Monday Memories: Awesome Covers

Hello Readers, Authors, and Precious Patrons,

Today's Monday Memories features a throwback interview with Perri Forrest, where she talks about the cover for her book The Color of Lies.

1) Where did the inspiration for the cover come from? 

Honestly, this was only my second time using a graphic artist. I did my first one myself, my debut novel came from someone else, and this person I had just seen in passing on Facebook. I sent her a one-liner about what I had in mind and she came back with this cover on the first go.

2) Do you feel that it reflects the story well? 

I feel that it does since it's such an open-ended image it could fit most anywhere. The cover is deeply passionate, and shows two people in the throes of that passion, so to know there are lies behind it, makes it all the more intriguing. The excitement for me comes with wondering what the first impression a person would get at first glance. Like how it speaks to them if they could sum it up in a few words.

3) Did you design it yourself or was it designed by another party? 

She (Dynasty CoverMe)  took over with this one. I sent her a synopsis and she came with it.

4) Given the choice, would you change anything about it? 

I would. I've found as of late, that I'm really a girl about imagery. I don't like people on the cover if they don't have to be. I want my audience to fall in love with the content, not with what the people on the front might have to do with that. Hopefully, that makes sense.

5) Was this the original cover to this book, or was there one prior (like a first edition)? 

This is a bit tricky because it isn't really what I had in mind. This is going to sound a little weird, but initially, I was just a little upset when she came back with the cover. I mean I LOVED the cover, but what didn't sit right with me was that she "assumed" I wanted African American characters on the cover, and I'm assuming that it's because I'm an African American author. However, when I originally wrote The Color of Lies, my characters were Caucasian. I literally went through my story and changed all reference to their descriptions to fit the cover because I did feel a connection to the cover.

6) Does this cover reflect your artistic preference?

No. As stated in the other question, I am much more about imagery. I recently redid the cover for my debut novel and wanted imagery and nothing else. The same artist that I used for The Color of Lies did the cover, and with each mock up she sent, even though I'd told her "Imagery", and to use the building I'd sent, she managed to add a person. Lol! So finally, it just grew on me. So I think that the whole imagery thing may be a bit difficult for some which is why I'm in the process of learning Photoshop myself. I have a keen eye for what I want, so sometimes I can be immensely difficult to please. Nevertheless, I've been happy with the service. I would just rather, in a perfect world for my vision to come across exact in delivery and receipt.

Friday Rewind: Awesome Covers Issue 3

Dear Readers, Writers and Precious Patrons,

Today on the All Authors Friday Rewind we bring you a look at the Awesome Covers Column of All Authors Magazine Issue 3: Winds of Change.

Now ... on with the show!

1) Where did the inspiration for the cover come from?

I had an idea of what I wanted in mind, from writing the book. So I went searching for appropriate images, which took a lot of time, but I feel was well worth the effort.

2) Do you feel that it reflects the story well?

I do feel it reflects the story well. I hope it portrays the suspense, and drama. Of course, the slight humour and romance running through the book don't show at all-lol. But all in all I'm very happy with it.

3) Did you design it yourself or was it designed by another party?

I designed the cover myself, but the base image I purchased from an artist on Deviant Art. She has recently changed her name, so I am waiting to hear from her which one she would like me to use, and I will let you know as soon as I do. Here is the base image: it is called 'In the End'.

I added the red eye and the woman in the background, then darkened and softened the edges to merge into the black book cover. As soon as I saw this picture, I knew it was the one I'd been looking for. Nothing else would do.

4) Given the choice, would you change anything about it?

I did toy with the idea of removing the red butterfly, but on reflection decided it added a touch of surrealism to the whole thing. I tied the end of the book in nicely to include the butterfly. I like the mixing of death and life in this version.

5) Was this the original cover to this book, or was there one prior (like a first edition)?

This was the original cover for this book. I had four drafts, but really this was my only real choice. It stood out from the other possibles and yelled "me, me" so loudly I just couldn't ignore it.

6) Does this cover reflect your artistic preference?

Not really. I'm as eclectic in my artistic preferences as I am in the genres I write and read. A lot depends on what mood I'm in at the time. The important thing is that something 'speaks' to me.