Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Introducing... my new book.



I can finally reveal the cover of my new book, Red Rocks, a novel for children aged 8-12, out June 1. Here’s the blurb:

“While holidaying at his father's house, Jake explores Wellington's wild south coast, with its high cliffs, biting winds, and its fierce seals. When he stumbles upon a perfectly preserved sealskin, hidden in a crevice at Red Rocks, he's compelled to take it home and hide it under his bed, setting off a chain of events that threatens to destroy his family. Red Rocks takes the Celtic myth of the selkies, or seal people, and transplants it into the New Zealand landscape, throwing an ordinary boy into an adventure tinged with magic. With its beautiful writing and eerie atmosphere, junior readers will be thrilled and moved by this captivating story.”

It's been exciting watching it come together: first the editing process, then the layouts arriving and needing proofreading. Twice. Choosing a cover design, with lots of back and forth. I love the cover. It's eye-catching and retro looking at the same time, which is kind of fitting, as it's an old-fashioned sort of a kids' adventure, the kind I loved as a child. I see Jake standing in sillouette, very static and grounded on the rock, while he looks out at the wild sky that promises a maelstrom of magical adventure and danger. Will he be tempted?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bravo Rachael - very excited. Will it be avail in Australia? Margo Lanagan's Sea Hearts (for adults I think) also has Selkies - adore Selkies - can't wait to read and CONGRATULATiONS!
x

Jane Harris said...

Wow! Great cover!

Rachael King said...

Thanks Gondal-Girl. It will certainly be available in Australia one way or another. Eventually! I know all about Margo Lanagan's book - apart from having actually read it. It looks wonderful and I plan to read it soon. I was a little dismayed when I heard she was publishing a selkie book, but at least we are publishing for different age groups.

Beaut Commute said...

LOVE the cover and cannot wait to read the revised version. CHOICE.

Anonymous said...

I;m sure it will be nothing like Sea Hearts. I read Tender Mercies and though it was in the kids/YA section, I wouldn't let anyone under 18 read it, very disturbing,but wonderful. So rest easy!

Rachel Fenton said...

Cover reminds me of beautiful wood cut illustrations of books when I was a kid, too - gorgeous. [Me and] My daughter's going to love reading it!

Unknown said...

Hi Rachael,
Congratulations! I just came across your blog on Kiwiology and the description of your book really struck a chord with me. I'm based in Wellington and I'm actually writing a novel myself which begins at the Red Rocks and involves time travel. There's something about that place isn't there? I'm going to follow your blog, I hope you can have a look at mine http://youmaysayimadreamer-sh.blogspot.co.nz/
Have a lovely day :) Sarah xo

Rachael King said...

Hi Sarah, thanks for dropping by. Your book sounds fascinating (I have a time travel idea in the works as well). Are you writing for children? YA? Adults?

Mary McCallum said...

Rachael - I just spotted your post. This looks fantastic - Issy and I love the selkie story and it's perfect washed up at Red Rocks. I can't wait to read it. Bravo you. Mary xx