The cover of Up and Down revealed
Posted May 9, 2012 by Terry Fallis
Earlier today on the Indigo Fiction blog, the cover for my third novel, Up and Down was unveiled. Somehow seeing the actual cover of the novel makes it all seem so much more real. While we’re still four months away until it hits bookstores, it’s nice to cross this threshold. I hope you like the cover as much as I do. It was interesting to see the evolution of the design from early concepts to what you see here. Perhaps that’s a topic for future blog post. One of my fears has been that the cover might have a sci-fi feel to it. I certainly didn’t want that as this is most decidedly not a sci-fi story, even though the space program plays a role. I think the cover whimsically hints at the space program without impersonating an Isaac Asimov novel. I doubt too many hardcore sci-fi readers will be snatching Up and Down from bookstore shelves based on the cover.
I confess that it will take me some time to get used to seeing my name dominating the cover’s real estate. But M&S explained the rationale to me. Some readers will have grown accustomed to the funky font used on my first two novels, and there was a fear that they’d be expecting the same look on the third. But of course, Up and Down is not a continuation of the Angus and Daniel story, so M&S decided on a completely different look. As it was presented to me, making my name large enough to be seen from earth orbit is supposed to ensure that those expecting a cover design similar to my first two won’t walk right by Up and Down in their neighbourhood bookstore. The novel is now is fully formatted so we’re just going through the galleys for a final proofread. Then, it’s done, and we wait until September 11, 2012. Or if you really can’t wait that long, stay tuned for the chapter-by-chapter podcast of Up and Down, which you’ll find here on the blog and over at iTunes starting later in June. One chapter will be posted each week. And to make it easier, I’ve decided to post the chapters in chronological order. More on the podcast soon…
I can hardly wait for it!! Just in time for my birthday too!!
Very cool, Terry. I especially like that bit at the bottom of your cover that says “Marc Garneau” (how mind-blowing is that…!?!)
~Graham
Big smile; bigger inspiration.
Thanks Terry.
I bought THR at Chapters today. I may not open it…
A few weeks ago, a friend lent my wife and me a copy of TBLP. My wife was already in another novel (she always is). My novel reading is few and far between, but the lender, knowing my liberal political attitude and Liberal history, thought that I’d enjoy it, and after she gave a bit of a synopsis, I started to read. The first laughs came quickly. Sitting to read is not a luxury that I frequently allow myself, but I find lots of listening opportunities in my car, so I added the podcast series to my iPod. I bounced between reading and listening, and within a week I was done. I downloaded THR and resumed my listening. I didn’t feel guilty about not having a hard copy, but I enjoyed the writing so, that I decided that the right thing to do would be to buy a new copy. My wife prefers to read rather than listen, so we are ready when she gets to, and through, TBLP. I’m going to add one little side story, which explains the greatest laugh that I got from TBLP. My wife and I are sticklers for grammar in much the same vein as is Angus, and similarly outspoken when we hear an error. We regularly protest the frequent such errors in news reporting and television programming and movies. My wife did not know the characters, nor the story, but she was present as I played TBLP over our music system whilst I was preparing a feast. Angus and Daniel were visiting the dean, and the dean misspoke. My wife let out a complaining groan. I was well rewarded when Angus corrected the dean, and at the same time, Angus may have won her heart. She will soon be into TBLP.
There is more that I’d like to share, but perhaps another time. I was a contestant for the Liberal Party of Canada nomination in an Ontario riding (2006), and was well enlightened by what I deemed to be incompetence and corrupt practices within the LPC (Ontario). IMHO, the LPC destroyed itself by not understanding and not supporting Dion through at least 2 elections. I have trouble seeing TBLP and THR as fiction – they seem so real-life to me. Best wishes, Brian
Hold the phone – no more Daniel and Angus? Shame, but I’ll pick this beaut’ up regardless. Grats.
i think that Terry said that he would still continue just not wiith this novel. If he left them altogether I would be sad. I am very much looking forward to your podcast. In fact as a celebration I may just randomly buy your first two novels on my kindle.
We are so excited about your next novel! Thanks from your fans in Nova Scotia:)