[I] FB Artwork

CCA

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Mar 27, 2003, 8:11:16 AM3/27/03

to

I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
cover of Family Bites. This has given me an idea.
If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves -- of any
character in any scene -- I'd love to see it. I know we've got quite a few
artistic types here, and I would be interested to see what they come up with.
Would have a go myself, only my forte lies in other stuff like jewellery
making:-)
CCA:)

X Kyle M Thompson

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Mar 27, 2003, 8:17:32 AM3/27/03

to

CCA <sphi...@aol.com> wrote:

and writing?

--
"Cavemen! Jesus Christ! Stone age, clubs, battle axe,
long beard, bows and arrows, hatchets, that's all"
Larry Green on cavemen in "Voices from the Duplex Planet"

sjb351

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Mar 27, 2003, 8:19:57 AM3/27/03

to

I did sorta notice the cover, yeah....

I'm about as artistic as a wet sock with a headache, so I can't contribute
art, but I would be interested to hear what sort of input the author of a
book gets regarding cover art. I have seen comments attributed to Pterry
suggesting even he has not controlled this process over time, and it sounds
like you are similarly afflicted.
Were I to ever write something, I would reserve final say on the cover for
myself. The hexperienced (and published) authors hereabouts might ridicule
this as not achievable in the face of modern publishing morés, but I am
afraid I just couldn't let it go.
--
_____________________
Stupidity = Naivety x Time

Ssirienna

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Mar 27, 2003, 11:45:09 AM3/27/03

to

"CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030327081116...@mb-ff.aol.com...

Is there any particular bit of FB which might warrent a line of jewellry,
perhaps? :-)
Line of chocolate?

T-Shirts?

(g,d&r)

Ssirienna
(remembering that CCA:) also loves her Glod)

Dom

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Mar 27, 2003, 2:12:31 PM3/27/03

to

I didn't look at the time, but does the publisher's web site have a feedback
page? If so, would it be worth all of us FB fans (whether they've coated it
in chocolate or not) making our views known?

I'll have a look next time I'm on a machine with a browser.

--
Dom
afpSlave and maker of family-bite sized chocolate-coated goodies to CCA.

Dragon Prince

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Mar 27, 2003, 3:36:25 PM3/27/03

to

In article <20030327081116...@mb-ff.aol.com>,
sphi...@aol.com says...

> I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
> cover of Family Bites. This has given me an idea.
> If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves --

I just want the book

and will be playing hell in schmidts tommorow.

dp
--
If your not paranoind, it doensnt mean they are not out to get you.

CCA

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Mar 27, 2003, 4:04:39 PM3/27/03

to

Dom (>dom...@blueyonder.co.uk) wrote

>CCA wrote:

>>I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
>>cover of Family Bites.

>I didn't look at the time, but does the publisher's web site have a feedback

>page? If so, would it be worth all of us FB fans (whether they've coated it
>in chocolate or not) making our views known?

I don't think that would be a good idea, to be honest. I will be politely
mentioning the artwork to them at some point, but I think the chances of them
changing it yet are slim. They use in-house designers, and it would be likely
that another cover would be just as bad, or worse.
If people made their views on the cover known to the publisher, I would be
quite worried that it might make them decide not to do a second edition (which
they may or may not do), so it's probably not worth it.

>Dom
>afpSlave and maker of family-bite sized chocolate-coated goodies to CCA.

Chocolate-coated books? Mmmmm...
CCA, a very lucky afpMistress:)

Richard Eney

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Mar 27, 2003, 4:12:32 PM3/27/03

to

In article <3e82fa91$0$9536$afc3...@news.optusnet.com.au>,
sjb351 <sjb...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
<snip>

> I would be interested to hear what sort of input the author of a
>book gets regarding cover art. I have seen comments attributed to Pterry
>suggesting even he has not controlled this process over time, and it sounds
>like you are similarly afflicted.
>Were I to ever write something, I would reserve final say on the cover for
>myself. The hexperienced (and published) authors hereabouts might ridicule
>this as not achievable in the face of modern publishing morés, but I am
>afraid I just couldn't let it go.

The wonderful world of self-publishing (using a good, reputable book
packager, not a vanity press) will allow that, but generally the publisher
has total control over the cover and often the title as well. There are
many authors' reports about cover/title difficulties. (Artists' reports,
too - such as finding out that a small section of a painting sold for
one-time publishing use has been reused for another book entirely, with no
payment [until the artist sued].)

That said, I have to admit that many authors have no clue about what makes
a good cover that will help sell the book. (Nor do some artists, though
the ones who paint cover paintings to order tend to have some experience
that can help if you can get their advice.)

=Tamar
Not a writer, artist, editor, or publisher - but I've heard some tell
stories of their experiences.

CCA

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Mar 27, 2003, 4:20:00 PM3/27/03

to

sjb351(>sjb...@yahoo.com.au) wrote

>Were I to ever write something, I would reserve final say on the cover for
>myself. The hexperienced (and published) authors hereabouts might ridicule
>this as not achievable in the face of modern publishing morés, but I am
>afraid I just couldn't let it go.

The thing is, when you been writing for a long time and *finally* get something
published, you're usually so pleased to be published that you don't mind what
goes on the cover. (Or, indeed, having to change your name -- JK Rowling was
so happy to get published that she didn't mind about not being able to call
herself Joanne)
The other thing is that authors, especially new authors, have little or no say
about the cover of the book. I'd be willing to bet that even Pterry doesn't
have much, most of the time.

>I have seen comments attributed to Pterry
>suggesting even he has not controlled this process over time, and it sounds
>like you are similarly afflicted.

I know that he wasn't so keen on some of Josh Kirby's depictions of Granny
Weatherwax as a crone, since she's described as being a handsome woman in most
of the books.
If Shakespear were writing today, even he'd probably be going "Oh, no, Juliet's
not supposed to look like that..."[1]
CCA, afp-favourite-*young*-auntie to sjb351:)
[1]I know Shakepear wrote plays, not books, but thought it was a nice image
anyway...

Andrew Irish

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Mar 27, 2003, 6:03:49 PM3/27/03

to

CCA wrote:
> I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
> cover of Family Bites.

I'm not overly fond of the artwork, it's true, but I suspect my view on
it varies slightly from that of other people.

The drawings themselves aren't /too/ bad; the artist does have some
talent. My main problem is with *what* is depicted.

The clothing is about right (leather trousers on John, look), but you
never described the vampires as being pale (I suspect this is to point
out that they are vampires). Ben removed the lace cravat before
becoming a wolf and looks far too mean on the cover. And since when
were werewolves purple? :)

But, hey, don't judge a book by it's cover and all that!

> This has given me an idea.

Uh-oh...

> If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves -- of any
> character in any scene -- I'd love to see it. I know we've got quite a few
> artistic types here, and I would be interested to see what they come up with.

Hmm, it'd be more tempting if I thought I had any talent that way.
Nice, simple, curvy things like knives and banana trees, OK. People,
forget it. And as for a werewolf... Then there's composing the scene
itself. What to depict?

Sorry, but this is a no-goer for me. Although I may have a fiddle for
my own amusement. But I'm not promising anything.

--
Andrew

sjb351

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Mar 28, 2003, 4:28:39 AM3/28/03

to

Fair comments all, I suppose. Particularly the one about just being glad to
be published. They have you over a bit of a barrel, wot? I still don't think
I'd be able to let go, but.
I must say tho that I always loved Kirby's covers. They were more
illustrative than narrative....what am I trying to say.....he caricatured
the stories, characters, and settings rather than trying to depict them
accurately. They certainly fit the mood of the novels, if not Pterry's idea
of precisely what they should have looked like.

sjb351, afp-comparably-aged favourite nephew to really-quite-youthful CCA.

