The most common misconception regarding cover artists is that we are going to get filthy rich doing this. The number one comment I receive when people find out that I designed the covers for the Fifty Shades trilogy is, “Wow, you must get some nice royalty checks every month.” I have to stop myself from laughing hysterically every time someone says that. The sad reality of cover design is that you receive a one-time fee and credit on the copyright page for your work. Royalties are not a part of the deal.
We have two running jokes in my family. First, our house is referred to as, “the house that Fifty Shades built.” Everyone assumes this is true based on the idea that I receive royalty payments. My family and I laugh about it and the phrase has just stayed. The second joke is that I’m Waxahachie’s best kept secret. Everyone knows my work but has no idea I did it. My designs are considered iconic and they changed so many things in the cover design world, and again no one associates me with my designs. Those covers have seen more airtime on TV and the Internet than my kids have excuses for not cleaning their rooms. And you guessed it, no one realizes they are my work.
The reason for this rant is to point out that your work in this industry will not gain you fame or fortune. You may create something that will change the design world but you will still struggle to pay the bills and be able to walk in the grocery store without a disguise. You do this job because you love it.
Authors, please remember to appreciate the great talent that is your cover artist. They put their heart and soul into every cover they design. They do their best to produce an amazing cover and bring to life the picture in your head to represent your book. Is is not always an easy task. Some authors have pretty scary minds ;) The best way to to appreciate your artist (other than an awesome paycheck) is to promote the beautiful work they do for you. This not only helps them feel appreciated, but it also helps promote their business. Let's face it, word of mouth is the best promotion most of us cover artists can get.
Oh yeah, don't forget to add October 26th to your calendars. This is Graphic Design Appreciation Day. Be sure to let your cover artist or any graphic designer that does work for you how much you appreciate them on that day every year :)
Monday, November 24, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Maybe by Amber L. Johnson Cover Reveal
PRESENTS. . .
A Cover Reveal
for
Maybe
by Amber L. Johnson
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| Cover design by Jennifer McGuire, JEM Book Designs |
Release Date: February 12 , 2015
Published by The Writers Coffee Shop
Tyler Macy is stuck in a rut. Despite his exceptional talent as a musician, he has chosen to take a backseat with his music and let others grab the limelight. Wounded and mistrustful, he doesn’t appreciate his friends’ efforts to bring him back to center stage. Emily comes onto the scene and sees his full potential, but he fights to stay in the shadows, shutting her out before she can add to the scars another woman gave him.
For Tyler to find his music again, he needs to accept the help that Emily and their friends offer. When he discovers that his muse lies underneath Emily’s skin, it is still not enough to keep her from walking away. Neither will admit what they really want until it is too late.
Emily is once again thrown in Tyler’s path when she is assigned to join them on tour. Despite the pain in his past, Tyler sees that she is worth it, even if she’s stolen both his heart and peace of mind. In order for them to be together, they both must discover whether the music and their passion are enough to overcome the obstacles that separate them.
Maybe finding love is worth the risk.
Amber Johnson has authored several romance novels that focus on music and the way it can touch people’s hearts. She believes that Happily Ever Afters occur every day—despite the obstacles that real life serves up on a regular basis. Always with two rubber bands on her wrist and a song in her head, Amber is a rebel who puts too much creamer in her coffee, which she drinks out of a cup that reads ‘Cocoa.’ A full-time wife and mother with a day job, she writes whenever she can. If she’s not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she’s supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and eyes closed, waiting for the drop.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Bloodlines by Vanessa Skye Cover Reveal
PRESENTS. . .
A Cover Reveal
for
Bloodlines
by Vanessa Skye
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| Cover design by Thaigher Lillie |
Release Date: January 22 , 2015
Published by The Writers Coffee Shop
Detective Alicia “Berg” Raymond is lying. She’s lying to the Chicago Police Department, to her boyfriend, Captain Jay O’Loughlin, but most of all, she’s lying to herself—about her past, her future, and her ongoing addiction.
As Berg investigates a series of brutal rapes and sinks under an ever-increasing caseload, she
finds herself juggling every aspect of her life—finding justice for victims of crime, keeping her
own sordid past buried from her colleagues, struggling with blackmail that threatens to push her
over the edge, and protecting her lover from the details of all of it.Wrapping her damaged head around living in a state of domestic bliss she’s certain she doesn’t deserve, Berg is driven by the need for justice and a determination to stop a rapist before any more innocent lives are ravaged.
