Our guest today has something for everyone. You'll enjoy her cover journey whether you're a reader or writer AND there's a freebie for EVERYONE! Let's welcome Kayelle Allen.
I spent months researching images and artists to make the
best cover for my new book, Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire. When I found an
artist whose work I liked, I asked questions and checked prices. Eventually, I
found a super talented artist (Brumae), asked her to do it and was happy to pay
her fee. She was easy to work with and did a wonderful job. I would hire her
for other images in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, my idea of the perfect cover came across as
more urban fantasy than science fiction. Everyone loved the art -- but it
didn't work for the story.
I discovered the right cover entices readers to pick it up
and have a closer look. Although the original was gorgeous and had beautiful
artwork, the readers I was trying to reach were not picking it up. I had to
admit I'd chosen the wrong part of the story to feature. Painful as it was, I
had to make a change.
I chose a different image, one of a planet with extensive
volcanic activity. The blues harmonized well with the first cover (
here) and the
reds fit the story's title, Forged in Fire. It has a sense of movement and
life. It's uncluttered.
The phrase "Bringer of Chaos" is in a font called
Sabotage, which you can get free on
www.dafont.com.
It absolutely fits the man known by that title.
So there you have it. Lovely cover. Not working. Changes
made. What do you think of the new look? Feel free to leave a comment.
Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire
When the immortal Pietas is marooned on a barren world with
no food and few survival tools, he knows it could be worse. He could be alone.
But that's the problem. He's not.
Half a million of his people sleep in cryostasis, trapped
inside their pods and it's up to Pietas to free them. He can't release one at a
time. It's all or nothing. He's facing over five hundred thousand hungry,
thirsty, homeless immortals who will call on him for rescue and he has no way
to answer.
It's not all bad. The beautiful telepathic warrior he's
loved for lifetimes is at his side. He's bonded with a sentient panther. He
hates humans but the one dumped on this planet with him has become a trusted
friend.
Before Pietas can build shelter, figure out how to grow
food, or set up a government, he must take back command from a ruthless enemy
he's fought for centuries. His brutal, merciless father.
Immortals may heal, but a wound of the heart lasts
forever...
Giveaway
Here is a free adult coloring book to download and print,
based on my character, Pietas. If you like dragons, you will love this. I hope
you enjoy it! It contains both purchased and licensed images and original art.
http://bit.ly/color-pietas
Kayelle Allen
writes Sci Fi with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal
gamers, and warriors who purr. She's a US Navy veteran who's been married so
long she's tenured.
