Welcome to the official yes-it’s-really-happening blog post about my newest novel, A Clash of Innocents. The picture on the left is the first draft of the cover. It will be tweaked some more, but I’m thrilled with the image which was taken by a young fellow-traveler, Elizabeth Lowey, who was a teenager during our Cambodian adventure and is now an art student in the States. It shows a stall selling puppets with the giant central lake of Cambodia in the background. I love the richness of the colours. For me it really captures the beauty and innocence of the Cambodian people and takes you into the heart of my story about hope that perseveres beyond horror. I’m also thrilled that Fiona Robyn agreed to read an advanced copy of the manuscript and I’m truly grateful for the lovely quote she gave us to use on the cover. The official launch date isn’t until September 30, but Ward Wood has just made it available to pre-order. Please go to their website here, read about the book, see Fiona’s review, and if so moved, feel free to be among the first (though not the first) to pre-order it.
You’ll see that the publisher’s page is also set up to list readings and events that I’ll be doing to publicize the book. I’m just beginning to schedule those now. As I did with Tangled Roots, I’ll be happily traveling anywhere and everywhere to meet my readers and find new ones. If any of you would like me to come talk to your book group or organization or have a contact at a local bookshop that might be interested in hosting a signing, do let me know. I have to admit, I’m quite proud of this novel. I think it is a beautiful story, and I know that Cambodia is a sad and magical place which deserves our attention.
Sue your cover is so so so so so beautiful! I know our local Waterstones would be happy to have you come for a signing 🙂 I’ll email you the new manager’s contact details. Remind me if I forget. x
The cover really does seem to capture the wonderful colour in your descriptions of Cambodia, and the characteristics of the people you mention too. The young photographer is very talented.
Although the novel really brings the characters to life so vividly (they still seem like people I’ve actually met), you also manage to get the feeling of place so well.
I loved the sense of place in Lawrence Durrell when I read him years ago, and the feeling of being in Cambodia when I read your novel reminded me of that.
I think this novel would work really well in book discussion groups too – we should have a set of discussion topics of the type Simon & Schuster have in their novels for reading groups. Perhaps local bookshops should have more reading groups – that would bring people to them.
Thanks, DJ. I’m so glad you like it. And I’ll definitely remind you about the Waterstones tip!
Adele: I did put book club questions in the back of Tangled Roots, but I didn’t even think about it this time. Maybe for the 2nd printing (she says optimistically…)
Actually maybe you could think of some book club questions and let’s see how it goes. People love book club discussions both at local venues and online and the questions really help.
I love the image… will pop over and order the novel later today… how exciting!
Congratulations, Sue! The cover looks awesome!
It looks fabulous. I hope it sells really well for you. I am on my way to pre-order a copy. How exciting!
Oh Sue that’s a great cover. Of course will preorder. In fact, right now. Can’t wait to have this in pride of place. Congratulations.
What a beautiful cover, Sue!
I have a friend who spent time there and from her too, I got the sense of the beauty and the pain. Am off to check out your publisher’s website now and to find out if I will be able to order it locally once it’s released! I wish you huge good luck and all success with it. xx
The cover sums up Cambodia perfectly…ooohhh I cant wait to read it!!
C x
Congratulations, Sue and a great cover. I’m looking forwards to reading it.
Joe
Beautiful Cover!
lx
Will pre-ordered copies be signed? (It all looks absolutely wonderful by the way. I’m so pleased for you.)
Glyn
Hi Sue, I am the Advisor at a children’s home (www.santepheap.org) around the corner from Anjali, and I am a friend of Sam Flint. I am delighted with this news, and in meeting you online. I am fascinated by the title of your book. After three years in Siem Reap, I have been calling my children, all below age 18, the “Innocents.” They are the first generation alive today who did not experience war and genocide – directly. They have, however, grown up in the midst of the generations who still suffer the traumas, the mental health problems, the deep pain and sadness. Yet they have found a way to access the joy and wonder and spirit of innocent children, and generate a great energy that invigorates the society. This is what captivated me (yes, I am a captive!) and brought me back to do this work. The sample of your book is so fascinating – I look forward to the whole! If you come to SR, please let me know – I’d love to meet you! ~ David Biviano