New concept art: Norbert

Hello readers! Just a short post this week. I’m adding another character doodle to the Highmoor series art collection. This is Norbert, one of the four protagonists, and for those of you that have read the books, I hope that this is somewhere close to your mental image of the character. It might sound odd for an author to admit this, but I never have a very firm grasp of what characters in books really look like – even the ones I write myself. It’s often something of a revelation when I try to draw my own characters, even when I’ve spent years describing them in words.

I’ll admit that finding an appropriate pose for Norbert was a challenge. Unlike the previous characters that I have attempted to draw, he doesn’t have a special sword or magic wizard staff, and he certainly isn’t one for striking unnecessarily epic poses. In the end, I ended up giving him a box to hold, rather than having him standing around looking aimless. Norbert spends a lot of time helping out at the sidelines of battles, rather than getting caught up in scenes of gratuitous violence. Specifically, he ends up helping the medics – although I won’t say anything more in case I spoil something.

To see all the artwork from the Highmoor series, visit the dedicated page. Here, you’ll find similar character doodles, maps from each of the books, and Lego models of various locations.

Progress update

I’m still working on the fourth and final instalment in the Highmoor series. However, my actual real-life job is keeping me busier than ever at the moment. I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I am currently working full-time for the first time, and in my spare time, I’m attempting to publish various works produced during my PhD studies. Obviously this doesn’t leave much leftover time to write novels. Still, I am making progress, even if the pace has slowed. The first draft is almost half-finished (or half-started, depending on your level of cynicism) and I am happy with the way it is turning out.

In summary…

Another drawing has joined the collection. Nia is next on the list, and once the four protagonists are out of the way, I’ll move onto some of the supporting characters – not that I’m setting myself any deadlines. Also, you may have noticed that Sylvre and Synwyr are currently unavailable through Kindle Unlimited. This is only a temporary measure, and they will be back again in the next two weeks (for reasons why, see this post). Happy reading, and have a lovely week!

Links:

Highmoor series page: https://cwclaytonauthor.co.uk/new-series-highmoor/

Amazon bookstore: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BGCRWBTH

Artwork of Eddie: https://cwclaytonauthor.co.uk/2024/10/20/new-concept-art-eddie/

Artwork of Joseph: https://cwclaytonauthor.co.uk/2024/02/18/the-obsidian-sword/