Tag Archives: inspiration

Book Two: The Wars that Rage Within

There’s a dual meaning behind the cover of my second book

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The Charging Bull

The second book in ‘The Rhythms of Greedom‘ series features stampeding bulls on the front cover. This is a reference to a specific event during the story, but it also has a deeper meaning.

I based the original sketch and the centre bull on the ‘Charging Bull‘ statue that sits in the Financial District of New York City. The sculpture depicts a bull, the symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity. It is one of the most iconic images of New York and symbolises Wall Street and the financial district.

In many ways the bulls on my front cover represent the greed and financial drive that lie in the heart of mankind’s (often bad) decisions.  This is a fundamental theme that lies throughout the book series that sees a future world run by corporations tear itself apart and abuse the less fortunate.

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I used an iPad and stylus to sketch this illustration, using the app Procreate to draw and build up the layers of texture. Some final tweaks were made using Photoshop before the final cover design was implemented.

The first book in the series (The Kings of the New World) is now just 99p / 99c on Kindle. You can read the first two chapters for free on this blog here. The second book (The Wars that Rage Within) was released  this month and I am currently working on the 3rd instalment.

TROGseries

Inspiration

Inspiration for creating future landscapes in the heart of London’s financial district

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Today, Canary Wharf’s new Cross Rail station opened, even though its new high speed rail line won’t be opening for another three years! The whole place feels like it is set in a science fiction novel, while still fitting in with the rest of the financial district’s glass towers.

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Depending on your approach, you are greeted with an alien walkway that makes you question if you are boarding a spaceship rather than a train station.

CW-CrossRail07The multiple levels of space and open promenades dotted with art installations leads to a tranquil experience.

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Once inside Cross Rail’s new hub, there is a plethora of cafes, bars, restaurants and entertainment. Most impressively is a roof terrace that spans pretty much the full length of the structure. Flora from around the globe, east and west can be found across the terrace with winding paths to help while away your time.

CW-CrossRail01Even on the lower levels there are water features, balconies and occasional abstract portals into the world around you. A great place for UK science fiction writers to visit and find inspiration for creating future landscapes.

CW-CrossRail04In a place where so many people have been squeezed into such a small area, it is inspiring to see how great architecture can be used to allow humans to step away and relax from their daily grind.