But when enemies from the past threaten her present, she is once again vulnerable to the demons that have plagued her every day of her life.
It’s only a matter of time before her lies unravel and the fairy tale she’s finally started believing implodes . . . but the biggest threat of all, as it turns out, is her very own bloodline.
Can she save herself, and the casualties of crime, from the lurking darkness waiting to strike, or will her own mistakes drag her under—this time for good?
After completing a Bachelor of Arts in print journalism and studying psychology at Charles Sturt University, Vanessa got a job at Australia's largest publisher of regional and agricultural news and information, Rural Press, where she worked as a journalist in the central west of New South Wales for four years.
Thousands of stories later, Vanessa decided to move back to Sydney and try her hand at public relations while studying for a master’s degree in communication.
Skip forward a few years and Vanessa was once again joyfully studying various psychology subjects while managing a Sydney public relations firm. Enthralled with examining the motivations behind people’s actions, Vanessa realized what she really wanted to do in life was combine her love of words with her fascination for human behavior. So Vanessa quit public relations to begin the significantly more impoverished life of a professional writer.
Inspired by a recurring dream, Vanessa wrote her crime fiction debut, The Enemy Inside, which challenges the concept of justice, asks if the need for vengeance sometimes justifies murder, and explores whether you can ever heal from childhood abuse. Broken is her second book in this series. In her spare time, Vanessa wrote a short story, The Piece, which was published in February 2012, by Dark Prints Press as a part of the 'One That Got Away' dark fiction anthology.
Vanessa now works as a freelance writer, lives in Sydney’s northern beaches, and tries to immerse herself in salt water at least once a day.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Readers & 'ritas 2014
My second year at Readers & 'ritas has come to an end. I am totally exhausted but in complete reader bliss. There is nothing better than getting to meet some great authors face-to-face and be able to have an actual conversation. You don't have a line of people behind you complaining that you are taking too long to get your book signed and move on. Here are some of the highlights of my weekend.
I attended RNR14 as a reader and had my fair share of fan girl moments. There's nothing better than meeting bestselling authors and getting to know them. RNR gives you the chance to sit down with said authors and have in-depth conversations and even share a meal with them. Julie Ann Walker, author of the Black Knights, Inc. series, was this year's key note speaker. She writes romantic suspense and this series is about bikers. I met her on Friday night at the Friday kick-off party she hosted. Julie was so down-to-earth and funny. She was genuinely interested in every person that showed up to the party. It was so great to see a best-selling author connect with readers. I will definitely be checking out her books.
At Julie Ann Walker's Motorcycle Club Party I was able to meet New York Times bestselling author C.J. Ellisson. She writes urban fantasy and contemporary erotic romance. Yes, I did spell her last name correctly. She had to point out the extra s when I was trying to find her on Twitter. We started talking NaNoWriMo and it surprised me that she is a participating author. I love knowing that a successful author like C.J. is participating in something that I am as well. She put me to shame quickly when she stated that she had already completed her NaNoWriMo for the weekend before she came. To me that is awesome dedication. Of course I had to tell her how sick she made me because I am a slacker and am behind on my goal. She graciously laughed and posed for some pics with Julie for me. To the right is my favorite pic. I think I will try to get a seat at her table for dinner on Friday night next year. Beware Michael, you are coming with me and C.J.'s table gets pretty wild.
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| Jolene Navarro |
I also stopped by the Inspirational Tea hosted by Winnie Griggs and Jolene Navarro. Winnie had a prior commitment so I was unable to meet her. I did meet Jolene. I enjoyed talking with her about paranormal romance. I even won the door prize drawing of an awesome basket of goodies, chocolate and tons of books.
Friday night I sat at Heather Long's table. She writes passionate romance with an edge. Her stories range from western to shifters to marines. I love her Always a Marine series. Heather was extremely nice and her daughter (or mini as she calls her) was a trip. I can definitely see why she has such wonderful people sitting at her table.
Saturday was my favorite day. I spent the entire day in the Author's Lounge. This was where I met so many great authors. Every author was friendly and gracious. I found some new authors that I'm dying to start reading like Jerrie Alexander, Kym Roberts, Candace Havens, Sylvie Fox, Tricia Skinner and Damon Suede. I had some great conversations with Sylvie and Tricia about cover design. Jerrie and Kym were awesome. They were always happy to have a seat open if I needed it. It was great to connect with hometown ladies of their caliber.
