Blog Tour: Interview with A.J. Locke, Author of Affairs of the Dead

We're happy to host A.J. Locke in the tour for her urban fantasy novel Affairs of the Dead. A.J. answered some interview questions for us, so you can learn more about her and her novel. And don't forget to check the bottom of this post for a giveaway!

AFFAIRS OF THE DEAD
Author: A.J. Locke
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Etopia Press
Length: 341 pages

Help ghosts, stop a thief, and try not to die…

Necromancer Selene Vanream helps ghosts settle their affairs so they can move on. But when breaking the rules gets her in trouble, she’s bumped down to tracking ghosts trying to avoid the afterlife. Ghosts like Ethan Lance, who claims he was kicked out of his body when someone else jumped in. Which might be plausible—if such a thing were possible. And if Micah, Selene’s partner, didn’t pull her into an investigation of brutal murders that lead directly back to Ethan.

But when the whole mess puts Selene’s life in danger, she suddenly has very personal reasons to get Ethan’s body back. Between her uncomfortable relationship with Micah, and problems with her boss, Selene learns just how much trouble it can be when you don’t follow the rules…

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INTERVIEW

1. Who are two authors that inspire your work, and why do they inspire you?

Laurell K. Hamilton because she was the first urban fantasy author I ever read. I didn’t immediately start writing urban fantasies after I started reading her work, but when I did start, I definitely learned from her how an UF works, the elements it needs, and how to make everything come together in a way that’s faced paced, interesting and also a little mysterious and sexy. Another author that has inspired me is Yukio Mishima for the way he is able to build deeply personal stories centered around people. His works taught me a lot about successful character development and that you don’t necessarily need to know someone’s entire story for them to be a believable character that you care about.

2. Which scene(s) are your favorite in your novel, Affairs of the Dead?

I enjoy my opening scene (which is in a strip club) because it shows you exactly who Selene is and how she goes about doing her job right off the bat. I also like the scene not long after that where her antics at the strip club, as well as others, get her in trouble with her boss and she gets demoted.

3. What is a unique aspect of your book that makes it stand out from other novels in its genre?

I think my book is unique in the way it tackles ghosts and necromancers, and goes beyond the concept of helping ghosts settle their affairs. I also have reanimation, which is using ghosts to animate corpses back to life, and I did something different with witches, giving them the power to draw out living energy as well as handle dead energy, thus calling them dead witches. My ghosts don’t just stay ghosts either; they can turn into rampaging monsters if their affairs aren’t dealt with in a timely manner. I took concepts we all know well (ghosts, necromancers, and witches), and tried to put a different spin on them from what I’ve seen before. And hopefully that makes my book unique.

4. Which character in your novel do you relate to the most, and why?

Definitely Selene. She has a bit of a wild side, which I also have, and I also lent her my  sense of humor a little. She may get herself in trouble from time to time but ultimately  she is trying to do good and be helpful where she can, so though it might seem like she  doesn’t care, she really does. She just does things in her own way and I can relate to that.

5. Is there anything else you want to share with our blog readers?

Just that I hope they will check out Affairs of the Dead! I plan for it to be a series, so there will definitely be a second book, which I am working on right now.

Lightning round!

Favorite movie? It’s so hard for me to pick my *favorite* of something because I like so many things! So I don’t have a favorite movie, just a lot that I really like. I tend to go for those fast paced action movies, as well as movies based off comic books, so almost anything DC or Marvel related I’d be into. I also like silly comedies and period romances like Pride and Prejudice.

Favorite TV show? I’m a TV junkie so I have many, some are: Vampire Diaries, Scandal, Revenge, Once Upon a Time, and True Blood.

Favorite food? Anything that tastes good! Seriously, I love any good food, and I especially love dessert!

Favorite animal? Birds; my first pet was a parrot, and after that I always had parakeets as pets.

Favorite color? Blue.

Favorite book? The Sound of Waves and Wuthering Heights are a couple favorites.

