Surprise!

OK, here's something for each of you to keep your enthusiasm going.

Note: If you click on the image you'll get it full size so you can download it.

I think I mentioned I was preparing a little surprise for each of you. This is part of it. The other part I'll explain on Saturday.

Dónal, Meabh and Paul. This is one reason why you should be working on a title for your book.

For Dónal I've suggested The Tree on the Roof of the World, just to get you thinking along different lines. Maybe it's good, maybe it's too long; I don't know.

For Meabh it's Cadenza, which as you may know is a musical term meaning a virtuoso solo passage. I think it may contain the idea of Lola's solo quest for justice for her dead composer.

For Paul it's Mother, Weep No More. I don't know enough about the plot yet but I understand it's a mission to save the earth, which to many primitive peoples is Gaia, or Mother.

Again, these are no more than suggestions. I can substitute another title without much trouble. The wonders of Photoshop!

Show don't tell

Images are powerful. They work on two levels: conscious and subconscious.

I know from my time in advertising that people start taking a project really seriously when they see an image. Whenever I start a new book I do a rough design of a cover. It helps me concentrate on the subject.

It also gives me the idea that the book is coming to life. It never fails to work for me. I believe it'll work for you too.

Good luck!