Dragon Prince

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Mar 29, 2003, 3:38:06 AM3/29/03

to

In article <20030327160439...@mb-fo.aol.com>,
sphi...@aol.com says...
> Dom (>dom...@blueyonder.co.uk) wrote

>> afpSlave and maker of family-bite sized chocolate-coated goodies to CCA.
>
> Chocolate-coated books? Mmmmm...
> CCA, a very lucky afpMistress:)

nah would make the pages all stuck...

dp
--
And I'd say: so what? I mean, Picasso might paint someone square
and blue, but if you held a gun to the bastard's head he could do
proper art.
Terry Pratchett.

MP

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Apr 3, 2003, 3:36:19 PM4/3/03

to

On 27 Mar 2003 13:11:16 GMT, sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:

>I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
>cover of Family Bites. This has given me an idea.
>If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves -- of any
>character in any scene -- I'd love to see it.

OK... I'm no good like that... But I've had a go at a different
cover...

> I know we've got quite a few
>artistic types here, and I would be interested to see what they come up with.

That's not me... :-}

Take a look at
<http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover.jpg>

In case you're wondering, I got the main image from:
<http://gimp-savvy.com/cgi-bin/img.cgi?ufwsOHWQfcIDlSo833>
and did the headstone-effect (supposed to be, anyway) myself in PSP.

MP
--
"Terry Pratchett can't be the country's most famous author?
He's an anorak! A trekkie!" - Matt Rowles, Hayes, Middx
(Stolen from the BBC Question Time responses page)

Dom

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Apr 3, 2003, 5:20:51 PM4/3/03

to

On Thu, 03 Apr 2003 21:36:19 +0100, MP wrote:
>On 27 Mar 2003 13:11:16 GMT, sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:
>
>>I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
>>cover of Family Bites. This has given me an idea.
>>If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves -- of any
>>character in any scene -- I'd love to see it.
>
>OK... I'm no good like that... But I've had a go at a different
>cover...
>

>Take a look at
><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover.jpg>

That's pretty good. Certainly feels more 'right' for the style of the
book.

It does seem to be missing something though, maybe a faint shadow of
a wolf or vampire? Just to give it some sort of focus?

Or something to say: "These undead are lively folk"? Sort of indicate
the non-serious nature of it all.
--
Dom
(who would cross-post to aflw, but the server seems to be down;-)

Sylvain Chambon

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Apr 4, 2003, 6:31:26 AM4/4/03

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In article <lg6p8v428j5b8bmdj...@4ax.com>,
mpj...@bleurgh.net says...

> On 27 Mar 2003 13:11:16 GMT, sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:
>
> >I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
> >cover of Family Bites. This has given me an idea.
> >If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves -- of any
> >character in any scene -- I'd love to see it.
>
> OK... I'm no good like that... But I've had a go at a different
> cover...
>
> > I know we've got quite a few
> >artistic types here, and I would be interested to see what they come up with.
>
> That's not me... :-}
>
> Take a look at
> <http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover.jpg>

That's very good.

I'm not too sure about the "headstone" effect... Maybe a splash of
colour (in the text) would help.

One of the good things is, it doesn't fit the "traditional" comedic
fantasy look ("if it's comedy and fantasy, the cover's got to be
cartoonish!").

On the other hand, maybe it is *too* different. It looks too... serious,
broody, Chris Carter-ish. You need some sort of detail to make it appear
it's still a funny book...

I don't know... Maybe a B&W shot of a coffin in a dark crypt, only with
a bedside table with an alarm clock and a glass of water.

Or something.

Sylvain.

Graycat

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Apr 4, 2003, 7:24:39 AM4/4/03

to

On 27 Mar 2003 13:11:16 GMT, sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:

Well, I'm not going to try and make a better cover for you, I haven't
read the book see so I probably couldn't. But I can certainly send
some sympathy your way, the present cover sucks big time (from the
picture I finally found on the web) and I have a question, did you
have any say about the blurb?

Elin
The Tale of Westala and Villtin
http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/index.html

CCA

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Apr 4, 2003, 9:43:12 AM4/4/03

to

Graycat (>gra...@passagen.se) wrote

(re FB)

>I have a question, did you
>have any say about the blurb?

I wrote the cover blurb myself. I'm not sure all authors would be allowed to,
though -- depends on the publishers, I think.
CCA:)

Graycat

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Apr 4, 2003, 9:48:55 AM4/4/03

to

That's nice. Sometimes you run across blurbs that you, when you have
read the book, are certain were written by someone who had the plot
badly explained to them hurriedly over the phone and never actually
saw the book at all.

Adrian Ogden

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Apr 4, 2003, 9:42:52 AM4/4/03

to

Sylvain Chambon <gou...@lepcf.org> writes:

>I don't know... Maybe a B&W shot of a coffin in a dark crypt, only with
>a bedside table with an alarm clock and a glass of water.

>Or something.

How about two characters, backs to the audience and facing a mirror. In
the mirror you can see one has red eyes and sharp teeth, but you can't
see the other at all.

(Was going to suggest Sophia & Daniel (if I've got the names right) with
their arms round eachother, but then I thought about Daniel and the mirror
and realised it wouldn't work...)

--
<< Adrian Ogden -- "Sic Biscuitus Disintegrat" -- www.rdg.ac.uk/~sssogadr/ >>

"I wasn't actually aware of this, but I don't think my ignorance should
be held against me in deciding whether or not I actually know anything.
-- Michael Camire on a.f.p.

MP

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Apr 4, 2003, 9:59:01 AM4/4/03

to

On Thu, 03 Apr 2003 22:20:51 GMT, dom...@blueyonder.co.uk (Dom )
wrote:

>On Thu, 03 Apr 2003 21:36:19 +0100, MP wrote:
>>On 27 Mar 2003 13:11:16 GMT, sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:
>>
>>>I've noticed quite a few people agree with me about the, er...quality of the
>>>cover of Family Bites. This has given me an idea.
>>>If anyone who's read it wants to do any FB artwork themselves -- of any
>>>character in any scene -- I'd love to see it.
>>
>>OK... I'm no good like that... But I've had a go at a different
>>cover...
>>
>>Take a look at
>><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover.jpg>
>
>That's pretty good. Certainly feels more 'right' for the style of the
>book.
>
>It does seem to be missing something though, maybe a faint shadow of
>a wolf or vampire? Just to give it some sort of focus?

I like that idea...
How about:
<http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover2.jpg>

>Or something to say: "These undead are lively folk"? Sort of indicate
>the non-serious nature of it all.

I wanted something like that, but couldn't find anything!

MP
--
"I know half of them look like renegades from a pub punk
rock band but underneath it they are awfully well educated
and terribly nice to their Mums and Dads"
- Tony Robinson, on the Time Team

Eric Jarvis

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Apr 4, 2003, 10:14:07 AM4/4/03

to

Adrian Ogden wrote:
> Sylvain Chambon <gou...@lepcf.org> writes:
>
> >I don't know... Maybe a B&W shot of a coffin in a dark crypt, only with
> >a bedside table with an alarm clock and a glass of water.
>
> >Or something.
>
> How about two characters, backs to the audience and facing a mirror. In
> the mirror you can see one has red eyes and sharp teeth, but you can't
> see the other at all.
>
> (Was going to suggest Sophia & Daniel (if I've got the names right) with
> their arms round eachother, but then I thought about Daniel and the mirror
> and realised it wouldn't work...)
>

that's the sort of thing I was thinking of...something simple and
preferably photographic...and that shows that it is vampires and
werewolves being written about as people not as
monsters...wouldn't cost much to set up and do as a photo...and
not that hard to tamper with in photoshop...though a photo on the
cover is significantly more expensive I'd expect

to my mind the important thing that should be on a cover is
something that relates to the "selling point" of the book...not
necessarily anything particularly related to the
plot...publishers would hate me...I think about all the wrong
stuff

--
eric - afprelationships in headers
www.ericjarvis.co.uk
"Hey Lord don't ask me questions
There ain't no answer in me"

MP

unread,

Spoiler space
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Daniel can reflect in a mirror, sort of. The others have to concentrate, but
Daniel, being half-human, can get a sort of fuzzy image without having to try.
CCA:)

Sylvain Chambon

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Apr 4, 2003, 12:00:01 PM4/4/03

to

In article <20030404114853...@mb-fl.aol.com>, sphia9341
@aol.com says...

