<Gasp> Thanks for that posting, Rishi. Don’t worry we know that you’re playing a big part in the Memories project, and it’s all coming along nicely.

On the copy side things are ticking over, to an extent. Five of the twelve stories are over to Antony now, and he’s exploring layout options. We’ve had a chat about it – shall we go for a square or A-format (A5, A4… etc)? We don’t really know yet but he’s looking into those ideas and also the typographic aspects. We’re also wondering whether to run each story on white and to keep the copy discreet from the images, or if we should get an image briefed for each section that allows us to run body copy over top of it.

No doubt we’ll get a clearer idea when we all sit down on Thursday to thrash out the specifications of the book. We’re also going to discuss the element of getting illustrators and designers on board for the visual contributions. And, of course, we need to talk about which charity we’re going to donate the money to, partner with, or what have you.

Right now, two stories are still being worked on and I have Antony’s copy waiting for me to sub-edit. Beyond that, we’re still looking for four interesting subjects who wish to have their ’memories’ in print. Two in the survivor category and two in the section about people lost to cancer. It sounds a little horrible but I’m trying to be quite selective about what we choose to go in. Every case of cancer is traumatic and tragic. For the sake of the book, however, and so that it is relevant and meaningful to as many people as possible, we’re now looking for stories that bring in unusual aspects, people of varying age ranges and circumstances, and new reflections and meanings.

It’s difficult to explain. I guess it’s about a drive to make this book broad, interesting and as brilliant as can be. For the sake of everyone who’s been touched by cancer.