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| Author Jade Lee |
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| Squidge |
I was also happy to see Jade Lee back this year. You can't help but like Jade. I was so excited to see my very own Jade Lee Squidge in my good bag when I registered. I have been seeing Jade post pics with Squidge this past year and I've just been dying to have my own. Now I get to go crazy and post pics of my adventures with Squidge. Beware, Jade, I will be blowing up your Twitter feed ;)
I had lunch at Avery Flynn's table. Avery was so funny. I loved getting to know more about her and her adventures with Dean Winchester. I am now the proud owner of signed copies of Enemies on Tap and Hollywood on Tap. Of course I covet my signed books so both of these will remain on my bookshelf in pristine condition while I read my Kindle copies. I hope Avery becomes a regular attendee of RNR.
The hero auction and masquerade was quite entertaining. There are no words to accurately describe it other than what happens at RNR stays at RNR ;)
Readers & 'ritas 2014 was awesome. I have increased my to be read list tremendously. I can't wait for 2015. I will be dragging the hubby along so he can see for himself how awesome and crazy the weekend really is :)
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| Candace Havens |
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| Damon Suede |
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| Avery Flynn |
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| Jerrie Alexander |
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| Kym Roberts |
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| Sylvie Fox |
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| Tricia Skinner |
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Ascension Cover Reveal
PRESENTS. . .
A Cover Reveal
for
Ascension
Book 3 of the Gates Legacy Series
Book 3 of the Gates Legacy Series
by Lorenz Font
Release Date: January 8 , 2015
Published by The Writers Coffee Shop
Rohnert is descended from a long line of pure-blooded vampires ruled by the Vampire Council. Quiet and principled, he is known for his combat expertise and is beloved by peers and students alike. When his former ally, Goran, becomes the Council leader and the killing starts, Rohnert strikes out on his own. The vampire race is in upheaval when he discovers a black book that contains the wisdom and history of his people. Rohnert refuses to support Goran’s tyrannical rule and has no interest in ruling himself, no matter what the book foretells. He allies with freedom fighters led by the indomitable Harrow Gates. However, the prophecies fail to prepare him to handle one passionate and determined human doctor. The last thing Shelly Anderson wanted was to fall in love. After meeting enigmatic and reclusive Rohnert, her resolve quickly crumbles. Their one night together ends in a nightmare. She is determined to carry on without him, but Rohnert’s unexpected reentry into her life derails her plans. While she teaches him how powerful a human’s love can be, Rohnert realizes the lengths he is willing to go to keep her close and safe, even if it means violating a long-standing decree among pure-blooded vampires to keep their bloodlines intact. When Goran begins to kill off the remaining Vampire Council Elders, Harrow’s rebels urge Rohnert to step in. It isn’t until harsh reality comes knocking at his door that his choice becomes clear. Rohnert must do whatever he can to save the people he loves or risk losing them forever. However, the reluctant savior may already be too late to protect the lives that matter most.
HAVE YOU READ
BOOK 1, HUNTED
OR
BOOK 2, TORMENTED?
Re-Release Date: November 20, 2014
Book 1: Hunted
Deep in the heart of New York City’s netherworld, a horrible disease is ravaging the vampire community. The Vampire Council is on a crusade to obliterate those infected, and Harrow Gates is target Number One. The unwitting source of the plague, he suffers from the same nightmarish symptoms as his victims. The world he'd been thrust into was cold, cruel, and intent on eradicating him, and the legions of afflicted vampires he created with his bite. A bounty hanging over his head, satisfying his hunger has become an enormous challenge for Harrow. The less he feeds, the more hideous and painful his lesions become. Constantly running for his life and learning new tricks to survive, Harrow is in no position to refuse when Pritchard Tack offers him a unique opportunity. Pritchard not only gives Harrow a new beginning, but also a purpose and a chance to rectify the chaos he created in the vampire world. However, the multi-billionaire has an agenda of his own. Jordan is a reluctant new vampire and a woman on a mission. After the demise of her family and her own transformation at the hands of Goran, the ruthless leader of the Vampire Council, her only focus is revenge. Constantly faced with one frustrating dead-end after another, a stroke of luck leads her to an underground facility that she suspects is the lair of the monster for whom she is looking. Upon learning more about the truth behind the secret bunker, Jordan must fight against her growing feelings of friendship and concern for the facility’s inhabitants. One man in particular threatens to pull her heart away from her sworn mission. There is something behind Harrow’s dark lenses that unsettles the hardened female. Once again, she trembles and hungers for something other than red-stained revenge. Is love strong enough to override her hate-fueled thirst for vengeance?