Yebbut, Terry's Twoflower didn't have four eyes, and his Rincewind is
young(ish), and...

Inconsistencies with the book don't really matter, so long as they
convey the right feeling, IMO.

Sylvain.

Graycat

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Apr 4, 2003, 12:15:23 PM4/4/03

to

On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 16:34:00 GMT, gra...@passagen.se (Graycat) wrote:

>On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 16:35:20 +0100, MP <mpj...@bleurgh.net> wrote:
>
>
>>OK, after talking on IRC for a bit and getting opinions:
>><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover3.jpg>
>>and
>><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover4.jpg>
>>
>>The last is the best so far, IMO!
>
>or
>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE.jpg

and again
http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg

but I'm not really happy with the font - my computer doesn't have any
fun ones though...

Ah well

Ssirienna

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Apr 4, 2003, 2:37:12 PM4/4/03

to

"Graycat" <gra...@passagen.se> wrote in message
news:3e8dbd7d...@News.CIS.DFN.DE...

> On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 16:34:00 GMT, gra...@passagen.se (Graycat) wrote:
>
> >On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 16:35:20 +0100, MP <mpj...@bleurgh.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>OK, after talking on IRC for a bit and getting opinions:
> >><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover3.jpg>
> >>and
> >><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover4.jpg>
> >>
> >>The last is the best so far, IMO!
> >
> >or
> >http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE.jpg
>
> and again
> http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg
>
> but I'm not really happy with the font - my computer doesn't have any
> fun ones though...

Oooh!
I liked MP's ones but that's GOOD!
Your original one with the glass looked too insipid - wasn't easy to read
But *this* looks great :-)

Ssirienna
(beginning to wonder whether she can get CCA:) to autograph in chocolate
pen?)

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 4, 2003, 2:58:48 PM4/4/03

to

In article <j1dr8v8u4dv4mqi1g...@4ax.com>,
MP <mpj...@bleurgh.net> wrote:

><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover13.jpg>
><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover14.jpg>
>
>And I'm not doing any more! Someone else's turn!

Nice.

Here's a quick hack on getting a complete dust-jacket from MP's covers;

http://www.atuin.demon.co.uk/Cat_FB1.jpg

It *should* print out to the correct size, but since my printer refuses to
print without dirty great margins, I can't quite check.

Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.

Cat.
--
La Rustimuna ^Stalkato
Jazz-Loving Soulmate to CCA

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 4, 2003, 2:58:46 PM4/4/03

to

In article <3e8d9af5...@News.CIS.DFN.DE>,
gra...@passagen.se (Graycat) wrote:

>On 04 Apr 2003 14:43:12 GMT, sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:
>
>>Graycat (>gra...@passagen.se) wrote
>>
>>(re FB)
>>
>>>I have a question, did you
>>>have any say about the blurb?
>>
>>I wrote the cover blurb myself. I'm not sure all authors would be allowed to,
>>though -- depends on the publishers, I think.
>>CCA:)
>
>That's nice. Sometimes you run across blurbs that you, when you have
>read the book, are certain were written by someone who had the plot
>badly explained to them hurriedly over the phone and never actually
>saw the book at all.

A good example is Martin Caidan's "Beamriders". The blurb describes a
mission undertaken by a team of, well, Beam Riders - people transmitted by
laser beam sort of like a Star TTrek transporter beam. However, the book
itself covers the invention of the beam and its testing. The last page of
the book sees them go off on the mission itself. Some cliffhanger.

Ssirienna

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Apr 4, 2003, 3:14:19 PM4/4/03

to

"The Stainless Steel Cat" <stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:BAB3A2889...@atuin.demon.co.uk...

> In article <j1dr8v8u4dv4mqi1g...@4ax.com>,
> MP <mpj...@bleurgh.net> wrote:
>
> ><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover13.jpg>
> ><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover14.jpg>
> >
> >And I'm not doing any more! Someone else's turn!
>
> Nice.
>
> Here's a quick hack on getting a complete dust-jacket from MP's covers;
>
> http://www.atuin.demon.co.uk/Cat_FB1.jpg
>
> It *should* print out to the correct size, but since my printer refuses to
> print without dirty great margins, I can't quite check.
>
> Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.
>

What about using Greycat's effort?

http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg

Ssirienna

MP

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Apr 4, 2003, 3:25:12 PM4/4/03

to

On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 20:58:48 +0100, stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk (The
Stainless Steel Cat) wrote:

>In article <j1dr8v8u4dv4mqi1g...@4ax.com>,
>MP <mpj...@bleurgh.net> wrote:
>
>><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover13.jpg>
>><http://www.bleurgh.net/photos/fbcover14.jpg>
>>
>>And I'm not doing any more! Someone else's turn!
>
>Nice.
>
>Here's a quick hack on getting a complete dust-jacket from MP's covers;
>
>http://www.atuin.demon.co.uk/Cat_FB1.jpg
>
>It *should* print out to the correct size, but since my printer refuses to
>print without dirty great margins, I can't quite check.
>
>Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.

That's good. If you want to do it again with the last image, I've
adjusted the colour of the text - "Lisa Williams" was a little hard to
read on that version... :-)

MP (who only has a black and white printer at the moment)

CCA

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Apr 4, 2003, 3:37:34 PM4/4/03

to

Graycat (>gra...@passagen.se) wrote

> Sometimes you run across blurbs that you, when you have
>read the book, are certain were written by someone who had the plot
>badly explained to them hurriedly over the phone and never actually
>saw the book at all.

Like James Bibby's 'Shapestone' for instance. The person writing the blurb had
obviously never read the book, and got one thing badly wrong -- he referred to
one character as the heroine's fiance rather than her brother, which he was.
CCA:)

CCA

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Apr 4, 2003, 4:10:11 PM4/4/03

to

Graycat (>gra...@passagen.se) wrote

>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg

I like that one too!
You afpers are a talented lot...
:-)
CCA:)

CCA

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Apr 4, 2003, 4:17:10 PM4/4/03

to

The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote

>Here's a quick hack on getting a complete dust-jacket from MP's covers;
>
>http://www.atuin.demon.co.uk/Cat_FB1.jpg

I'm well impressed with that:-)
Now, how do I print about two hundred out and persuade my publishers to use
them...?
CCA:)

Jon

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Apr 4, 2003, 4:25:15 PM4/4/03

to

þus cwæð CCA;

200! I sincerely hope there's more than 200 copies of FB out there or I'm
/never/ gonna get one!

<stamps foot> Wanna! Wannabookie now! Waaah!

--
Go n-ithe an cat thú, is go n-ithe an ailigéadar an cat!

http://members.aol.com/brierleyjon/
http://www.livejournal.com/users/sloopjonb/
remove 'notme' to reply
AFPfiance to Ssirienna, chocolate baths a speciality

Graycat

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Apr 4, 2003, 4:42:44 PM4/4/03

to

On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 19:37:12 GMT, "Ssirienna"
<ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:

>
>Oooh!
>I liked MP's ones but that's GOOD!
>Your original one with the glass looked too insipid - wasn't easy to read
>But *this* looks great :-)

Well, thank you :o) Let's call it a collaboration since it is on MPs
ideas.

Graycat

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Apr 4, 2003, 5:31:27 PM4/4/03

to

On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 20:14:19 GMT, "Ssirienna"
<ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:

>> Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.
>>
>
>What about using Greycat's effort?
>
>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg

http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/Cat_FB1.jpg

Well, I don't know about better...I had trouble with the blurb - PSP
didn't want to work with text the same way I wanted...

Speaker-to-Customers

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Apr 4, 2003, 5:39:07 PM4/4/03

to

Graycat wrote:

> "Ssirienna" wrote:
>
>
>>> Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.
>>>
>>
>> What about using Greycat's effort?
>>
>> http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg
>
> http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/Cat_FB1.jpg
>
> Well, I don't know about better...I had trouble with the blurb - PSP
> didn't want to work with text the same way I wanted...

