Third Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

Blogger and author, Rachael Harrie, has recently launched the Third Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. The campaign provides an opportunity for writers and bloggers to connect with one another.  In Rachael's own words:

'Basically, the Campaign is a way to link those of us in the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Campaigners are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.'

The Campaign will run from August 22nd to October 31st, but sign-up ends 31st August. You can find out everything you need to join here.

Amazing Animated Trailer: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The blog's been trailer-heavy recently, but I had to post Maggie Stiefvater's latest production. As usual, it's a homegrown project - Maggie and her sister created both the music and animation - and the result is highly original.

I haven't read the novel yet, but I love the visuals.  The book cover has an old school feel and so does the trailer. The story sounds excellent too - in Maggie's own words, "it's about a deadly horse race run at the base of chalk cliffs, and it is all about siblings, repressed love, and revenge."

US residents can enter a contest to win an ARC here. Maggie will send international winners 'something else cool' if they don't have a proxy US address.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Creepiest Trailer Ever?

I've just received a beautiful hardback copy of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children through the post.  I was about to put it to one side - and then I watched the clip below.

I think this has to be one of the most accomplished book trailers I've ever watched.  Filmed in Europe by the author Ransom Riggs, and peppered with real vintage photos that he sourced before he wrote the book, the video is both tantalising and deeply unsettling. 

Unsurprisingly, the film rights have already been sold to 20th Century Fox and if you enjoyed this, you might also be interested in the following clip too, which shows how the author sourced the location for the film (including a freaky place with its own cave/bar).

Based on the above, I can't wait to read the book, although I'm already preparing myself for a few sleepless nights!