Sometimes on creative projects, progress rests not only with actually having done some work but with getting decisions made. There’s also a lot to be said for knowing you’re on the same wavelength as the other people you’re working with. As a collaboration, Memories is a bit like that. None of us had ever met before yesterday.

So plans were made to meet in London face-to-face to assess progress, decide the road forward, and to iron out all those little things we might all have been unsure about. We had noodles at Wagamamas on the South Bank. And a few beers. Although someone suggested leaving business til after lunch we somehow launched into it shortly after the drinks arrived and straight away we were all definitely communicating at the same level.

On the charity front, Stuart reported back that Macmillan Cancer Support is going to be equally difficult to work with as Cancer Research UK. So we are now looking at donating the proceeds of Memories to something smaller and more personal. We’ve got a great idea and we’ll update on that soon.

For artists and illustrators considering contributing there’s lots of news. We have settled on a spec for the book and a layout strategy, which will lead to interesting briefs for anyone who creates an image for the book. With our approach, the briefs we are gonna be pretty interesting and exciting – trust me. Think of layered concepts, mixing in themes from the stories and your own creativity, and you’re starting to get the picture.

We’ve also got an idea of how to approach the cover, and we’re going to start scouting out printers who will help us in a way that will keep costs minimal. Each of us now has a few things to be getting on with, but we expect the first handful of artist commissions to go out early November. That’s hardly any time at all. Exciting stuff!