<Nitpick> The cocktail glass should be lower down, in line with the lower
case letters rather than the upper case, and therefore perhaps a little
smaller. It would be easier to tell that it was a "y" then.

Very good apart from that.

Paul Speaker-to-Customers
--
"Bother!" said Pooh. "My name is Master Pooh, and there is a slight flaw in
my character."

PussInSpooks

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Apr 4, 2003, 5:38:13 PM4/4/03

to

>Graycat writes

>
>and again
>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg
>

I like, very classy but a little bit quirky. To be honest I think I might have
read the book in a slightly different light if it had had that cover.

Dom

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Apr 4, 2003, 7:01:30 PM4/4/03

to

On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 22:31:27 GMT, Graycat wrote:
>On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 20:14:19 GMT, "Ssirienna"
><ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>> Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.
>>
>>What about using Greycat's effort?
>>
>>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg
>
>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/Cat_FB1.jpg
>
>Well, I don't know about better...I had trouble with the blurb - PSP
>didn't want to work with text the same way I wanted...

I tried this one (dropped the glass a bit, as suggested).
My printer wouldn't let me print it large enough to do a proper
job, and the resolution is not what it would have to be for a
real jacket (obviously - the download would be too big), but -
It really looks good.
--
Dom
afpSlave to the Author

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 5, 2003, 2:28:13 AM4/5/03

to

<Yaaaaawwwnn>
The Stainless Steel Bagpuss wakes up. And when he wakes up... he finds all
his friends have been up for hours.

Bagpuss: Oh. What's been happening?
Mice: We have fixed it, we have fixed it...

In article <vIlja.11865$TZ5.83...@news-text.cableinet.net>,
"Ssirienna" <ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:

>"The Stainless Steel Cat" <stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:BAB3A2889...@atuin.demon.co.uk...

>> Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.
>>
>
>What about using Greycat's effort?

Mmm, I hadn't seen that. Now I've seen it and graycat's dustjacket, I don't
need to try it myself. ;o)

<Yaaaaawwnn>
The Stainless Steel Bagpuss goes back to sleep. And when he's asleep, he's
just a saggy old metal cat...

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 5, 2003, 2:28:14 AM4/5/03

to

In article <3e8e0788...@News.CIS.DFN.DE>,
gra...@passagen.se (Graycat) wrote:

>On Fri, 04 Apr 2003 20:14:19 GMT, "Ssirienna"
><ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:
>
>
>>> Hopefully someone can do this a bit better than me.
>>>
>>
>>What about using Greycat's effort?
>>
>>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/fbcoverE2.jpg
>
>http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/Cat_FB1.jpg
>
>Well, I don't know about better...I had trouble with the blurb - PSP
>didn't want to work with text the same way I wanted...

Yes, I think a sans serif font for the blurb would look a bit cleaner, but
otherwise...

...I'm going to have to buy another copy of FB and wrap it in this cover.
;o)

Graycat

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Apr 5, 2003, 5:22:07 AM4/5/03

to

On Fri, 4 Apr 2003 23:39:07 +0100, "Speaker-to-Customers"
<gre...@manx.net> wrote:

><Nitpick> The cocktail glass should be lower down, in line with the lower
>case letters rather than the upper case, and therefore perhaps a little
>smaller. It would be easier to tell that it was a "y" then.

http://www.student.lu.se/~his02ero/Cat_FB2.jpg

here you go

CCA

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Apr 5, 2003, 5:32:28 AM4/5/03

to

Jon (>brierley...@aol.com) wrote

>žus cwęš CCA;

>> The Stainless Steel Cat wrote

>>>Here's a quick hack on getting a complete dust-jacket from MP's
>>>covers;
>>>
>>>http://www.atuin.demon.co.uk/Cat_FB1.jpg

>> I'm well impressed with that:-)
>> Now, how do I print about two hundred out and persuade my publishers
>> to use them...?
>> CCA:)

>200! I sincerely hope there's more than 200 copies of FB out there or I'm
>/never/ gonna get one!

I should think there are quite a few more than that -- I'm just trying not to
be over-optimistic...

><stamps foot> Wanna! Wannabookie now! Waaah!

You shall have one, don't worry about that. But while you're waiting <looks
around furtively for Ssirienna> how about some chocolate...?;-)
CCA:)

Sylvain Chambon

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Apr 5, 2003, 6:06:53 AM4/5/03

to

In article <20030405053228...@mb-ci.aol.com>, sphia9341
@aol.com says...

> Jon (>brierley...@aol.com) wrote
>
> >žus cwęš CCA;

> >> Now, how do I print about two hundred out and persuade my publishers
> >> to use them...?
>

> >200! I sincerely hope there's more than 200 copies of FB out there or I'm
> >/never/ gonna get one!
>
> I should think there are quite a few more than that -- I'm just trying not to
> be over-optimistic...

Doesn't your publisher tell you the number of copies printed, sold,
reprinted, etc?

I've been reading a bit on publishing contracts and legislation, and it
is an obligation in France, as far as I understand it.

Sylvain.

Graycat

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Apr 5, 2003, 7:39:17 AM4/5/03

to

On Sat, 05 Apr 2003 08:28:14 +0100, stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk (The
Stainless Steel Cat) wrote:

>
>...I'm going to have to buy another copy of FB and wrap it in this cover.
>;o)

I just realised, that might be tricky, I forgot about the bits that
wrap around the cover to keep the dust-jacket in place... The bit
that's supposed to have the author-picture and the author info on it.

ah well

Ssirienna

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Apr 5, 2003, 9:04:19 AM4/5/03

to

"CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030405053228...@mb-ci.aol.com...

AHHA!

*pounces on her chocolate covered mentor*

GOTCHA!!

*assumes begging position*
Where's mine then ;o>>

Ssirienna

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Apr 5, 2003, 9:07:06 AM4/5/03

to

"The Stainless Steel Cat" <stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk> wrote in message

news:BAB4441D9...@atuin.demon.co.uk...

> <Yaaaaawwwnn>
> The Stainless Steel Bagpuss wakes up. And when he wakes up... he finds all
> his friends have been up for hours.
>
> Bagpuss: Oh. What's been happening?
> Mice: We have fixed it, we have fixed it...
>

(snipped middle bit)

>
> <Yaaaaawwnn>
> The Stainless Steel Bagpuss goes back to sleep. And when he's asleep, he's
> just a saggy old metal cat...
>

But everyone loved him :-)

Ssirienna

Cathy Young

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Apr 5, 2003, 10:23:37 AM4/5/03

to

"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote in message news:<b6kt5o$6g89r$1...@ID-184931.news.dfncis.de>...

> 200! I sincerely hope there's more than 200 copies of FB out there or I'm
> /never/ gonna get one!

A message which, when encountered through trying to catch up with 2642
afp messages since 12 days ago[1], had the effect of making me grab my
brother and his credit card and log onto Amazon.co.uk to order it
(along with the new DW companion). FB's been on my wishlist for ages
now (see http://cyoung85.port5.com/books.html#buy) and I thought I'd
better buy it quickly before there are no copies out there in the
wild...

Cathy

[1] I thought it was summer time! Aren't we meant to be slowing down
about now?

CCA

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Apr 5, 2003, 12:31:30 PM4/5/03

to

Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote

>"The Stainless Steel Cat" wrote

>> The Stainless Steel Bagpuss goes back to sleep. And when he's asleep, he's

>> just a saggy old metal cat...

>But everyone loved him :-)

Especially his Jazz-Loving Soulmate:-)
CCA:)

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 5, 2003, 1:22:21 PM4/5/03

to

In article <20030405123130...@mb-fb.aol.com>,
sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:

Aww! Aren't you both sweet?

(Note to self: blatent fishing works. Must do more often... ;o)

Ssirienna

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Apr 5, 2003, 2:32:52 PM4/5/03

to

"The Stainless Steel Cat" <stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk> wrote in message

news:BAB4DD6D9...@atuin.demon.co.uk...

