Well, there it is . . . the cover for my first novel . . . After the Dance. What do you think? I'd hope to showcase it on my web site first. But you know, things don't always work out the way you'd like (sad smile).
Oh, by the way, copies of the book are currently availabe for pre-order from Borders and Amazon, among others. Of course, you could also wait until the books make their official debut in stores in April of 2008.
If you are a bona fide reviewer and you'd like an advanced review copy, go to my profile page (look under my picture in the right hand corner), send me a request by email and I'll see if I can't hook you up. But you've gotta be a bona fide reviewer with a verifiable track record and not just somebody out looking for a freebie (LOL). Not that I'm totally opposed to freebies because I just might give a few away via a contest or two. We'll see.
Personally, I'm extremely pleased with the book cover art. I've long heard the horror stories about authors who hated their covers so much they broke down and cried or threw hissy fits when they first laid eyes on them. I'm happy to say that wasn't the case for me.
Interestingly enough, the good folks over at Dafina/Kensington actually asked me what I'd like to see on the cover. I mentioned a scene that takes place in downtown Memphis. It's raining and the couple are slow-dancing by the riverside. The way I envisioned it, the couple appeared in silhouette. And most of important of all, the Hernando-Desoto Bridge with its distinctive arching M's (for M-town or Memphis) was clearly visible. I even sent them a few photos of the bridge, so they'd have a better idea of what I was talking about. And Lo and behold, if Ms. Kristine Mill-Noble (Kensington's artistic director) and crew didn't absolutely NAIL IT! Not only do you have to love it when folks do right by you, if you have the least bit of hometraining, you doggone well oughta acknowledge it too. So again, THANKS Kristine.
Now, I may leave this up for a while. Not only because I like looking at it (LOL), but I need to take care of a few other projects. But in my absence, please feel free to comment. I'll be back soon to (among other things) tell you a little bit more about the book and why I think some of the fellas in particular will enjoy it even though it is very much a love story.
So until then . . . Peace & Blessings Y'all . . .
(Written while listening to, among other things "After The Dance" by Marvin Gaye and "Baby I'm For Real" by the Originals).
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13 comments:
That cover is slammin'! Congratulations. Although I am a bonafide reviewer with the Midwest Book Review, I'd rather support you by buying a copy. And let me know if you plan on doing a signing in Cleveland, and I'll send your signing info to all my contacts here.
Thanks Emanuel. Just yesterday, I learned, I may very well be in the Cleveland area next year, towards the end of July-first of August. I'll keep you posted.
WOW! How cool is that? Unfortunately I am not a bona fide reviewer so I will place my order and wait. As the old saying goes, "anything worth having is worth waiting for". As Mr. Carpenter stated, I would rather support you by purchasing the novel. I know you have to be very excited. If you hit the promotion trail and end up in the Dallas area please contact me. You are finally seeing the fruits of your labor...Job well done!
Hey PJ,
I will certainly keep you in mind if I make it to the Dallas area. My brother, who lives in Oklahoma, loves the Dallas area. I'll see if I can't talk him in letting me tag along on one of his treks (smile). Thanks for the support. Oh, and look for me to be posting about your blog soon!
Beautiful! Just beautiful! I think people who see this cover will pick the book up. That's what a cover should do. I think I'll buy a copy or 2 myself! :)
Congratulations on the cover! It's provocative without going too far over the edge. I can't wait for the book and you must have a signing in Cleveland - I'll get the book club together and we'll come out and support you.
BTW - I've been lurking on the site and you've had some really great topics. Even the last one about the snow and Cleveland. Luckily we haven't had a measurable snowfall yet, but it's coming and I'm sort of looking forward to it.
Oh yeah, now I'm feeling the love (LOL). MR and SHELLSHOCK are among the folks I thank on my book's acknowlegments page.
Thanks for the praise MR. But like I said, all of the credit goes to Ms. Kristin & crew. Glad to hear you're gonna get, not one, but TWO books. That's what I'm talking 'bout! (smile)
Hey Shell! Where have you been hiding? Like I told Emanuel, I do hope to have a signing in the Cleveland area. I have a couple of places in mind, but I'm open to suggestion.
Wouldn't it be great if your folks and Emanuel's (I'm talking writers & readers) got together and combined forces on some literary-related projects? Just throwing that out there (LOL). You know, I always love it when like-minded folks find each other and produce something positive . . .
The cover looks great!!! I'm sure it will attract a lot of readers.
God is truly blessing you.
Your book cover looks fantastic! I was pleased to learn that Dafina/Kensington was able to capture how you envisioned the cover. By the way, you had some great background music going while you were writing.
Sharon,
Thanks for the kind words and the gentle reminder (smile).
Malcolm,
Glad you like the cover and the songs I mentioned. Those songs ("After the Dance" and "Baby I'm For Real) are only two of the twenty plus songs mentioned in the
novel. Maybe I should have a contest to see who can guess the most correct song titles (smile).
I love your cover. It makes me want to pick the book up. I'll be ordering my copy.
I'm so excited for you! The cover is great, the storyline sounds great... I'm getting this book.
Shelia & Keith,
Thanks so much for the kind words and the show of support.
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