Archives for March 2026

Character art sneak peek

31 March, 2026 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

I’m delighted to announce a second collaboration with the very talented KatArt.

This time, I commissioned her to bring Hunter and Vesper, the two main characters from my upcoming YA dark romantasy series, The Ruined Skye Trilogy.

Kat’s work is phenomenal, complemented by her total professionalism. I never have to guess what’s happening – Kat keeps me updated every step of the way.

I can’t wait to reveal the whole piece. And you don’t have to wait to see it. My Street Team have already seen it – and you could too.

As well as getting a first look at any character art, you’ll also unlock the first chapter of Forgotten Skye. Tap below to apply for the Street Team and join a breath-taking new world.

APPLY FOR THE STREET TEAM

Cover sneak peek for Funeral For A Robot

26 March, 2026 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

I’m so excited to reveal the cover for my upcoming YA standalone sci-fi novel, Funeral For A Robot.

It’s set in a futuristic London, taking place in a school where every teacher is a robot. Society is divided into three categories: Exceptionals, Everydays and Extras – with Exceptionals having access to top-tier perks, Everydays working at the few remaining menial jobs and Extras largely unemployed, homeless and despised.

Here’s the blurb…

Here lies X. 3033-3034.

Welcome to London in the year 3034.

Seventeen-year-old Serena has just enrolled at a prestigious academy, staffed entirely by robots. When the headteacher is found destroyed, Serena crosses paths with Kristopher, the troubled son of a detective. Can she and Kristopher find out who would destroy a robot – before Serena becomes the prime suspect?

Funeral For A Robot will be out this summer with Fire and Ice YA.

Want to be the first to see the cover? Apply to join my Street Team.

Artist Jessica Rollins on creating her dream projects

25 March, 2026 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

Jessica Rollins is the creative behind the gorgeous Mirrordom sprayed edges collection – and she’s recently created a breathtaking piece of character art for my upcoming trilogy. Jess has recently opened her books for new character art clients, so it felt like the perfect time to sit her down and interview her about her amazing work.

You’re incredibly artistic. What’s your earliest memory of painting or drawing?

I have fuzzy memories of painting at play school age 3/4. I’ve always loved to draw. I used to dream of starting my own clothing line and studying art in Florence.

You create character art and sprayed edges. What’s your dream project?

Oh!! I’d love to work with one of the big book box companies or publishers on edge designs or endpapers etc!

What’s something people might not know about the process of spraying edges?

Fore edge painting is actually incredibly simple but VERY time consuming!!

It’s generally recommended to lightly sand the edge and it makes it easier to paint the surface, but if you aren’t careful the paint can mix with the dust and form a crust, ruining the edge when cracked.

Otherwise, watercolour paints in thin layers and a setting spray. It really is that simple.

I always say you champion indie authors like it’s your day job. Have you any dream indie authors you’d like to work with?

All of you! Haha! Really! Especially since starting my business, ARC reading has taken a little step back. I think I’ve created art for most of my personal favourite indies but there’s always room for more!

What’s your favourite thing about spraying edges and creating character art?

Designing them and seeing them finished. I actually detest the middle bit. Drawing and painting isn’t relaxing for me but it is satisfying.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently putting a lot of work into improving my digital drawing skills. Different courses, style and tools.

EXPLORE JESS’ WORK

Thanks so much, Jess, for taking the time to answer my questions. Can’t wait to work on more projects together!