Cover Release: Sleeping Embers Of An Ordinary Mind

Since I returned from my month’s research trip to China in May last year, I’ve worked flat-out to write my second novel, Sleeping Embers Of An Ordinary Mind. So this is a special week for me—to see the fabulous cover art, by designer MS Corley. I love the strong emphasis on typography.

Publication date: 1 December 2015, in Kindle eBook, paperback and audiobook editions.

It’s been immense fun to write this novel but a huge challenge, too, because of the complexity of the three-storyline structure. But I have the perfect editor in Jason Kirk at 47North. He gives me invaluable advice and has the knack of suggesting subtle changes that have a big impact.

And with two novels under my belt, I felt it opportune to redesign my website. Many thanks to my son, Adam, who guided me through the revamp!

So here’s the cover and the back cover blurb:

History is story telling

But some stories remain untold

In fifteenth-century Italy, Paolo Uccello recognizes the artistic talent of his young daughter, Antonia, and teaches her how to create a masterpiece. The girl composes a painting of her mother and inadvertently sparks an enduring mystery.

In the present day, a copyist painter receives a commission from a wealthy Chinese businessman to duplicate a Paolo Uccello painting. Together, the painter and his teenage daughter visit China, and in doing so they begin their escape from a tragic family past.

In the twenty-second century, a painting is discovered that’s rumoured to be the work of Paolo Uccello’s daughter. This reawakens an art historian’s dream of elevating Antonia Uccello, an artist ignored by history because of her gender.

Stories untold. Secrets uncovered

But maybe some mysteries should remain shrouded

Published by 47North. Cover art by M S Corley

In Other News

Off to Nine Worlds Geek Fest in London where, tomorrow, I’m taking part in:

The Big 9W’s Debate: Fantasy vs Science Fiction

13.30-14.45, Saturday 8th August

The SFF punch-out returns for 2015 with heavyweights from the worlds of Fantasy and Science Fiction slugging it out in defence of their genre.

Joe Abercrombie–Anne Charnock–Bex Levene–Gareth Powell–Anne Perry (moderator)–A jury from the audience