Print or ebook? Both, but I favor print books more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A.J. Locke is an author and artist, originally from Trinidad, now residing in New York City. Affairs of the Dead is her debut novel, and other than writing she enjoys reading, drawing, painting, graphic design, and watching too much television.

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GIVEAWAY
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Interview with Kasie West, Author of Pivot Point

As you may (or may not) know, we've started a new Book of the Month (BotM) feature. For each BotM, Kenya and I will both read the selected book and then post a joint review/argument/discussion.

Our January BotM is Pivot Point, by Kasie West, which is an amazing and original young adult science fiction novel. I read Pivot Point early in the month and, like the fangirl I am, emailed Kasie to request an interview. She agreed—because she rocks! I had a lot of fun coming up with questions, and I just love her answers.

The interview is below, and check back soon for our BotM review.

Pivot Point
by Kasie West
Publication: February 12, 2013

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Alicia: If you could be "psychologically advanced," like many of the characters in Pivot Point, which ability would you choose? And why?

Kasie: As you might imagine (considering the book I wrote) I get this question a lot. And every time I want something different depending on what's happening in my life at the time. Ha. So today, since I just got back from the gym, and going to the gym is so much work, I'd love the ability to be able to make myself stronger without having to work out--increase my metabolism, send increased blood flow to my muscles. It's all mind power. Now, if I just think hard enough maybe I can do that without a mental power. I'll let you know if it works.

Alicia: What about a non-mental super power—what would you choose? And why?

Kasie: Flying for sure. I really really want to be able to fly. Why can't I fly?

Alicia: Let's say you live in a secret compound with a bunch of people who have mental abilities—much like the Compound in Pivot Point. What would you do for fun?

Kasie: Ha. I like this question. I'd mess with people's minds, of course. :) No, I think we'd have to have lots of ability v ability competitions. Like with Telekinetics--who could hold the most objects off the ground for the longest.

Alicia: With so many books these days featuring physical superpowers, what inspired you to focus on mental powers?

Kasie: I do love physical superpowers too. But to me, mental powers almost seem attainable. Like they are just one step away from being a reality. If we can figure out how to use our brain more effectively, wouldn't that be the next step? I love that thought. I love supernatural that makes you look around and wonder if it's already happening around you.

Alicia: What's your favorite thing about being a writer?

Kasie: I have four kids so I love that this is a career I can do from home. But I love love love creating a person on paper. I love exploring and learning about that person and telling their story. It is so fun for me.

Alicia: Do you have any new writing projects or upcoming books you want to tell us about?

Kasie: In July my contemporary THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US comes out. I love this story so much and hope others will as well. Then of course, the sequel to Pivot Point will be out next February and another contemporary in the summer of 2014. These books are keeping me pretty busy, but I always like to be writing something new. So yes, I have a few other projects that are in their very early stages.

Lightning round!
Favorite movie? Pitch Perfect
Favorite TV show? American Idol
Favorite food? Mexican
Favorite animal? Kitten
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite book? GAH! That's an unfair question. There are too many. :)
Print or ebook? Print. (But I'm not an ebook hater)

Website
Twitter

I love to write--too much. It's a sickness really. My debut novel, PIVOT POINT, will be published by HarperTeen Feb. 12, 2013. (Followed by its sequel a year later.)

THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, my contemporary YA novel, will be published in the Fall of 2013 (HarperTeen).

My agent is the talented, funny, and sometimes crazy, Michelle Wolfson.

Interview with Laura Lam, Author of Pantomime

Today, I get to present the author of the awesome book Pantomime!! The book was so good, I stopped what I was doing, searched for Laura Lam (genius author), possibly made her uncomfortable  by tweeting my devotion, and then begged her to do an interview with me.

She said yes! Because she is so cool!  So check out my interview below, but first get a quick look at the book that set my brain on fire!

