Dragonsblood has gone off to the copy-editor. It’ll be back in a month (with a load of questions, I’m sure).
I’ve seen a cover sketch for the UK edition (published by Transworld) and it’s impressive.
Mum and I have been batting ideas about sequels to “Dragon’s Kin” and I think the one we’re most excited about right now is what we’re tentatively calling “Dragon’s Fire.”
How much longer before Dragonsblood comes out? I am waiting, somewhat patiently, for it so that I can read it. Can’t wait much longer!
Amelia,
Dragonsblood has been edited, I’ve made revisions, and now it’s gone off to the copy-editor which means, technically, that the book is in production. My understanding is that it’s being listed in the Del Rey catalog for “Spring 2005.” Rumor has it that this may mean an on-sale date of December 28, 2004.
The UK publishers, Transworld, were kind enough to show me a rough sketch of the cover they’re planning to use on the book and it looks quite impressive. Del Rey, the US publishers, were willing to listen to any covers suggestions I had, I’m curious to see what their art department produces.
Cheers,
Todd
Hi Todd,
I was wondering if you could help me with a query I have. You and your Mum often use the phrase “young adult” and “adult” when mentioning the types of books you both write. I have read both catagories and I can’t tell what the difference is, i.e.: “Dragon’s Kin” is a young adult book. I only know the difference between children’ss books and more mature books meant for the older reader, hope you will enlighten me on the matter.
Thanks,
Stewart
Hi Stewart,
The difference between a Young Adult book and a book meant for adults can be subtle sometimes. The basic difference is that a Young Adult book can have:
1. No explicit sex.
2. No one ignoring or disregarding adult authority without a good and well-established reason.
3. No gory details.
Oftentimes the plot of a YA book is less convoluted than that of an adult book. The YA book quite often grapples with issues that a teenager could relate to — establishing one’s own separate identity, learning to stand up for oneself, things like that.
Harry Potter is YA. Even though Snape is loathed (and loathes) Harry, Harry gives Snape no overt disrespect — or apologizes if he does. If you’ve read “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” you’ll see that J.K. Rowling went to great lengths to establish Professor Umbridge’s character before the big incident with Fred and George (I’m not giving anything away here).
If you’re reading a book and a boy and girl kiss, that’s YA. If you’re reading a different book and you get anatomy lessons right after they kiss, that’s adult.
If you’re reading a book and two people are fighting with swords and one kills the other, that’s YA. If you’re reading a different book and it has a lengthy graphic description of the damage done by one sword-fighter, that’s adult.
If you want to read two examples: Dragonflight is an adult book, Dragonsong is a YA book.
The rules for YA don’t seem to be hard and fast, I think it varies from publisher to publisher. But I hope this gives you the general idea.
Cheers,
Todd
Hello again Todd,
Am I reading your letter to Gail correctly, in that your mum WON’T be making a West Coast appearence? Even a small store somewhere? Anything?! Keep us posted!
As always, Michele
Michele,
What I said was that Mum won’t be doing a book-signing tour. The last tour she did was 28 cities in 30 days — and she spent six months recovering (that tour was in the late 80’s, if I recall correctly).
She’ll be out in LA for the Writers of the Future Award and we may get her to a few signings while she’s out — but they’ll all be strictly local LA things. I’ll post more information when we have it in the “Upcoming Events” section.
Cheers,
Todd