a cover that really "shouts out".

Well, I think I will get asked for ideas, but I haven't been so far. The cover is last job, but in some ways can make a book.

It will be important to get it right this time. I think that covers are very important I've certainly bought books because of their covers. I think that we all have at some time...

No pressure then!

Short stories are easier to write and easier to discard if they don't "feel right" in the end.

I'm also wondering what they will come up with for the cover.

You're very welcome.
Currently away for type-setting and I think it could be out by May. I'll keep you up-to-date.

It has been a while scince there have been any book reviews but here is one today from the Great Minds Think Aloud literary community. Thank you to Kitty for all her help with this.

http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...

And a copy for Nicolle of course, being ever grateful for her help.

Cheers!

Thank you. It was one from a long list. I'll make sure that I get a copy to you when it appears.

The title will be: "Playing Havoc".

Well the proofreader has finished her work, now the book has gone for type-setting.

I'm just waiting for the editor to finally approve the title.

All three of those are effective. I think that Bram Stoker would have been proud of that cover too. It is definately worth taking the time to choose the right one.

I also think that if there are people on the cover, then fashions (and even haircuts) can quickly "date" a book.

Wouldn't you think that there were enough YA paraormal romance / vampire books out there? How many variations on a theme can there be?

I think that we were spoiled with mild winters for about ten years, which made spring gardening so easy. Then the last two winters killed a lot of non-native plants.

The weather forecast is for a cold snap now, so the winter may catch us late this time. I hope not!

Richard, you are spot-on there. The events in the novel are entirely plausible this time and I might even have the thunder stolen yet so I want it completed soon just in case things actually turn out that way!
I'm hoping to have the title before work on Monday.
I might be needing advice...

Nicolle. Thanks again. Everyone liked the cover to "Probability" but perhaps not so much "Jumble". I get to make suggestions and ideas as to the design so I hope they come up with something that will stand out. I'm going to have a thumb through the new releases at a library tomorrow (Saturday) to see what to avoid!

That is a very clever idea. Thanks Richard.

New novel approved and accepted. I am a chuffed boy. Erm...no title yet. Whoops.

Bonsai are a challenge if you need one! They don't need much space indoor or outdoor but demand twice the care.

So far so good, but colder weather arriving from Monday I hear. If we can last out the next two or three weeks, we'll be safe and everyone will be back to planting Cordylines and palms again like they were ten years ago.

Nicolle, I've heard people saying that daffodils are opening up and down the country. Far too early surely!

Richard, it seems like you are experiencing the same as the UK. We've missed out on the deep-freeze so far this winter that we've had in recent years.

So long as all the snow doesn't all arrive in March after this mild winter. That would confuse the flora and fauna!

Are you having a odd-weather January too? It is a very mild winter here too. Ladybirds and honey bees wandering around confused this week. It ws 12C yeasterday and around -10C this time last year. It can't be right!

Thank you to friends for all the help and encouragement recently. Just a quick update.

The Novel:
The first complete draft of the novel is with the publisher after talks have begun positively over the new year period. If it is accepted I expect to have one more re-write to do.

The short stories:
So far I have chosen seven new stories which I would like in the new book, and the Editor and I are aiming to make stories end in more upbeat fashions in line with the needs of the current world climate. They are no less bizarre, though. Rest assured.

Frustratingly I'd like the novel out as soon as possible before bizarre world events overtake it. Any thunder could be stolen in today's crazy world.