> In article <20030405123130...@mb-fb.aol.com>,
> sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:
>
> >Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote
> >
> >>"The Stainless Steel Cat" wrote
> >
> >>> The Stainless Steel Bagpuss goes back to sleep. And when he's asleep,
he's
> >>> just a saggy old metal cat...
> >
> >>But everyone loved him :-)
> >
> >Especially his Jazz-Loving Soulmate:-)
>
> Aww! Aren't you both sweet?

*coyly twirls toe in front of her*
Aww Shucks! ;-)

>
> (Note to self: blatent fishing works. Must do more often... ;o)
>

Isn't that the normal thing for a cat to do anyway?
But I happen to be a Postgate fan too - so the Bagpuss quote will get
an automatic follow on .... I can't help it anymore! :-)

But you two *do* look good together :-)

*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*
*moves away humming Rhapsody in Blue to self and smelling the long stemmed
red roses which magically appear in her arms*

Ssirienna
(ahh! romance :-)

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 5, 2003, 4:14:43 PM4/5/03

to

In article <EbGja.12718$ig.90...@news-text.cableinet.net>,
"Ssirienna" <ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:

>Isn't that the normal thing for a cat to do anyway?
>But I happen to be a Postgate fan too - so the Bagpuss quote will get
>an automatic follow on .... I can't help it anymore! :-)

Oh, have you read Oliver Postgate's autobiography?

(Seeing Things - ISBN 0-330-39000-7)

It's a remarkable story, I'd recommend it to anyone who's ever watched
Bagpuss, the Clangers or Noggin the Nog.

(Or Ivor the Engine, the Pogles, Pingwings...)

Cat.

Ssirienna

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Apr 5, 2003, 4:57:18 PM4/5/03

to

"The Stainless Steel Cat" <stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk> wrote in message

news:BAB505D39...@atuin.demon.co.uk...

> In article <EbGja.12718$ig.90...@news-text.cableinet.net>,
> "Ssirienna" <ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> wrote:
>
> >Isn't that the normal thing for a cat to do anyway?
> >But I happen to be a Postgate fan too - so the Bagpuss quote will get
> >an automatic follow on .... I can't help it anymore! :-)
>
> Oh, have you read Oliver Postgate's autobiography?
>
> (Seeing Things - ISBN 0-330-39000-7)

Absolutely :-))
On my shelf and has been read more than once!!!

>
> It's a remarkable story, I'd recommend it to anyone who's ever watched
> Bagpuss, the Clangers or Noggin the Nog.
>
> (Or Ivor the Engine, the Pogles, Pingwings...)
>

*grin*
Have all the above on video/dvd except the Pogles and the Pingwings
(but I never got to see the Pingwings)

Have now got my kids addicted too :-)
Have you visited the Friendly Dragon Society page?
Manned by a very nice man called Loaf :-)

Ssirienna
(shirti-cuff, shirti-cuff, shirti-cuff ... poop poop!)

Martyn Clapham

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Apr 5, 2003, 5:27:54 PM4/5/03

to

In message <EbGja.12718$ig.90...@news-text.cableinet.net>, Ssirienna
<ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> writes
[ hack ]

>But you two *do* look good together :-)
>
>*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*
>*moves away humming Rhapsody in Blue to self and smelling the long stemmed
>red roses which magically appear in her arms*
>
>Ssirienna
>(ahh! romance :-)

Excuse me. _I'm_ CCAs afpslave, not that flaming cat. ( And anyway I'm
sure I'm much better looking[1] ).

Mart.

[1] For those who have met me, and are wondering just I came up with
_that_ idea, I'll just say that I hope I will be by CCDE as by then I'll
have, hopefully, overcome my fear of needles and got a real smile back.
( First appointment, Tuesday morning :-( )
--
Sig will re-appear after I recover it.
6 years and counting!

CCA

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Apr 5, 2003, 5:48:24 PM4/5/03

to

Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote

>But you two *do* look good together :-)
>
>*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*

<g> May I pay yourself and Jon the same compliment?

>*moves away humming Rhapsody in Blue to self and smelling the long stemmed
>red roses which magically appear in her arms*

A well-chosen chocolate-covered devotee, I reckon...
;-)
CCA:)

sjb351

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Apr 5, 2003, 11:46:54 PM4/5/03

to

Good luck getting an author photo. From the pics from the Leicester meet,
she ducks & weaves pretty well.

sjb351

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Apr 6, 2003, 12:29:04 AM4/6/03

to

>
> ><stamps foot> Wanna! Wannabookie now! Waaah!
>
> You shall have one, don't worry about that. But while you're waiting
<looks
> around furtively for Ssirienna> how about some chocolate...?;-)
> CCA:)

Oh, bugger, here we go again.....I was just counting my blessings (and, as
it ultimately has turned out, my chickens) that this thread was so far
chocolate-free. Such is life. Are we sure CCA doesn't stand for 'Cavity
Cultivation Anonymous'? No wonder you guys go through so many keyboards.

Just on the cover (I have been keeping quiet as, whilst I am a great
spectator wrt things artistic, my contributions are small in scale and merit
(think ugly postage stamps and you've pretty much got me pegged, I s'pose)),
I have found myself wondering why they used the original cover in the first
place. Could it be that it was angled towards a younger set of readers for
whom the cover may have been (surely erroneously) considered to be
attractive? There must have been *some* logic behind it, surely? Of course
this could be a naive assumption. I do that occasionally.
I'd like to add my emphatic applause (like the regular kind, only you look
sillier) to the collected efforts herein at the new cover. It looks great.
My own mental impression was perhaps a little whackier, but style never goes
out of, er, well, style.

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 6, 2003, 12:58:00 AM4/6/03

to

In article <iN6LhsBq...@pendlesider.demon.co.uk>,
Martyn Clapham <afp...@pendlesider.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>In message <EbGja.12718$ig.90...@news-text.cableinet.net>, Ssirienna
><ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk> writes
>[ hack ]
>>But you two *do* look good together :-)
>>
>>*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*
>>*moves away humming Rhapsody in Blue to self and smelling the long stemmed
>>red roses which magically appear in her arms*
>>
>>Ssirienna
>>(ahh! romance :-)
>
>Excuse me. _I'm_ CCAs afpslave, not that flaming cat. ( And anyway I'm
>sure I'm much better looking[1] ).

Oh no you're not!

(Not much of a flame, but I do try to live up to people's expectation's of
me.)

All right sirrah! <Throws glove - a lilac Marigold> Chocolate pistols at
dawn.

And may the best mammal win!

CCA, should I not return from this field of honour, please keep this token
in remembrance of me; the most precious posession any cat can have...
<Drops gold model of a half-eaten mouse on the floor.>

Jon

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Apr 6, 2003, 3:45:34 AM4/6/03

to

þus cwæð CCA;
> Jon (>brierley...@aol.com) wrote
>
>>þus cwæð CCA;

<snaffles choccie, grins evilly> *and*, I've got the bloody book now! I
think I can safely say that it is the only copy so far to have been read at
half-time at a Torquay United away match. Good so far; will expand on this
topic (and possibly Mars bars, Milky Ways and KitKats as well) when
finished.

Jon

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Apr 6, 2003, 4:47:37 AM4/6/03

to

þus cwæð Ssirienna;

Oh, damn, another book to buy. I'll never be rich. Does it start, 'In the
lands of the North, where the nights are long, the Northmen sit around their
fires and tell stories ...'?

Jon

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Apr 6, 2003, 4:56:25 AM4/6/03

to

þus cwæð CCA;

> Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote
>
>>But you two *do* look good together :-)
>>
>>*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*
>
> <g> May I pay yourself and Jon the same compliment?

Is she calling me smart? Never. Do not be for a moment fooled by the pics on
the website. That was the only day I ever dressed up smart in my whole life.
<reads CCA's post again> Oh, sorry, I'm not being called smart. That's a
relief.

