So, what has happened since I received the proof copy of ‘Tracks in Dark’ in January? The  paperbacks finally arrived in February, looking as good as I knew they would, if not better. With  the publication date set for the end of March, plans were already under way for the launch  events with local independent bookshops. I was busy discussing with printmaker Hester Cox  how we might do a joint presentation on our collaboration over the cover...

I want to launch the new series with a splash, particularly now I have printmaker Hester Cox on board, so currently we’re busy organising publicity and events. The official publication date is 31st March but there may be ways to grab an advanced copy when events are finalised. So far, I have confirmation of a cream tea (yes!) talk for Hester and I at The Stripey Badger Bookshop, Coffee Shop & Kitchen (see link below), so if you can get to Grassington on 13th May do please come...

I was looking forward to seeing the proof of the jacket for “Tracks in the Dark” . It is in a completely different style to the covers of the books in the Mills Sanderson series and it certainly works well. Once I have finalised absolutely everything inside the cover, the final text will go off in the next few weeks, and I will be checking the proofs early next year. I am keen to see the book published but anxious to ensure that everything as perfect as possible. The launch of...

Hester Cox is an artist who is equally inspired by her surroundings, so I was delighted when she agreed to work on the cover illustration for my book. The final choice of the book jacket has been a very important decision because it defines the style for the series. Our collaboration has worked perfectly; Hester was able to interpret and distil my half-formed ideas into the striking image that was exactly what I wanted for the book. In fact, I was struggling with versions of the title...

How do you feel when an author begins a new series of novels? How disappointed were Ann Cleeves’ fans when she switched her attention from Jimmy Perez to Vera Stanhope and then to Matthew Venn? I suspect that you continue to read whatever your favourite authors publish, I know I do. We’re all pleased to see that there is another Vera Stanhope coming soon. Many series are extensive: there are, so far, 29 titles in Ian Rankin’s very popular Rebus series; 22 Daziel &...