I have just completed ‘The Spook’s Nightmare’ and gone through the proof-reading process. The artwork is probably the best of the new-style covers and features a daemon called a ‘buggane’. I thought you might be interested to see three images which show the development of the cover. The first is the text over the artwork in grey before the addition of colour.

The second is just the image itself in colour. Some time and care was taken to select the most dramatic colour. I think this is perfect.

Finally we have the full jacket.

I’m now back doing events in England again.

On Thursday March 25th, I am with Tony, the manager of Pritchard’s Bookshop, Formby. We are scheduled to visit St Eddie’s School and probably others yet to be decided.

Other visits still being arranged are to Dublin, Ireland, April 8th (linked to the Eason’s bookshops) and also to the Wigan Festival on April 16th.

But already confirmed is an open visit to Garstang Library, Lancashire at 4pm on Thursday April 22nd. I will be with Mary from ‘The Corner Bookshop’.

At the moment a very busy June tour is being planned for the publication of ‘The Spook’s Nightmare’. As soon as I know the details I will post them on my next blog

I found out recently that ‘The Spook’s Sacrifice’ is on the shortlist for the Lancashire Children’s Book of the Year Award. This will be the fourth time that a book from the series has done so. I find that particularly pleasing on two counts: firstly Preston, where the award ceremony is held, is the town where I was born; secondly the books (from shortlist to winner) are chosen entirely by the children. I don’t expect to win but it’s great to be on that list. I always go to the award ceremony anyway to meet the readers of the series and sign their books.

There is still no further news about the film but I am crossing my fingers having just signed another option contract. So it is going ahead despite the delay.

Best wishes,

Joseph Delaney.