I received an email the other night from the gentleman who is the cover model for FAERIE FIRE. He asked permission to use the cover on some promotional material he was handing out at Romantic Times (RT) Convention next week. I have a cover model. HEE! Well, it turns out, so does Alannah Lynne and Ashlynn Pearce. In fact, we all share the handsome Jimmy Thomas. So, today for brunch, here’s a more up close and personal view of the man who graces our covers. Enjoy!

And to show the many moods of the Mr. T, here’s our three covers! I love that Alannah, Ashlynn, and I all have one more thing in common! It’s a small world, don’cha know!

These are some simple truths I’ve learned, seeing as I’m older than dirt.

1. Sometimes, eating fiber=5 pound weight gain.

2. Sometimes it’s better to cry over spilled milk.

3. And sometimes, crying over a movie or the end of the book makes you feel satisfied.

4. When you are a writer, sometimes the baby does get thrown out with the bathwater.

5. Size matters. Just sayin’. Sometimes, anyway.

6. Sometimes, a hug is worth a thousand words. Unless you want him to talk about his feelings. Then it’s just frustrating.

7. I love writing. It’s the paperwork I can’t stand.

8. Sometimes, the only thing that helps is standing under the shower until all the hot water is gone.

9. Sometimes you do get to eat the last cookie.

10. And sometimes you just have to *squeee* over your book covers because it all still feels like a dream.

Faerie Fate coming April 9, 2010

Sorry. I still wake up and pinch myself to see if this whole rollercoaster ride is real. I now return you to the regularly scheduled blog. What about ya’ll? Anybody have a simple truth to add to the list?

G’morning, shadow peeps. I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. First, news on the Name The Trilogy front. It will have no official name. LOL! The Powers That Be don’t like foreign looking or sounding names as they feel it discombobulates readers. (True, that can happen–I know I have to stop and look up unfamiliar words, especially when I read Regencies!) Miss Editor and I could not decide on a series title we liked so I suggested dropping the title altogether. The books have similar names and the covers will tie them together. Each book is basically stand alone in that there is no over-reaching story arc. The fae and the family ties are what provide the cohesion among the three books. That leaves me free to call it what I want, albeit unofficially. Welcome back to Tír Nan Óg.

Second, I’ve officially started writing FAERIE FOOL. (If you call one paragraph a start – LOL!) Rory and Delaney will finally have their story told. I’ll be working on it simultaneously with the edits on FAERIE FIRE.

Third, speaking of FIRE. Would you like to see the cover? The fabulous RAE MONET has done it again!

Be sure to click on the cover to see the full-sized version. Well…the almost full-sized. The big file I have would clog your computers! It’s awesome blossom goodness!

Stay tuned for news of FAERIE FATE goodies to come.

And the last bit of news, the winner of November’s random drawing will win an autographed copy of Merline Lovelace’s newest book, ALL THE WRONG MOVES (A SAMANTHA SPADE MYSTERY).

Cheers!

See larger image All the Wrong Moves (A SAMANTHA SPADE MYSTERY) (Paperback) By (author) Merline Lovelace List Price: $6.99 USD New From: $3.15 In Stock Used from: $2.27 In Stock

I have a question for all you unpublished authors…and those of you who have been might take a fond (or not so fond) look back to before you were. Today’s topic is covers. Oh…not the art (though that is an on-going discussion and subject of much light-hearted snarkery over on Smart Bitches Trashy Books) or the titles, which is a whole new discussion. To derail thought for a moment, as I browse the titles at the local Borders or B&N, I often come away with the thought of, “OMGWTF were they thinkin’? I know my muse smokes funny shit sometimes but the editorial staff? Duuuude!” I have heard, though, that while the authors have some input, the sales and editorial staffs can and do switch things up based on some nebulous idea of what sells. That topic, however, is not the subject of this rambling musing. Today’s subject is much more personal – cover photos. And that leads me to the question.

How many of you think about the cover photo for the back cover of your first book (or your sixth)? Do you take a moment in the mirror as you get ready for something else, posing your reflection to capture your best angles? Do you lift your chin a bit to minimize that double chin? (Guilty) Tilt to the side a hair to emphasis those high cheekbones? (Guilty) Suck in your cheeks to give your profile a slimmer look? What about your hairstyle? (Or lack of one – Guilty) Or are you one of those lucky folk who could actually BE one of the models on your cover? (*growl* *mutter*)

What about background? Do you give it any thought? “Oh, I must have my personal library with all my volumes in the background”? Or your garden? The mountains, beach, or other favorite spot? Would you opt for a simpler photographer’s backdrop/drape behind you? (I mean, you want people to look at you, not what’s over your shoulder! Right?) What about props? Computer? Faithful pet(s)? Favorite drink? (I don’t think the coffee IV pole and line I use would be very attractive. ;P) Clothing? Have you considered your wardrobe? Do you want something snazzy? Or what you actually write in? (Gah – for me, a tank top and cotton sleep pants most days. Would. Not. Do.) Or would you forego the photo entirely? Is that even an option?

I have to admit, I love the poses Nora Roberts uses in her J.D. Robb persona. That black leather coat rocks! Lori G. Armstrong’s photo caught my eye, mainly because it was simple and to the point and she’s attractive. (Being old and “out of shape” has it’s drawbacks. ;P) The photos used by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Laurell K. Hamilton used to be almost interchangeable. If I remember correctly, Christine Feehan and Karen Marie Moning both had critters in their photos. Jennifer Armintrout went for background and setting in hers.

Since I have a B&N gift card from my birthday, I foresee a shopping trip in the near future. I am going to peruse the shelves of the romance shelves and makes notes – cover art, titles, and author photos. Sounds like a plan to me. After all, I want to be prepared, you know, when that letter finally comes saying that my manuscript has been accepted for publication. In the meantime, I suspect I’ll still catch myself “posing” in the mirror whenever I make a trip to the “little writer’s room.”