Yes, we do look good together though ... twirls Ssirienna round the
dancefloor to the strains of a rather nifty band (led by the Duke, and
featuring Teddy Wilson as guest pianist, Lionel Hampton on vibes and Django
Reinhardt on guitar), carefully avoiding a steel cat who is cutting a rug
with a certain famous author .....

The Stainless Steel Cat

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 5:09:13 AM4/6/03

to

In article <b6oq1t$7ilv5$1...@ID-184931.news.dfncis.de>,
"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote:

>žus cwęš CCA;

>> Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote
>>
>>>But you two *do* look good together :-)
>>>
>>>*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*
>>
>> <g> May I pay yourself and Jon the same compliment?
>
>Is she calling me smart? Never. Do not be for a moment fooled by the pics on
>the website. That was the only day I ever dressed up smart in my whole life.
><reads CCA's post again> Oh, sorry, I'm not being called smart. That's a
>relief.
>
>Yes, we do look good together though ... twirls Ssirienna round the
>dancefloor to the strains of a rather nifty band (led by the Duke, and
>featuring Teddy Wilson as guest pianist, Lionel Hampton on vibes and Django
>Reinhardt on guitar),

Man, that's a great band.

>carefully avoiding a steel cat who is cutting a rug
>with a certain famous author .....

Sorry about that, I keep meaning to get these claws trimmed...

Sylvain Chambon

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Apr 6, 2003, 6:25:16 AM4/6/03

to

In article <3e8fbb38$0$16257$afc3...@news.optusnet.com.au>, sjb351
@yahoo.com.au says...

[FB cover]

> I have found myself wondering why they used the original cover in the first
> place. Could it be that it was angled towards a younger set of readers for
> whom the cover may have been (surely erroneously) considered to be
> attractive? There must have been *some* logic behind it, surely?

"Humourous fantasy" implies "Cartoonish cover".

You can't escape it.

(then there's the artist just being, y'know, crap at doing cartoonish).

Sylvain.

Graycat

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Apr 6, 2003, 7:41:29 AM4/6/03

to

On Sun, 6 Apr 2003 14:46:54 +1000, "sjb351" <sjb...@yahoo.com.au>
wrote:

>Good luck getting an author photo. From the pics from the Leicester meet,
>she ducks & weaves pretty well.

Yes, I noticed. She's also not in the a-files and I don't have a
reliable bio, though since this cover is an afp-special I could make
it up from her on-group persona.

Graycat

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 7:44:42 AM4/6/03

to

On Sun, 6 Apr 2003 15:29:04 +1000, "sjb351" <sjb...@yahoo.com.au>
wrote:

>I'd like to add my emphatic applause (like the regular kind, only you look
>sillier) to the collected efforts herein at the new cover. It looks great.
>My own mental impression was perhaps a little whackier, but style never goes
>out of, er, well, style.

Well, for me, I haven't read it, so I don't have much of an impression
and just basically used MPs picture and CCAs blurb as a basis.

CCA

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 7:49:51 AM4/6/03

to

sjb351(>sjb...@yahoo.com.au) wrote

>Good luck getting an author photo. From the pics from the Leicester meet,
>she ducks & weaves pretty well.

I don't mind having my photo taken, it's just that a few times flashes went off
when I wasn't expecting them (hence the photos of me looking as if I was
cowering -- I wasn't, honest!)
I will have a photo on A-Files as soon as I can. And it'd be nice to see you
there too, sjb -- I'd like to find out what my afp-favourite-nephew looks
like;-)
CCA:)

CCA

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 7:55:42 AM4/6/03

to

Martyn Clapham (>afp...@pendlesider.demon.co.uk) wrote

>Excuse me. _I'm_ CCAs afpslave, not that flaming cat. ( And anyway I'm
>sure I'm much better looking[1] ).

Do not worry, afpslave, I have equal time for all my slaves, jazz soulmates,
harem masters, chocolate-covering devotees, official gold-looker-afterers,
first-class-transporters and afpiances. And anyone I might have inadvertantly
missed out.

>[1] For those who have met me, and are wondering just I came up with
>_that_ idea, I'll just say that I hope I will be by CCDE as by then I'll
>have, hopefully, overcome my fear of needles and got a real smile back.

And don't worry about your smile either -- I saw that smile grinning at me in
Waterstones when I was very nervous, and immediately thought "he looks like a
nice chap"
(And that goes for everyone else at the Leics. meet too -- I must go to some
more meets soon!)
CCA:)

sjb351

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 8:16:40 AM4/6/03

to

Bugger. I should have known that would backfire.
No point. Head that only a mother could look long enough upon to hit with a
lump of wood.
--
_____________________
Stupidity = Naivety x Time

CCA

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 8:38:55 AM4/6/03

to

The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote

>Martyn Clapham <afp...@pendlesider.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>>Excuse me. _I'm_ CCAs afpslave, not that flaming cat. ( And anyway I'm
>>sure I'm much better looking[1] ).

>Oh no you're not!
>
>(Not much of a flame, but I do try to live up to people's expectation's of
>me.)
>All right sirrah! <Throws glove - a lilac Marigold> Chocolate pistols at
>dawn.
>And may the best mammal win!

Cat, no-one is having a duel over me. I have equal time for all my
afp-relationships, and certainly don't want to see any of them get injured in
battle. Even slightly.

><Drops gold model of a half-eaten mouse on the floor.>

As a cat person, I know how high a token of esteem this is (although my cat's
tokens esteem are usually leaves -- and being Persian, she usually collects
them in her tail).
All of my afp-relationships are equally highly valued (and that goes for the
three that are absent from keyboards ATM too). No duels are going to take
place here.
Not when we could be listening to some good music instead. (Gets Miles Davies
CD out)
CCA:), many afp-roles to many people<g>

CCA

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Apr 6, 2003, 8:51:46 AM4/6/03

to

The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote

>"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote:

>... twirls Ssirienna round the
>>dancefloor to the strains of a rather nifty band (led by the Duke, and
>>featuring Teddy Wilson as guest pianist, Lionel Hampton on vibes and Django
>>Reinhardt on guitar),

>Man, that's a great band.

I'll say. May I suggest Anita O'Dey, Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan as guest
vocals?

>>carefully avoiding a steel cat who is cutting a rug
>>with a certain famous author .....

>Sorry about that, I keep meaning to get these claws trimmed...

As long as you keep them out of the furniture<g>...
CCA:)

The Stainless Steel Cat

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Apr 6, 2003, 8:55:37 AM4/6/03

to

In article <20030406083855...@mb-ft.aol.com>,
sphi...@aol.com (CCA) wrote:

>The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote
>
>>Martyn Clapham <afp...@pendlesider.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>>Excuse me. _I'm_ CCAs afpslave, not that flaming cat. ( And anyway I'm
>>>sure I'm much better looking[1] ).
>
>>Oh no you're not!
>>
>>(Not much of a flame, but I do try to live up to people's expectation's of
>>me.)
>>All right sirrah! <Throws glove - a lilac Marigold> Chocolate pistols at
>>dawn.
>>And may the best mammal win!
>
>Cat, no-one is having a duel over me. I have equal time for all my
>afp-relationships, and certainly don't want to see any of them get injured in
>battle. Even slightly.

Oh good. I wasn't looking forward to getting up that early anyway.
<Eats chocolate pistol, hands the special orange chocolate one to Martyn>

>><Drops gold model of a half-eaten mouse on the floor.>
>
>As a cat person, I know how high a token of esteem this is (although my cat's
>tokens esteem are usually leaves -- and being Persian, she usually collects
>them in her tail).

So... if there's not going to be a duel... can I have it back?

Cat. ;o)

CCA

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Apr 6, 2003, 8:54:25 AM4/6/03

to

Graycat (>gra...@passagen.se) wrote

>"sjb351" <sjb...@yahoo.com.au>
>wrote:

>>Good luck getting an author photo. From the pics from the Leicester meet,
>>she ducks & weaves pretty well.

