The frontispiece (the illustration right inside the front cover) is arguably the most important drawing in the entire book. It is often the first image a reader experiences and sets the tone for the story to come. When brainstorming The Maelstrom's frontispiece, I wanted to create something that had an epic feel and would really showcase the book's central theme; namely the threat posed to Rowan by the forces of Prusias. Hopefully the image of Max astride YaYa is a fun teaser for readers who have never yet beheld such a sight. I wouldn't want to be that ogre!

At long last, here is the latest cover illustration for The Maelstrom. Cory Godbey has done a wonderful job once again and I think the drawing hints at some intriguing developments in the story. The central figure (and indeed this book's central threat) is our old friend, Prusias. The latest I've heard is that the book will be released in October 2012. I hope you're excited as I am!

The text for The Maelstrom is finished, so these days I'm spending my time on the final artwork. I've completed all the sketches, so the trick now is to recreate them with pen and ink so that they'll reproduce crisply. To do this, I'll place the pencil sketch on a light box, lightly trace the lines, and then work with an old-fashioned dip pen, India ink, and brushes to produce the final piece. I can typically do three every two days or so. I'm hoping to have the whole lot finished by early January at which time I'll start writing Book 5.

This particular drawing shows the formidable Yuga in the background and a mysterious (and highly menacing) figure in the foreground. We'll be learning much more about each in the upcoming book.

It's always exciting to see The Tapestry translated into another language and to see foreign editions with alternate covers. Most recently, The Tapestry's first book was translated into French where the series is called "The Golden Tapestry" and the first volume is titled "Rowan Academy" Here's a peek at the cover, which I think is very lovely. The only question I have is why Max is holding a broomstick or wand type of object. Neither appears in the book and lord knows I don't need any more Harry Potter comparisons! :)

Now, I just need to dust off my French and dive right in....

As I've been working on character studies for various illustrations, it occurred to me that we needed one for the mysterious, mercurial David Menlo. Here is our favorite one-handed Sorcerer looking intently at something unnameable while holding an antique thurible (a device for burning incense and used in many holy — or unholy! — ceremonies.... We'll be spending lots of time with David in The Maelstrom and I think readers will be pleased to get to know David a little better and to see his and Max's friendship grow. David might even find himself a girlfriend....