Big in Jap...I Mean Canada

Scott, my publisher, tells me that HarperCollins Canada are showing an interest in The Third Pig, so much so they even have it in their catalogue. What that means in real terms I have absolutely no idea but it's exciting all the same.

I see they have a publication date of 15th April which I suspect is incorrect. Hmm, must investigate further.

Failblog

The stuff in this blog is so wrong on so many levels I can't even begin to describe the fun to be had therein.

This is a blog for dipping into when you need a spot of light relief or cheering up.

Dawn of the Living Redneck Dead

This is a mind boggling clip - hilarious, compelling and oddly scary.

For anyone from outside Ireland, some explanatory notes are required. Fianna Fail are the current party in government and recently held their annual conference. As is usual with these things, RTE (national broadcaster) sent their PolCorr to report. The clip below is from the news programme where he wraps up what went on at the conference.

Points of interest:

1. I thought the guy bottom left was a cardboard cut-out until I realised he was looking more stupid as the broadcast went on.

2. There are at least three (ostensibly mature) grown men hopping up and down in the background like children doing a "let me see, let me see. I want to know what's going on" routine.

3. You get the distinct impression the PolCorr is a tad intimidated as it takes him a few seconds to compose himself. Then again, I challenge anyone not to be if placed in a similar situation

4. Highlight of the clip: keep an eye on the bearded chap just to the right of the reporter when they cut back to the studio. Now you see him, now you don't.

Scariest thing is that these peoples slightly more evolved country cousins are running the country.

Bisto Book Awards 2009

The 2009 shortlist for the Bisto Book Awards in association with Children's Books Ireland has just been announced. There are some very strong contenders in this years field.

Airman by Eoin Colfer
An Phleist Mhór le Ré O’Laighléis, Susan Edwards & Emily Colenso
Anila's Journey by Mary Finn
Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd
Brionglóidí le Áine Ní Ghlinn & Carol Betera
Creature of the Night by Kate Thompson
Her Mother's Face by Roddy Doyle
Highway Robbery by Kate Thompson
The Gift of the Magi Illustrated by PJ Lynch
The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers

Full details can be found right about here

Stop the Presses

Further to my post a few weeks back about a possible interview in a national Sunday newspaper, a photographer eventually arrived to take a few shots for the article - evidence enough that it was going ahead. Well, it appeared in the magazine supplement to yesterday's Sunday Tribune and the horrible evidence can be seen here.

I should point out that the photo was cropped for the article but for some reason they included the full pic on the web so all the mess that was craftily shifted out of camera is there to see.

As, I should point out, is evidence of my total nerdiness, which can be spotted by the sharp-eyed among you. See how many you can spot. As a starter, I'll point out the Borg mug on the shelf just over my head.

Cover Me, I'm Going In

At last, after a long wait, the full Third Pig Detective Agency cover is here. And what a joy it is.

I love the way the designer, Liam Relph, captured that dime novel, noir-ish feel. It's almost exactly like how I envisioned it - and I love it to bits.

So without further ado...

If you look really carefully you might even be able to make out the blurb, bio and other gubbins that are part of the cover creation process.

Hope you like it.