>Yes, I noticed. She's also not in the a-files and I don't have a
>reliable bio, though since this cover is an afp-special I could make
>it up from her on-group persona.

Hmmm...
I'm imagining what that would be like...including the words 'gold' and
'chocolate' a few times?
Quite a good idea, actually, I like the thought of it;-)
CCA:)

John Tierney

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Apr 6, 2003, 8:56:13 AM4/6/03

to

In article <b6olt4$7itkd$1...@ID-184931.news.dfncis.de>, Jon says...

>
> <snaffles choccie, grins evilly> *and*, I've got the bloody book now! I
> think I can safely say that it is the only copy so far to have been read at
> half-time at a Torquay United away match.

You mean the excitement of beating Rochdale wasn't too much for you?
Wow! I thought we terrified all other teams, (or maybe just put them
into hysterics :-( )

--
The Senior Wrangler
I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers done.

Jon

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Apr 6, 2003, 11:22:09 AM4/6/03

to

þus cwæð John Tierney;

> In article <b6olt4$7itkd$1...@ID-184931.news.dfncis.de>, Jon says...
>>
>> <snaffles choccie, grins evilly> *and*, I've got the bloody book
>> now! I think I can safely say that it is the only copy so far to
>> have been read at half-time at a Torquay United away match.
>
> You mean the excitement of beating Rochdale wasn't too much for you?
> Wow! I thought we terrified all other teams, (or maybe just put them
> into hysterics :-( )

Listen, we don't need other teams to terrify us. Watching United trying to
hang on to a 3-0 lead with two minutes to go is terror enough ....

Ssirienna

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 11:24:41 AM4/6/03

to

"CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030406085146...@mb-fv.aol.com...

> The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote
>
> >"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> >... twirls Ssirienna round the
> >>dancefloor to the strains of a rather nifty band (led by the Duke, and
> >>featuring Teddy Wilson as guest pianist, Lionel Hampton on vibes and
Django
> >>Reinhardt on guitar),
>
> >Man, that's a great band.

*dips carefully with chocolate rose momentarily between teeth *

Mmmmmm!

>
> I'll say. May I suggest Anita O'Dey, Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan as
guest
> vocals?

What about Nina Simone & Dinah Washington?

*hums thoughtfully to self*

And would *love* to hear Satchmo too - maybe as a guest :-)

>
> >>carefully avoiding a steel cat who is cutting a rug
> >>with a certain famous author .....
>
> >Sorry about that, I keep meaning to get these claws trimmed...
>
> As long as you keep them out of the furniture<g>...
> CCA:)

*giggles*

But they also act as a great percussion instrument too!

*swirls back into WCB's arms and sashays happily to the music*

Ssirienna

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 11:33:23 AM4/6/03

to

"CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message

news:20030405174824...@mb-cv.aol.com...

> Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote
>
> >But you two *do* look good together :-)
> >
> >*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*
>
> <g> May I pay yourself and Jon the same compliment?

Aww shucks :-)
Having seen your photo on the unofficial meets - that's very kind - you look
lovely!
(mind you Jon was *very* dashing in his wedding photos - so we're half way
there :-)

>
> >*moves away humming Rhapsody in Blue to self and smelling the long
stemmed
> >red roses which magically appear in her arms*
>
> A well-chosen chocolate-covered devotee, I reckon...
> ;-)
> CCA:)

Did you ever doubt me :-)

*moves on to Unforgettable*

Ssirienna
(Happy Birthday to me :)
>

Jon

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 11:41:29 AM4/6/03

to

þus cwæð Ssirienna;

> "CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:20030406085146...@mb-fv.aol.com...
>> The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote
>>
>> >"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote:
>>
>> >... twirls Ssirienna round the
>> >>dancefloor to the strains of a rather nifty band (led by the Duke,
>> >>and featuring Teddy Wilson as guest pianist, Lionel Hampton on
>> >>vibes and Django Reinhardt on guitar),
>>
>> >Man, that's a great band.
>
> *dips carefully with chocolate rose momentarily between teeth *
>
> Mmmmmm!
>>
>> I'll say. May I suggest Anita O'Dey, Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah
>> Vaughan as guest vocals?
>
> What about Nina Simone & Dinah Washington?

Nina could also spell Teddy on the joanna ... hey, let's have a torch song
while we rest from the dance ... Ladies and Gentlemen, the immortal, the
inimtable, Miss Billie Holliday!

>
> *swirls back into WCB's arms and sashays happily to the music*
>
> Ssirienna

Can we have a green spot on this next bit, please? Thank-you. <green>
Whom (grammar) is this WCB person?</green>

CCA

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 12:14:13 PM4/6/03

to

Jon (>brierley...@aol.com) wrote

>žus cwęš Ssirienna;

>> *swirls back into WCB's arms and sashays happily to the music*
>>
>> Ssirienna

>Can we have a green spot on this next bit, please? Thank-you. <green>
>Whom (grammar) is this WCB person?</green>

Wonderful Chocolate-Bather?
CCA:)

Dom

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 12:23:37 PM4/6/03

to

On 06 Apr 2003 12:38:55 GMT, CCA wrote:

(snip duel of the afpSlaves)

>Cat, no-one is having a duel over me. I have equal time for all my
>afp-relationships, and certainly don't want to see any of them get injured in
>battle. Even slightly.
>

>All of my afp-relationships are equally highly valued (and that goes for the
>three that are absent from keyboards ATM too). No duels are going to take
>place here.

Wasn't absent from keyboard, just watching to see the result, and if I could
sneak in and nick the chocolate:-)
--
Dom
One afpSlave among many to CCA.

CCA

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Apr 6, 2003, 12:31:21 PM4/6/03

to

Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote

>"CCA" wrote

>> Ssirienna wrote

>> >But you two *do* look good together :-)
>> >
>> >*smiles at gold clad CCA and tuxedo smart Cat*

>> <g> May I pay yourself and Jon the same compliment?

>Aww shucks :-)
>Having seen your photo on the unofficial meets - that's very kind - you look
>lovely!

<g> Thank you...
I don't usually like photos of myself (hence no author photo on the book and no
A-Files photo yet) but there were some nice ones taken at the meet.

>mind you Jon was *very* dashing in his wedding photos

I thought so too.
Now, I know what most of my afpiances look like and have met two of them, but
I've never seen any photos of Dom (afpslave) Cat (jazz-loving soulmate) or
Marco (harem master -- I know there's a photo of him in the A-Files but his
face is mainly covered by the hood he's wearing in it). Anyone know of any
on-line photos of those guys? I'd be interested;-)

>> A well-chosen chocolate-covered devotee, I reckon...
>> ;-)
>> CCA:)

>Did you ever doubt me :-)

Never, never, never...

>*moves on to Unforgettable*

Which, by the way, used to be on an advert for chocolate. Thought I'd just
mention that.

>Ssirienna
>(Happy Birthday to me :)

It's your birthday?
Hang on a moment...
<Goes up to band full of good jazz musicians and whispers in Louis Armstrong's
ear>

CCA:)
[1] You'll have to use your imagination for the voice...

Dom

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 12:40:13 PM4/6/03

to

On 06 Apr 2003 16:31:21 GMT, CCA wrote:
(piccies)

>I don't usually like photos of myself (hence no author photo on the book and no
>A-Files photo yet) but there were some nice ones taken at the meet.
>

>Now, I know what most of my afpiances look like and have met two of them, but
>I've never seen any photos of Dom (afpslave) Cat (jazz-loving soulmate) or
>Marco (harem master -- I know there's a photo of him in the A-Files but his
>face is mainly covered by the hood he's wearing in it). Anyone know of any
>on-line photos of those guys? I'd be interested;-)

There are no online pictures of me - yet. And very few offline ones -
the cameras have a habit of breaking;-)

I shall have to set up some web pages and try to find an old photo to scan
in and upload. I think I've got one of me back in '75.
>
(Unforgettable)

>
>Which, by the way, used to be on an advert for chocolate. Thought I'd just
>mention that.

