In february 2013 the Australian edition of ‘Negen Open Armen’ will be published by Allen &Unwinn under the title ‘Nine Open Arms’. You can see here two versions of the cover. To me, the sisters left and right seemed to be a bit small, as Muulke, Jes and Fing only differ a year in age. Allen &Unwinn agreed. I felt a bit sorry for the illustrator, I thought he would have to start from scratch. But only an hour later I received the next version. Long live the digital era!
In november 2013 ‘de hemel van Heivisj’ will be published at Querido in a new, special edition for adults. Hopefully it will draw the attention of adult readers who generally overlook YA-books…
On Sunday the 9th of September the first edition of ‘Schrijf schrijver schrijfst’ is being organised. Location: the ECI Cultuurfabriek. I have been invited to be interviewed by Leon Verdonschot. Apart from that I shall be singing a few Limburg songs (11.40-12.20). From 13.30 until 15.00 I shall be giving a workshop entitled ‘Writing children’s books’. Entrance is free. Other participants are, amongst others, Elle Eggels, Jos Rosenboom and Connie Palmen.
The producer Lemming has taken an option to film the book ‘Superhelp’. I shall be writing the scenario for the film. In the meantime a developmental grant has been bestowed, an important step towards the finished film. On the basis of a two-year trajectory, and if all goes well, the film should come out in 2014 or 2015.
‘Negen Open Armen’ is already being/has already been translated in Germany, France, South Africa and Korea. Another two translations are being added, and they’re quite something. America has bought the rights (Enchanted Lion) and Australia (Allen and Unwinn) will also be publishing the book.