by Claire Main #122, 2 June 2008

Hi, everyone! I trust you have over-wintered well. Over here in England the winter has been long and cold, but now the days are lengthening and spring has sprung. Authors everywhere are coming out of hibernation, rubbing their eyes at the strong light and sniffing the sweetly scented spring air. They are foregoing their snug little nests equipped with plasma TVs, microwaves and broadband connections, and sharpening their pencils, ready for the sap to rise in their veins, precipitating new ideas for new books.

For romantic fiction writers it is, of course, the mating season. They are to be seen in cafes everywhere staring mysteriously over endless cappuccinos, walking on deserted beaches, scanning the horizon for rugged heroes galloping towards them on white stallions, or frequenting railway stations in the rush hour, strategically dropping their shopping and waiting for the chance meeting of eyes as a well-mannered handsome stranger swoops it up.

One author who never has time to hibernate is the prolific Philip Caveney, creator of the Sebastian Darke series of fantasy fiction books. Last year in the UK his first children's book Sebastian Darke: The Prince of Fools was published by Random House. It has proved to be an incredibly popular title and has been likened to Shrek and The Princess Bride.

Due to the first book's success, the author has since penned a second installment titled Sebastian Darke 2: Prince of Pirates. Also, The Prince of Fools has just been released in the US, establishing its worldwide appeal. In fact, after reading both books, I can honestly say the series has huge potential and can't wait for the next one.