Project IFR – the big reveal

Regular readers of the blog will have seen the words ‘Project IFR’ popping up every so often in my posts.  It was the codename for a children’s horror book I’ve written.  I felt it needed a codename, because the actual name kind of gave the game away a bit, and until I had a publisher I didn’t want to do that.

Well, now I have a publisher, so I can reveal what the ‘IFR’ bit stands for (or stood for – the title has changed since the codename was created).

First, though, here’s a press release all about the book, which is now a series.

HarperCollins Acquire Rights in Debut Horror Series

London, 23 January 2009:

HarperCollins Children’s Books is delighted to announce the acquisition of Invisible Fiends, a debut series by B. Hutchison. The six-book deal for world rights including TV, film and merchandise was concluded by Nick Lake, Commissioning Editor at HarperCollins, and Kathryn Ross at Fraser Ross Associates.

Described as Harry Potter meets Nightmare on Elm Street, Invisible Fiends is a fantastically original, darkly funny and shiver-inducing new horror series about what happens when 12-year-old Kyle’s imaginary friend from childhood comes back to life…with a vengeance! The series is aimed at children of 9+ and the first book, Invisible Fiends: Mr Mumbles, is scheduled for publication in early 2010. HarperCollins will be showcasing early proof copies at this year’s Bologna Book Fair.

Nick Lake said, “As unusual and terrifying as the monsters that people its pages, Invisible Fiends is one of those rare projects that combine a fresh premise, wonderfully accessible writing, and the sort of deft humour that makes the terror-sweats just about bearable. Anyone who likes laughing, or screaming, or preferably both at the same time, will love it.”

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So there you have it.  The series begins when Kyle’s childhood imaginary friend returns from the place all forgotten imaginary friends go, with murder on his mind.   Kyle must try to survive long enough to figure out how Mr Mumbles came back, and in doing so perhaps find a way to stop him.

And as for what the ‘IFR’ bit of Project IFR stood for?  It’s obvious, really, once you know the concept.  Imaginary Friends Reunited.

Probably just as well it changed, eh?