Over the last 3 weeks we have been working with Z*qhygoem to create front cover for the first in the Baggledorf series.

It has been an exhilarating experience to finally see Baggledorf looking back at me after so many years of visualising him in my head. As ever the process of reaching the final image was almost as exciting as seeing the final result.

Stage 1 - Find an Illustrator

This was the hardest part. After asking friends of friends we decided to look for a professional. Being a home grown project budget is always a concern so to find an illustrator who was willing to work to a budget, a deadline and could produce the desired effect was going to require a minor miracle.

By shear luck we found Z*qhygoem.

Step 2 - The Brief

I had a fairly clear idea in my head of how Baggledorf should look. I wanted a fairly modern cartoon look mixed with the more traditional image of a Swedish Troll. The brief we gave to Z*qhygoem was something like:

“I suppose the brief is to capture the magic of a Swedish forest with a mischievous teenage troll who loves to grassboard and fly on clouds!”

Step 3 - 12 Baggledorfs

After some toing and froing Z*qhygoem sent us the following:

We knew straight off that Z*qhygoem was going to work out for us. We spent the weekend picking out the best bits of the numerous Baggledorfs on offer and gave Z*qhygoem the feedback.

Step 4 - First Cut

Here is the picture that Z*qhygoem produced after our feedback.

For us, this was Baggledorf.

Step 5 - Finishing Baggledorf

As we hope to publish Baggledorf in audio format very soon we needed the image to include a frame and lettering. Normally, we are informed, this is the job of a graphical artist but Z*qhygoem agreed to do it for us. It made a lot of sense to us especially when we were sent the frame.

Z*qhygoem also sent us the finished image of Baggledorf which was an incredible moment for us.

Step 6 - The Final Image

With a bit of fiddling round with Pixelmator (a v cool Mac app) my husband produced the final image.

I would personally like to thank Z*qhygoem for working with us and bringing Baggledorf to life in such a short time and on a very limited budget. Z*qhygoem does not have a website as yet but as soon as it is available I fully recommend checking it out.

Deep among the Swedish pines lies the fantastical world of the trolls. More often than not these kindly creatures keep themselves to themselves, but this summer is different. 8-year-old Poppy’s school holidays are transformed when she befriends the young troll Baggledorf at the forest lake near her Grandpa’s cottage.

Baggledorf is a chunky, hairy, but cuddly individual with a few vile habits, and many exciting hobbies. The fun-loving troll introduces Poppy and her dog Fred to quarry cloud racing, deep forest grass boarding and pine-tree sliding.

In summer rains and summer sun, from above and below the dense forest canopy, Poppy falls in love with Baggledorf’s world. But amidst the wonder is an undercurrent of mischief, as the BEB (Bog-end Belchers) plot Baggledorf’s downfall. The BEB are a bunch of notorious trolls, who burp, fart, drop litter and are fanatical about the prestigious troll sport of Bog Wrestling.
This year, Baggledorf has the honour of organising the yearly Bog Wrestling event at the Troll Summer Festival. Unsurprisingly, this prestigious appointment has invited the envy and anger of the Bog-end Belchers.

The trouble begins when the BEB plot Baggledorf’s disgrace. The plot culminates at the Troll Summer Festival when mayhem breaks out under the frosty glare of the famous Bog Wrestling Judge, Mr. Tuganpullem.

As the web of forest intrigue unfolds, Poppy is left to save Baggledorf’s good name.

Interested in reading more?

You can read the first 3 chapters on this website or download a printable version of ‘Baggledorf and the Itching Powder Plot’ chapters 1 through to 3 here:-

Baggledorf and the Itching Powder Plot : Chapters 1 to 3

or

Request a free copy of the entire book in PDF format.

Baggledorf kindly requests that you use non-bleached, re-cycled paper if you do decide to print the book.

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