Release Date: Feb 2013

Book Summary: R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilisation long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.

Laura Lam (future-book-baby-mama)

1- First please tell my readers what a Pantomime is and why you decided to incorporate this into your incredible story.

A Pantomime is more common in the UK than in the US, as the Christmas Panto is a big thing over here. A pantomime is a comedic-dramatic play. I wrote a longer history of the Pantomime HERE.


The shorter version is that the pantomime originated in Rome, which was when they told a story without words, but over the years it became Italian and then distinctly English. It's outlandish and funny, with slapstick and a lot of cross-dressing--the principal boy will often be played by a girl and the dame will usually be played by an older man.



From Laura Lam's Blog HERE

They were sometimes little interludes between opera acts, and so for my pantomime I stole that idea and had the play be little snippets between circus acts of R.H. Ragona's Circus of Magic. The pantomime in the circus is called Leander and Iona, and is about true love and monsters. It ties in very obviously to the themes of gender identity and exploration which are present in Pantomime. To be extra nerdy, some of the play's lines are in iambic pentameter.

2- Why did you decide to tackle the topic of gender identity within your story and how much research did it involve?

 It's something that evolved sort of naturally. I've always been interested in gender identity and some of my favourite fantasy and science fiction addresses this as well--Robin Hobb, Lynn Flewelling, Ursula K. Le Guin, and others--and so when I came up with a certain character, it wasn't unexpected.

But initially I was afraid to write about the subject, worried that I'd get it wrong. So for a good six months I just thought about it and read a lot of books gender & sexuality and GLBTQI issues and watched documentaries and youtube videos.

Some aspects of the research really upset me--the way people are treated just because of the way they were born--and I realised that yes, this was a story I needed to tell.

I realise I'm being a little coy, but we're being vague until the book is out!

3-Clearly, there will be a book two in this amazing adventure, but do you think there will be more than two books or even a spin-off series with other characters?

 Right now I have a contract for two books. I've love to do a third book to make it a trilogy, but that depends on how well Pantomime does.

Hint, hint!

But I also would love to go back to the series I started before Pantomime, which has Micah Grey as a 27-year-old. I'm also writing a few short stories set in Ellada just now, and I have a few other ideas percolating. I love the world, so I'd happily spend many books investigating it through different characters' eyes.

 4- What are three things you believe writers should do in order to improve their craft?

1. Read. Soo important to read, and read, and read some more. Read everything. Stuff you love. Read crap. Read famous classics. Read guilty pleasures. You'll learn so much about the craft of writing from every book you read. Every book I've read is an influence to some degree.

 2. Write. Write whatever. Write a blog, write reviews, write artcles, write short stories, novellas, novels. Try writing with an outline, or without an outline, and figure out what works for you. Get your butt in the chair and your hands on the keyboard and write.

3. Try to drown out the noise. I've noticed especially after getting a book deal that there's so much to worry about now.

Publishing can be a scary beast.

You sometimes feel like just one more voice yelling and waving your arms in a crowded room, trying to be heard. But sometimes you need to block it all out, unplug the modem, and just lose yourself in the words and the worlds and remember why you're doing all this in the first place.

 5- How did you find your agent?

I was rejected by another agent and cheekily asked if he had any other names in mind. I wouldn't normally do that, but we were on friendly terms already via Twitter and I could tell I was a pretty close miss.

One of the names he recommended was Juliet Mushens and I looked her up and she seemed perfect! So I queried her, she requested the full 5 minutes later, and she read it overnight and offered the next day.

I had a publishing offer from Strange Chemistry two days later and so she helped negotiate the deal.

6- What are your next projects?

I'm waiting to hear back about Pantomime 2 at the moment. To keep myself busy, As I said, I'm writing a few short stories set in Ellada, each one centered about a bit of Vestige, which is the advanced technology and/or magic left behind by an ancient civilisation, the Alder.