Book 2: Tormented
Within the Tack Enterprises group of underground fighters, Tor Burns is one of the few non-infected vampires committed to saving his diseased comrades from the vicious clutches of the Vampire Council. He is the meanest, strongest and most impulsive member of the team. Having survived a vicious attack in their underground facility, he now has a new purpose: guard the irresistible daughter of their fallen leader no matter the price. Armed with an abrasive personality and fierce loyalty, Tor approaches this new responsibility with serious determination despite his reservations. Infected and hunted by the Council, Allison Tack is unable to do as she pleases. A co-heir of the Tack fortune, this beautiful and timid vampire is guarded by those loyal to her father. A walking target wherever she goes, Allison wants to learn how to protect herself, but no one is listening. Sick of being the helpless one in the company of trained fighters around her, Allison vows to prove that she can fight alongside the best of them. Meanwhile, the harem leader, Melissa, is hell-bent on unraveling any clue about her son Demetrius’ fate. He disappeared without a word, and time has made her desperate. Stepping up her efforts, she seeks the help of Demetrius’ son, Zane. With the additional manpower, Melissa finds the lair of the suspected vampires and wages war against them. Thrown together by necessity, Tor and Allison can’t continue to deny their attraction to each other. Tor wants to give in to his feelings for her, but old demons resurface. Tormented by a dark secret, Tor must confront the past to prevent losing the best thing that ever happened to him. A life must be given for a life taken. Will Tor have to sacrifice himself before Allison pays the price?
Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels Hunted and Tormented, the first and second book of The Gates Legacy Series, Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller, Feather Light, an erotic romance and Pieces of Broken Time, a military romance. Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories. Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job and her busy writing schedule.Friday, October 24, 2014
Rue Toulouse Cover Reveal
PRESENTS. . .
A Cover Reveal
for
RUE Toulouse
by Debby Grahl
Release Date: January 15 , 2015
Published by The Writers Coffee Shop
It’s Mardi Gras time in New Orleans. Attending a masquerade ball, wealthy fashion designer
Caterine Doucette, dressed as a shimmering ice princess, has her cool façade shattered when she
encounters Bayou-born ex-cop Remi Michaud, disguised as the darkly handsome pirate Jean
Lafitte. Their true identities hidden, the princess and the pirate come together in an explosion of
passion and desire. But when fantasy turns to cold reality, Caterine panics and disappears into
the night, unaware this man will soon be sent to rescue her from a killer and will capture her
heart.
Orphaned at a young age, Caterine grew up in the home of her beloved grandmother, Miss
Dauphine Doucette. Despised by her Doucette relatives for the devotion she received from her
grandmère, Caterine suffered years of envy and disdain. The young Caterine learned
quickly how easily the love she had to give could be thrown back in her face.
After Miss Dauphine turns over ownership of the century-old fashion house, Ma Chérie, to
Caterine, an attempt is made on her life, for there are those in the Doucette family who will stop
at nothing to possess what they feel is their rightful inheritance.
Not knowing whom to trust, Caterine goes into hiding. Miss Dauphine, convinced someone in
her own family is behind the attack, hires Remi, now working for a private security company, to
track her down and unmask her would-be assassin.
Learning that the affluent Caterine Doucette is the beautiful princess he held in his arms at the
ball, Remi is torn between his growing desire for her and painful memories of another rich
socialite’s betrayal. Caterine finds herself falling in love with Remi, but old embedded pain
leaves her afraid to open her heart.
Down in the Big Easy, Caterine and Remi must learn to trust one another if they are to survive in
a world of family greed and ruthless revenge.
Debby Grahl lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David, and their
cat, Tigger. When she’s not writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach, and having a
glass of wine at sunset. Her favorite places to visit are the Cotswolds of England, Captiva Island
in Florida, New Orleans, New York City, and her home state of Michigan. She is a history
buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and of course, romance. Visually
impaired since childhood by Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to
research and write her books. Debby belongs to Romance Writers of America, Florida Romance
Writers, Hearts Across History, and Lowcountry Romance Writers. Her first novel, The
Silver Crescent, was released January 2014.
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