Romance Writers Weekly | Dani Jace. Romance Author

Author, A.S. Fenichel, wants us to talk book covers this week. We are to pick three of our covers and tell the process for the design or if traditionally published, our first impression of our shiny new cover.

My first cover was by a small publisher and the artist gave me wh Legend's Promise at I’d asked for, which was probably not the best thing. It was too busy and didn’t show well as a thumbnail. I’ve since regained rights for the novella, changed the title and self-published with a new cover.

I designed this cover with the help of Photoshop, creating the winged tattoo. I’m proud of it and believe this cover is more in tune with the story.

Hot as Blazes is the first cover Kensington created. My first impression was, “he’s shirtless.” Awesome! I would have like more of a six-place but love the color combo and they way they worked the title and my author name into the pic.

This is my second novel written (after the first that will never see the light of day) and is my favorite book thus far.

The third cover I’ll present belongs my SEAL story that started with a working title of Trident Valor. The publisher thought it sounded like a paranormal read. My writing buddy and friend, Georgiana Harding, came up with Sand and Sin and Kensington selected it from a list.

First thought was “nice bod.” I like the cover and colors but wished they’d forgone the tattoo over his heart . SEALs prefer anonymity and wouldn’t put their “Buds” symbol on their chest. In the story, the hero actually had an eagle on one of his shoulders.

I am one of those who judges a book by it’s cover. If it doesn’t catch my eye, I probably won’t even read the blurb unless someone has recommended it. I’m also a snob about false advertising. If you you have half naked people on the cover, they better get naked in the book and preferably more than once! LOL. Now on to Leslie Hachtel who has some lovely covers.

This week on Romance Writers Weekly, A.S. Fenichel wants to know who keeps a journal. Why? Why not? What kind of things to you write: personal, writerly, vague or stream of consciousness? If you want to share a journal entry, we’d love to know your innermost thoughts.

During my teens, I religiously kept a journal or “diary” as they were called when T-Rex roamed the earth. Never too fancy about it, an unpretentious spiral notebook served for my mental meanderings and daily activities. Not too long ago, I read some of them and met the person I used to be. Thankfully, I’ve matured and learned a few things.

Later on, a full-time job then a family pushed my logging of life into the abyss. After personal computers became a home standard, (yes I learned to type on a typewriter – GASP), I began to journal again, but entries were sporadic. I’ve always used pen in hand as a catharsis and wrote many stories during my elementary years.

Now, I tend to write “shorts” instead of a daily or weekly diary. Usually it’s when I’m dealing with something in life, that I can’t get a handle on. I’ll sit down to the computer or whip out a spiral notebook. Last fall I wrote about selling the family home left to my sibling and me. It was an emotionally draining time for several reasons, but also an unexpected final goodbye to my parents.

Also, the past couple of summers I’ve kept a daily record of my family’s beach vacation as it seems to be over in a flash. I want to remember each day. Wish I’d kept a log of our trips over the years… it’d certainly have some great book material.

Here’s something I’ll share from last December during Christmas vacation when my son and I went to see the Star Wars movie – Rogue One. Be aware, there’s spoiler in case you haven’t seen the flick.

December 27, 2016. Got up a little late and started laundry then tided the house. By time Hunter returned from gym, we rushed to Cinema Café to see Star Wars – Rogue One. He’d had seen it the day but wanted to take Mom. He’d reserved the seats and everything. I went in knowing Carrie Fisher had a heart attack last Friday before Christmas. The last scene in the movie shows her (younger self) receiving the plans for the Death Star the rebels had stolen and she says, “Now we have hope.”

The credits begin to roll and a woman in the balcony shouts, “Carrie Fisher is dead. May the force be with her.” I swear I almost broke down in tears. The timing literally caught me off guard. Hunter was furious with her. He’d seen the breaking news on the phone when he’d gone to the restroom but didn’t want to spoil the ending by telling me.

I had a drink when I got home and then proceeded to feel like crap.

Now let’s see if Leslie Hachtel keeps a journal and is willing to share a sample. If you haven’t visited A.S. Fenichel please check her her post on keeping journal.

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