#Unforgetabubble, that's what you are...
--
Dom
Faceless afpSlave of CCA:-)

"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:b6php7$7jsqc$1...@ID-184931.news.dfncis.de...
> žus cwęš Ssirienna;

> > "CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:20030406085146...@mb-fv.aol.com...
> >> The Stainless Steel Cat (>stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk) wrote
> >>
> >> >"Jon" <brierley...@aol.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> >... twirls Ssirienna round the
> >> >>dancefloor to the strains of a rather nifty band (led by the Duke,
> >> >>and featuring Teddy Wilson as guest pianist, Lionel Hampton on
> >> >>vibes and Django Reinhardt on guitar),
> >>
> >> >Man, that's a great band.
> >
> > *dips carefully with chocolate rose momentarily between teeth *
> >
> > Mmmmmm!
> >>
> >> I'll say. May I suggest Anita O'Dey, Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah
> >> Vaughan as guest vocals?
> >
> > What about Nina Simone & Dinah Washington?
>
> Nina could also spell Teddy on the joanna ... hey, let's have a torch song
> while we rest from the dance ... Ladies and Gentlemen, the immortal, the
> inimtable, Miss Billie Holliday!

Ooooohhhhh!!!

>
> >
> > *swirls back into WCB's arms and sashays happily to the music*
> >
> > Ssirienna
>
> Can we have a green spot on this next bit, please? Thank-you. <green>
> Whom (grammar) is this WCB person?</green>
>

*ahem*

Please note sig below ..... hint hint ......!!
*rolls eyes in mock despair*

and back to the dancing!

--
Ssirienna

AFPfiancee to Delectable Jon the Warm Chocolate Bather!
AFPfiancee to Aquarion (the Phoenix-like!!!)
AFPrey to sjb351
Chocolate Covered Devotee of her Chocolate Covered Mentor, CCA

Ssirienna

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Apr 6, 2003, 2:31:42 PM4/6/03

to

"Dom " <dom...@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dwYja.13521$d92.96...@news-text.cableinet.net...

Man after my own heart ;-))

*realises what just wrote*

Figuratively speaking of course!!!!!
*absently filches some chocolate and sidles back to the dancing*

Ssirienna

unread,

Apr 6, 2003, 2:42:42 PM4/6/03

to

"CCA" <sphi...@aol.com> wrote in message

news:20030406123121...@mb-ct.aol.com...

> Ssirienna (>ssir...@blueyonder.nospamXX.co.uk) wrote
>
> >"CCA" wrote
>
> >> Ssirienna wrote
>

(snipped some bits)

> >mind you Jon was *very* dashing in his wedding photos
>
> I thought so too.
> Now, I know what most of my afpiances look like and have met two of them,
but
> I've never seen any photos of Dom (afpslave) Cat (jazz-loving soulmate) or
> Marco (harem master -- I know there's a photo of him in the A-Files but
his
> face is mainly covered by the hood he's wearing in it). Anyone know of
any
> on-line photos of those guys? I'd be interested;-)

Can't help there but I *can* direct you to a photo of me!
Not my best one ... but am reasonably happy with it:-)

http://ultimategoddess.virtualave.net/saintsandsinners/staff2.htm

Was pregnant with No 1 son at the time and had arm round Oz
friend also pregnant with No 1 daughter :-))

>
> >> A well-chosen chocolate-covered devotee, I reckon...
> >> ;-)
> >> CCA:)
>
> >Did you ever doubt me :-)
>
> Never, never, never...
>
> >*moves on to Unforgettable*
>
> Which, by the way, used to be on an advert for chocolate. Thought I'd
just
> mention that.

*nods*

>
> >Ssirienna
> >(Happy Birthday to me :)
>
> It's your birthday?
> Hang on a moment...
> <Goes up to band full of good jazz musicians and whispers in Louis
Armstrong's
> ear>
>
> <Satchmo does one of those "ahem..." things to get everyone's attention>
>
> <Band plays
> "Happy Birthday to you
> Happy Birthday to you,
> Happy Birthday Miss Ssirienna,
> Happy Birthday to you..."[1]>
>
> <Django Rheinhardt presents Ssirienna with large bouquet of chocolate
roses>
>
> CCA:)
> [1] You'll have to use your imagination for the voice...
>

*blush*

I'm overwhelmed :-)
*starts nibbling roses carefully*

I get my ration of *REALLY* good chocolates this month
*happy sigh*

http://www.chocexpress.com/cx1/

Only visit if you're feeling *VERY* strong!!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
The sight/site is NOT for the faint hearted - nor those who are weak willed!

Ssirienna
(safe in the knowledge that she is neither and is looking forward to MORE
chocolate!)

Ssirienna

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Apr 6, 2003, 2:46:22 PM4/6/03

to

"The Stainless Steel Cat" <stee...@atuin.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:BAB62F389...@atuin.demon.co.uk...

Awwwww!

Cute!

(the one holding you up isn't awful either ;-)
*thinks - yep the tux would look OK :-)

Conga-rats Mentor :-))

--
Ssirienna

AFPfiancee to Delectable Jon the Warm Chocolate Bather! (EVEN THOUGH HE
WANDERS! ;)

CCA

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Apr 6, 2003, 3:47:28 PM4/6/03

to

Daibhid Ceannaideach (>daibhidc...@aol.com) wrote

>Anyone at the publisher who thought aiming FB at a young audience was A Good
>Idea should read it. Especially pages... well, most of it, really.

I should show that post to Leics Central Library, who put the poster for FB up
in the kids section (Because all fantasy authors = JK Rowling, right?) Still,
at least they moved it when asked. And at least they put it up...but I'll save
that rant for another time.
Quote from my sister's bloke while reading FB "There's a 'bloody', a 'bugger',
a 'shit' and a 'bastard' on this page.."
CCA:)

Dom

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Apr 6, 2003, 3:55:41 PM4/6/03

to

On 06 Apr 2003 19:47:28 GMT, CCA wrote:
>Daibhid Ceannaideach (>daibhidc...@aol.com) wrote
>
>>Anyone at the publisher who thought aiming FB at a young audience was A Good
>>Idea should read it. Especially pages... well, most of it, really.
>

>Quote from my sister's bloke while reading FB "There's a 'bloody', a 'bugger',
>a 'shit' and a 'bastard' on this page.."
>CCA:)

Yep, that sounds about right for kids these days:-(
--
afpSlave Dom
(Who is working on a website, which will shorty have a pic of me - if I can
find a suitable one;-)

CCA

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Apr 6, 2003, 4:04:29 PM4/6/03

to

Jon (>brierley...@aol.com) wrote

>At the risk of being afpunfaithful to
>anyone who might have a birthday today (not that it seems to bother anybody
>else), please, oh mighty authoress, yclept CCA, (assumes position of
>supplication) may I be considerred, unworthy as I am, being but a humble
>mortal and only very slightly
>published, to be your most menial, nay, your
>most abject afpslave?

<g>As long as Ssirienna doesn't mind...
This is quite a coincidence actually, because I was just thinking this
afternoon "I think I've got enough afp-relationships to be going on with...but
there's just one more I'd like to add to my collection..." ;-)

>In token of my enslavement, I further offer to filk the song of your choice.
>I await your gracious pleasure.

"Waterloo Sunset" by the Kinks. I did try to filk this myself as "Ankh-Morpork
Sunset" a while ago, but didn't get anywhere.
Either that or "Itchycoo Park" by (I think) the Small Faces. I reckon either
of those two would lend themselves well to filking. Or "Grooving On A Sunday
Afternoon"

>Does it matter if I haven't finished the book yet? Only I've got the DW
>Companion to read as well ...

Take the time and read it at your leisure, slave-of-filking-expertise;-)
Now let's see...that's one rocketry slave, one chocolate-covering slave, one
leather-craftsmanship slave and one filking slave. All with their own special
talents. I'm a very lucky afpMistress...
CCA:)