I don't know what I'll do with them yet, but I'm having fun writing them all the same. I'm also working on another YA which is a gothic ghost story with a twist, set in our world. I also have plenty of other book ideas percolating in the back of my mind, which is nice. When I first started writing I was worried I wouldn't have enough ideas, but so far I haven't run out!

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Laura Lam was raised near San Francisco, California by two former Haight-Ashbury hippies. She relocated to Scotland in 2009 to be with her husband, whom she met on the internet when he instant messaged her and insulted her taste in books. She almost blocked him but is glad she didn’t. At times she misses the sunshine.

Interview: Being a Bestselling Author and Top Agent: Lucienne Diver

Nothing is cooler than contacting an author that you love and getting a response!

Today we have an interview that I did with one of my favorite authors, where I ask her how she balances her responsibilities as a top agent and a bestselling author!

Lucienne Diver is an agent that represents some of the hottest names in the fantasy genre--Chloe Neill, N.K. Jemisin, Faith Hunter, Rachel Caine, and Rob Thurman, just to name a few.

If that isn't cool enough, Mrs. Diver is also a bestselling author.

This is her Latter-Day Olympians series featuring a heroine who can literally stop men in their tracks.

Book 1

Book 2

This is her Young Adult Vampire novels, the Vamped  series, about a teen fashionista who goes from chic to eek when she wakes up as one of the undead.

How does it work when you’re both a top agent and bestselling author?

I couldn't possibly be both at the same time! I write first thing in the morning, before my inner-agent/critic comes on-line. It’s the only way I’m able to get the words onto the page. Once the coffee kicks in and they wake up, it’s game over. Normal business hours (and then some), I’m my agent-self – negotiating contracts, critiquing others’ work, writing pitches, sending out submissions, fielding phone calls, collecting quotes, etc.

Do you represent yourself?

No. I've been an agent for nineteen years now, though it doesn't seem nearly that long. (I guess time flies when you’re having fun.) Anyway, as an agent, I’m confident. I know that my authors are incredible, and it’s easy to advocate for them. As an author, I’m riddled with insecurities, and I need someone who can be for me what I am for my clients.

What are the pluses and pitfalls of being an agent and author? 

I think it’s difficult to wear both hats, mainly because of the perception. I don’t do nearly as much promotion of my work as I probably should for fear that someone will think I’m taking time away from my agenting duties. So really, it’s my self-promotion that often gets left in the dust. (To my publishers: I’ll be better, I promise!)

Are you writing a new book?

Always! I’ve temporarily had to put away the dark YA that I’m writing on spec, because it insists on being written and perfected before I get it out there, to start the third novel in my Latter-Day Olympians series. The first two are already out: Bad Blood (digital and print) and Crazy in the Blood (digital Aug. 7, print in 2013). I don’t want to give too much away, but in the third novel readers will finally get to meet my heroine’s crazy family that they’ve heard so much about in the first two.

As an agent and author, I bet you have to read lots of books. However, what genre do you enjoy reading for fun and who are some of your favorite authors?

I enjoy all of the genres I represent, so I don’t have just one go-to genre. In my recent free time (ha!), I’ve read books by Janet Evanovich, Joshilyn Jackson, Erik Larson, Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan and Barry Lyga. Other favorites include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (of course!), Mary Stewart, Sharyn McCrumb, Aaron Elkins, Laurell K. Hamilton…I could go on practically forever.

With indie authors on a rise and so many traditionally published authors looking toward self-publishing, where do you see the publishing industry in ten years? 

Well, first I want to address something: indie publishing and self-publishing are two different things – one involves an independent press and the other involves the author him or herself acting as publisher. Both can be valid paths, but I’ve noticed these two things have started being used interchangeably, and yet they’re not synonyms.

Oh, I wish I had a crystal ball for the next ten years. What I can say is that while publishing will, of course, change. Agents and publishing houses will continue to be very relevant in promoting, selling, distributing, marketing and molding an author’s books and brand. I know that each year we’ve been in business, The Knight Agency has grown exponentially. In fact, one of the things I love about the agency is our innovation and constant market analysis so that we can be out ahead of the trends.

