Cover me baby.

Judge me by my cover.

Most of us do it. Maybe not every time but, far too frequently. We walk through a book store and we stop and decide to read more about a book based on its cover. What attracts us varies by the genre we’re interested in, or the mood we’re in.

For me personally how a cover impacts me decides whether or not I’ll pick the book up and read the back. This means the book could be stellar but I’ll never know if the cover doesn’t rock my socks.

It may not be fair but people are visceral by nature. We react to what we see. What’s my point? As an author it means my covers need to be eye catching, intriguing with just enough mystery to make people want to know more.

As with any first attempt my very first covers were what might be generously called passable. They weren’t awful but they certainly were not anything close to what they should have been. Why were they only ok you ask? I made them myself. I assumed with my limited knowledge of photo editing I could do the work myself, save some bucks. If you have a background in graphic arts this might be true, or if you have the time and talent to dedicate to the art of cover creation then you will probably succeed. I however found that I am not one of those people. Thankfully lovely Ravenborn helped me update my covers very recently. Simple changes can make a huge difference. 

 

Everything for a Price

As you can see the before and after speaks for itself. The work Ravenborn did is clean, professional with an eye for what the public likes to see. It might not be your style of book or even something that would attract everyone. But, it’s certainly eye catching and a vast improvement over my attempt.

Why do I bring this up? Your work, your writing is your baby. You’ve put time and effort into creating something you’re proud of. Your cover should reflect this. Finding a good cover artist and even spending the money to have a truly professional cover made is worth it. You wouldn’t go to a job interview in sweats and a ratty tank top.

Your books cover is how it interviews the reader. The way you dress your book helps decide if it will be “hired”.

Of course there are many people who will buy a book regardless of cover, style or genre but on the whole we decide with our eyes first.

So create your work of art, let the words flow just make sure you have a cover that flows right along with the words.

Share with me

What you got?

I love to write that’s a given considering my previous posts. I blog because I hope that just one thing I say helps someone else. Almost as much as writing I love reading. There’s very little I’ll refuse to read. If I were a wealthy woman I’d probably end up a hermit having purchased ALL the books and reading until I withered away.  Today though I’m interested in all of you. (However many of you are actually reading this blog) I want to know what you’ve written, if you written more than one book share your favorite. If you only write blogs share share and share some more.

None of us should take this journey alone. We should be giving and taking advice, encouraging each other and promoting each other. It’s the only way any of us will get anywhere.

Not to mention I’m just a plain curious person. So if you read this I want to know how you found me, why you read my blog and any suggestions.

An easy task? Maybe not but one if you’re willing to take on I’ll be hitting the follow button or downloading books as often as I can.  (I’m not independently wealthy). And as I can I’ll be happy to share my thoughts.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

What are you Up to?

What are you up to?

I get this question a lot. Often times I answer with the mundane tasks of my life. But when asked about my writing I’m never sure how to answer.

Does anyone really want to know what my characters are doing? Or that I’ve been stuck rewriting the same scene over and over for a week. I think for the most part only other writers can understand the ebb and flow and ups and downs of writing life.

There are days when I sit down and three hours later I realize hey I should feed the kids. Then there are the days where I’d rather go to the dentist than try to write. Not to mention the work of trying to choose just the right name or location.

As writers these things matter. The details, nuances and even the things that no one else might notice they stand out to us. These details can get us moving or bog us down depending on the position of the moon, if Leo is in the fifth house and what socks we’re wearing. 

It’s why we form writing groups, support groups and contests. We need the constant reminder that 

while we might not be doing what everyone else is doing. We’re doing what writers do. We drift off at a coffee shop when we watch two people slyly holding hands under the table hoping no one notices. Is it new love, is it an illicit affair or are they a years married couple trying to rekindle a dying fire. We view things in a way others don’t

Even the morbidity of death isn’t just sad its story fodder. If not for us personally, than at the very least we have the moment of “Aha I know who’d like this.”

In our heads we have multiple timelines, storylines, worlds and people all shouting to get the most attention. Then we sit down and hope the voices don’t suddenly quiet.  

Yet when asked what we’re doing we simply answer with “writing” Because how does one answer with all of that?

So I’m asking you..

What are you up to right now?

Black Holes and Light at the End of the Tunnel.

I thought I had it together. I was doing great. I blogged and tweeted every day. I made sure to update my author page and write like a madwoman. I was very happily moving right along. A few bumps here and there but otherwise doing pretty well.

Then my muse decided to move far, far away. I wasn’t just unable to write I was unable to contemplate writing. I couldn’t take notes, form ideas just nothing. Not only was this shocking but it went on for far longer than I’ve experienced before. My personal life hit a snag, which transferred into all aspects of author life.

No blogs, or tweets or anything resembling the “work” I love to do. Then two months ago it started to come back. One day it was just finally there. Finally the ability to write research, and be interested in all things writing had returned. The first day I put around 6,000 words down. I sat back and hoped and prayed this meant it would last. And so far it has.

I wrote in this blog about being consistent. And, I truly believe that’s true but what I also know just how ugly the black hole of nothingness is. The part of me that was missing came back and I’m treating it gently so it isn’t inclined to leave again.

I’ve managed to finish the first draft of my next novel, not a short but a full-fledged book.  It is currently out with beta readers in the hopes it isn’t awful. I know it has two or three more rounds before it’s ready but I’m hopeful. I’m working on a short, the last in the Priceless series. Long overdue and probably forgotten by now, but, I still plan to finish what I started.

I’m happy to be back and ready to restart this journey.