This deserves a much lengthier post, because I really can’t overstate how much I adore Brigid Ashwood and her art. We met a few years ago through various steampunk connections, and we’ve been friends ever since.

When it came down to talking about who would do the cover for my Pilgrim, I really couldn’t think of anyone else more suited than Brigid. We both love steampunk, yes, but we’re not married to it. We both have a deep and abiding love for mythology and fantasy, and since that’s at the heart of the book (not to mention its relationship to art in general) I had to ask. And she consented!

Well, the last few weeks she’s been showing me sketches of her work in progress. Suffice it to say I’m absolutely in love with her work right now, and the thrill of getting to see Maddie come to live through art is just an amazing experience. And it’s made all the more special because Brigid and I are friends and share so much.

Anyway, without further ado, please take a look at the progress so far for the cover of Pilgrim of the Sky. There are lots of little Easter Eggs in the frame (the frame itself it taken from the book) including appearances by Maddie’s sort of alter-egos, M’ora and Matilda. The outfit is also taken from descriptions in the book, when Maddie visits Second World (a steampunk alternate world of sorts) and gets all dolled up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.