I've noticed that some well-known literary agents have started small press companies to help authors put out there backlisted book. Are you also interested in publishing?

The Knight Agency has a program just for our authors to facilitate publication of backlist, and select frontlist books. We take care of covers, formatting and promotion. The authors take care of blurbs and copyediting. It’s a collaborative effort, and we’ve seen very good results, like for Lauren Baratz-Logsted’s THE BRO MAGNET and Beth Cornelison’s TRUST IN ME.

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Thanks so much Mrs. Diver for the interview! You're a Rockstar!

And for my readers, if you're interested in learning more about Mrs. Diver, please check out her awesome website HERE

Book Cover Model Interview: Jason Baca

Jason Baca is a talented book cover model.

If you're a big reader like me, then you've probably seen his face a few times.

I reached out to Jason to learn more about his experiences as a book cover model. Here's the interview:

1-You've modeled a lot of book covers so many I can't name them all without creating a ridiculously long list. What were some of your favorite book covers and why?

 Jason:

There are so many out now that I can't even keep track myself. And the covers seem to keep getting better and better...The one that really seems to stand out in my mind is a book titled Legacy Found by N.J.Walters. Something about this cover really is flattering. I mean I wished I looked that good in true life :)

  

2- What is the craziest thing you experienced or did during a photo shoot?

 Jason:

I haven't done too many "crazy" things during a photo shoot. You'd be surprised at how slow paced and professional they are in these studios. There is not a whole lot of moving around or being expressive. It’s all expressionless most of the time so if you are getting crazy, things won't turn out right. The crazy stories you'll hear about come from stock models that do ads.

3- You wrote two books on your modeling experience, Journey of a Male Model and Overexposed. Why did you decide to write the books and are you planning to write more?

Jason:

I wrote the books because I had not seen ANY books of its kind. You'd be in a book store and see all kinds of books on how to act or do theatre but not a single book on how to model. This is what brought me to writing these. Even though they didn't turn out AMAZING or entirely understandable, I was still happy to write them for others.

4- Are you a big reader? What genre do you like to read?

 Jason:

I am slowly becoming one more and more now. Yes. I used to read nothing more than the Sports page of a newspaper. Then later in life I realized there was more to life than just baseball & football. I read a lot of genres including some of the self improvement books.

5- Where do you see your career in ten years?

  

Jason:

That is too far in advance for me to look right now. When things are going as good as they are and I am in that "bubble" currently, I try not to think about that stuff. I'm more caught up in what amazing things are happening in my life today. I can't express how much the romance novel industry has embraced me with all of this.

Jason! Thanks so much for coming on our blog!

Jason Aaron Baca was born and raised in Los Gatos California, were he played baseball for Los Gatos High. While playing ball at the university level, Jason changed careers and began modeling after being discovered by a lab photographer developing wedding pictures.

With a goal of becoming a versatile and sought after model, Jason began doing fashion, glamour, fine art, and even Playgirl modeling shoots. He has also acted, appearing in such movies as "The Demon Within," but he has consistently placed his modeling career first. Now living in San Jose, Jason is currently working on a second book, which details his latest exploits in the modeling business.

Stock Photo site: http://jasonaaronbaca.deviantart.com/

Cover Model Interview: Kaden James

This past weekend, the gods aligned with the moon and mystical stars! I contacted one of my favorite book cover models, Kaden James. He immediatly replied and was willing to do an interview with the floozies!

How cool is that? He even gave me a shout out on facebook for my birthday! He's absolutly a class act!

 Bestselling Book Covers he's been on:

Bio:

Kaden James became MTV's Featured artist in late 2011. He was the only unsigned artist to host the show New Now Next, Poplab. An honor bestowed on some of the biggest stars in music including Rihanna and Lady Gaga.

