Julia Grigg’s historical debut acquired
News
Creative Writing graduate’s debut novel acquired by publishing imprint Universe
Thursday, 8 February, 2018Universe, the historical fiction imprint of Unicorn Publishing Group LLP, has acquired the World English Language Rights to MA Creative Writing graduate Julia Grigg’s debut historical novel, The Eyes That Look: The Secret Story of Bassano’s Hunting Dogs.
A journey of self-discovery, art and adventure, The Eyes that Look entertains as it informs, inviting readers to revel in a Renaissance world of artistic richness.
In the book, which is due to be published in October this year, Francesco Bassano sets out to unravel the mystery of The Two Hunting Dogs portrait of 1548 - an extraordinary painting with an unexplained past.
Julia said: “I’m happy and gratified my novel is to be published. Years in the making, the story of The Eyes that Look began when my eye was caught by a Louvre exhibition publicity photo of Jacopo Bassano’s handsome painting depicting two dogs.
“My mind tussled with the mystery surrounding the portrait’s creation and my research for the book has allowed me to delve deep into the Italian Renaissance, indulging a lifelong fascination with its art, music and poetry.
“I’m delighted to say that the book has recently been longlisted for the Virginia Prize for Fiction, a biennial award for new writing by women.”
Unicorn Group Chairman Lord Strathcarron said: “We love the way that the creativity and intrigue of Renaissance Italy is brought to life, using the historical novel to open doors on this magical era.”
Julia is now working on her second novel, also set in mid-1500s Venice and Florence and involving some of the same cast of characters as The Eyes that Look.
To find out more about Julia you can visit www.juliagrigg.com and follow her on Twitter @juliagrigg.
Bath Spa University delivers one of the most successful Creative Writing courses in the UK. Bath Spa graduates have won prestigious awards and secured multiple international publishing deals. Many graduates often come back to the University to teach and share their successes with aspiring novelists.
Visit the course page to find out more.