As well as trying to tell a good story, there's a sub-agenda to Johnny Mackintosh and the Spirit of London in that it uses real science in an exciting way wherever possible, in the hope that this will inspire kids to become more interested in the way the real universe works.

The Manchester Literature Festival is currently running a competition called the Big Science Read.

I don't think I'm competing with any other YWO members for this, so it would be lovely if some of you could vote for my book in the competition. Here's the form. I'm pretty sure you don't need to give a reason, but I'm disappointed that the suggested titles they list aren't for children so the only people who would be likely to be interested are adult readers already into science-themed books. They're sadly not broadening anyone's horizons.

In a former life I was a theoretical physicist so Johnny Mackintosh is full of accurate astronomy and astrophysics, advanced computing systems, DNA tests, the flora and fauna of the late Cretaceous period on Earth and things like a space elevator. The idea is to have it all there but make sure it doesn't get in the way of a good yarn.

Should Johnny win, just think what a great story it will be for YWO too!!!

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time and trouble.

Keith www.keithmansfield.co.uk
johnnymackintosh.com

Johnny Mackintosh and the Spirit of London was published by Quercus on 3 July 2008

Me too. Good luck Keith.

You always get more of what you focus on in life...

yep, me too Will You Love me Tomorrow is now available on Amazon. Click to find out more.

You stars! Thanks everyone.

This is open until near the end of the year so even if this thread slips down the board and it takes a while for you to discover it, your vote can still make a difference! www.keithmansfield.co.uk
johnnymackintosh.com

Johnny Mackintosh and the Spirit of London was published by Quercus on 3 July 2008