His music has been featured on the most recent instalment of MTV's Real World: Las Vegas. Two of his songs were on the last two episodes of MTV's The Hills, including the series finally. He has the theme song to Logo's The A-List New York and the new Dallas.

Kaden's video for "A Boy Like Me" was featured on Spike TV and VH1.com. He has just landed the theme song to a new show called "The Audition."

Kaden has also appeared in Angelino Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, and as a spokes person/model for Sexy Hair, Wet Cement, Aniki Jeans, Rudsak and Java J Bar.

The Interview

1- You were on The Secret Circle book covers and Timekeeper by Alexandra Monir. How did you get involved with those projects?


Hi Kenya, first of all thanks for this opportunity to be featured on your blog!

 I was a was approached to be on the cover of The Secret Circle after photographer Chad Michael Ward saw some of my photos online taken by Gerry Garcia. Then a year or so later Chad was about to shoot the cover of the Timekeeper and the art director submitted my photo not even realizing Chad had worked with me so it all worked out great!

Growing up, I never imagined I would get opportunities like this because I was an awkward teenager and always more of a writer myself. I would write my own songs for talent shows and scripts that my friends and I would act out drama class.

 2- Are you a big reader? If so, what’s your favorite genre and author?

When I read, it's usually something spiritually fulfilling. I don't have a lot of time to read but I keep a few inspiring books around. I also read a lot of news and try to keep up with whats going on in the world.

I have some exciting news I can share with you right now. . .I'm currently writing a book series. I started working on over a year ago it's called Flawed. It's a story that came to me one day while I was sitting at the beach, hit me like lighting and I knew the universe had given me a gift.

I had to share this story with the world. I have let the coming-of-age, sci-fi, fantasy flow without rushing it but I am now ready to start looking for a publisher.

If you know any good ones send them my way! Ha ha!

3-You are way more than a book cover model. You’ve done several fashion shows and campaigns. You’re also a singer and song writer.  Your music was played on the final two episodes of MTV’s The Hills. Your song “A Boy like Me” was the theme song for the show “The A-List: New York and Dallas.”

How did you become a song writer?


Writing has always been a big part of my life. My mind has so many thoughts rushing through it at all times so sitting in a quiet space and concentrating on a story has always been my favorite escape. I've written poems since I was very young and then those poems quickly became lyrics to songs.

When I write a song I always see visuals to go with it which makes me always want to shoot music videos, so I write up those concepts too. The writer within me has organically evolved from writing poems, to songs, to blogs, to music video treatments, to tv concepts and now to my first book series. Writing has always felt right. It comes naturally, like breathing.

4- What are some of the things that inspire your music?

 Anything can inspire a song. For instance I might see an incredible tree and I will look up and think about all that this tree has faced, droughts, fires, floods, years of holding up it's own weight and then I will use that tree as a metaphor for strength and have the story grow with that tree.

Inspiration can be found all around us.

We just have to keep our eyes open and not be afraid to share it.

5- What are some new projects you’re currently working on?

Well I am currently working on new music and have EP titled "Live Fearless" being released soon. We have shot two new music videos for my songs "First Love" and "Black Light" which are in editing and coming out sometime next month.

I'm seeking a record deal so that I can go out on tour and put on a great show for my fans.

I'm shopping two television concepts, writing songs for other artists, and continuing to write the first book in the Flawed series. I am very excited about the future and I hope that you will join me on this journey!

Kenya, thanks again for this opportunity and I hope you and your readers will continue to follow your dreams and Live Fearless.

Model Mayhem Bio:

Not the stereotypical model, I'm a grounded guy who wakes up everyday thankful for the people and blessings in my life. I believe that when you are given so many opportunities, it's your responsibility to give back so I try to do as much charity work and fund raisers as I can. So don't be shy, hit me up with anything like that. 

