Joining an august list that includes Amy Winehouse, Ann and Nancy Wilson, and a dude from The Bouncing Souls, The Decemberists' Colin Meloy is the latest music star who's aspired to be an author of kids' books. Not only does he have a small-press offering titled The Untimely Demise Of Whitley Rackham on the way, he's just signed a three-book deal with HarperCollins to write a trilogy of YA novels. According to Pitchfork, the Wildwood series, whose first installment is due in Fall 2011, is a fantasy (of course) set in a magical version of modern-day Portland, and is said by Meloy to be influenced by Lloyd Alexander, Roald Dahl, and Tolkien. Like Whitley Rackham, the Wildwood trilogy will be illustrated by Meloy's wife, Carson Ellis, also known for her gorgeous album covers for The Decemberists.
Join the discussion...