The Dragon-Charmer
In the Most Curious Commissions department, this painting has a prominent place. Alan Lee had done the first of the series, Prospero's Children, in New Zealand, and wasn't able to squeeze in the next cover. It's the first time I've been asked to do a fake Alan Lee, so of course I promptly turned it down. The editor came back, and I turned it down again, but a little less promptly this time. I accepted on the third try, and am very glad I did.
The layout Alan did remains the same, and took me ages to figure out and copy. With a layout from the editor, I filled in the blank bits, trying my best to imitate Alan's inimitable approach.
My only regret: standing in front of the Alan Lee drawer in HarperCollins' London offices and upon being asked if I'd like to borrow Alan's original for reference, I foolishly replied (stupid me!!!) "No, a colour photocopy would do just fine." What WAS I thinking? it could be on my wall now...
Jan Siegal's story is delightful and visually enthralling, by the way.
The Dragon-Charmer - trade paperback
The Dragon-Charmer (Holland)
Cover art for Volume III Witch's Honour
Jan Siegal is actually a pseudonym for fantasy writer Amanda Hemingway. Her site is here.
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