I get told my look is diverse/ I can be all American, edgy, also that European looking, and I'm even having one client use me in a Latin magazine. The truth is I was put up for adoption as a baby and I never knew my parents so I'm not entirely sure what I am when it comes to race and that's fine with me/ I embrace all races and have a love for travel and culture. So look at me as a canvas that you can push any way you like. 

 I started modeling by chance, a few photographers liked my look and wanted to shoot me. I used the shots we took for my music promos and then got hit up by some local LA designers. I love art and thought, why not? I have been using the money I make to fuel my music ever since.





CONNECT WITH KADEN

www.facebook.com/KADEN

www.twitter.com/KADEN

http://www.kadenmusic.com/

Business contact: KadenMusic@gmail.com

Advice from Fantasy Book Cover Artist RENU SHARMA & Fantasy Art Giveaway!! by Kenya Wright

Hello Fellow Floozies!!

Today we have talented Fantasy Book Cover Artist, Renu Sharma talking about designing covers! To celebrate her lovely work we will be giving away one of our favorite prints!

That's right! The lucky winner of this giveaway will recieve a 9 X 12 inch print of Demise of an Angel. A smaller photo of this print is below:

Demise of an Angel

 Let's start with the interview!

What is your advice to authors who make their own book covers or up and coming book cover artists?A few things to keep in mind while designing your own cover:

• If you aren't very good with the software, avoid cutting different pictures & pasting them together. Chances are, the images won't be blended in well & the cover will look of very poor quality. Instead, try using one whole stock image.

Wind of Somberness

• Make sure the fonts are readable in thumbnail. Try using fonts that are clear & not very cliched.

Impossible Love

• Less is more. Try not to have your designs cluttered. Keep them minimal.

Ink

Heaven and Hell

• If you don't have an experience in designing, I suggest that you hire a professional to do your cover. While some indie authors do great covers, most scream home made. Show your design to people and ask for honest feedback. If the most feedback you get is negative, hire a professional.

Are you self-taught artist or did you go to art school?

I am a self taught artist.

Magical Mermaid

How did you become a Book Cover Artist?

It started a couple of years back when an Italian author found my work on facebook & bought one of my artworks for a book cover. After a few months, another author contacted me & told me about author forums where I could post my work. I did the same & got one work after another. Word of mouth did the rest.

Death Dealer

Are you a big reader? 

To be very honest, I had lost my touch with reading a long time ago. I got too busy with my job & art that I hardly got any time for reading. But then I started receiving books from authors I have done covers for and am loving those. I love fantasy & books about life.

She'll Suck You Dry

Your  cover work is very detailed. What is your process when making a book cover for an author?

 For commissions, the first thing I do is ask the authors for as much information as possible about the book & the main character who is to go on the cover. Then I do a search for stock images & give options. Once the stock is selected, I create the book cover in photoshop & send a draft. Most of the times authors like it in the first go so that's about the process. If not, whatever tweaks & revisions are required. 

City of Lost Angels

FireFlies

What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Honestly, I am someone who lives one day at a time. But I know art is my life & this is what I am going to be doing. I see myself having done a LOT of book covers & CD covers by then. What I most look forward to about the future is having improved & grown big time and becoming a way better artist than what I am now.

Renu Sharma is a digital and traditional artist, born and raised in Delhi NCR, India. She discovered her passion for drawing in 2006 and that is when she began her journey as a self taught artist. With time, her passion grew stronger and she started exploring other art forms including digital art. The variety of her artworks from charcoal drawings to digital paintings is what brings her the clients and admirers across the globe. Renu's artworks mostly portray dark tales and emotions. Her traditional artworks include drawings using media like charcoal, graphite, pastels as well as paintings using acrylics and/or watercolors. She also creates digital paintings and digital photo-manipulations. Her art is majorly inspired by music which is usually dark and gothic, also by day to day experiences which move her in some way or the other.

Contact Renu Sharma

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDarkRayne
Artist website: thedarkrayne.deviantart.com

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