Keowee Valley Has a Cover!

 

It's here. It's complete. And I am thrilled!

 

I couldn't stand it: I had to interrupt my family beach vacation to send the news.

 

A huge thanks to the talented artist M. C. Krauss, and to the design team at Bell Bridge Books, for a cover that truly speaks to the spirit of the novel. As is the case with most publishers, the final decision on cover art is out of the author's hands. But mine made me very much a part of the process, and I'm so appreciative of this.

 

Hopefully, after the novel comes out in September, you all will let me know if you agree!

  

Keowee Valley Cover Art Coming Soon!

Modern view of the ancient Cherokee country
(photo: Brian Zufall)

Just a quick note to say that my publishers have completed the cover of Keowee Valley. As soon as I'm allowed to share it here, I will!

It's gorgeous. I love it, love it, love it. 

As I type this, the last of the page proofs are being completed by the wonderful copy editors at Bell Bridge Books. I'll get another look at it, and at both the front and back covers, before it goes to print. And before it does, the novel will be available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Then, soon after, in book stores.

This is getting exciting, sportfans.

More to come from me on the whole process, but for now I'm headed to the beach for a much-needed and much-anticipated vacation with my family, including my parents, my sister and brother-in-law (who live too far away and we don't get to see enough), and all our dogs. 

Sand and sun and dogs and paws and adult beverages and boats and beach music and downright good times, here we come!

The Author Photo

I should've titled this post, "Holy freaking moly, my photo is going to be on the back cover of a book that people are going to SEE."

To relieve my anxiety, I'm taking a poll.

Over the holiday weekend, my husband took some photographs of me at my family's lake house in South Carolina, one of which I may use as my author photo on the back cover of my novel. The setting is perfect (even though you can't see much of it), because behind me are the Blue Ridge Mountains, a landscape that's an integral part of KEOWEE VALLEY.

All the literature says that the best book cover author photos are forward-facing head shots that are in color, and that reflect the spirit of the author.

But trying to decide which photo to send to my publisher is giving me a receding hairline. And (more) wrinkles. Will y'all please help?

In the spirit of forthrightness, I'll let you know that I may not use any of your suggestions. But I probably will.

I beg you to be kind.

Please rank in order of importance (1 = like the best, 3 = like the least) the following photos. Or, heck, if you only like one, list one. Whatever works for you:


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

I realize they all look ridiculously alike, and could use more "touching up." I swear this isn't a vanity exercise: I'm honestly anxious about the decision. So any help will help.

Big virtual hugs--and good joojoo--to all who respond.

P.S. We attempted some "serious author shots" (me not smiling), but I just looked ridiculous.

P.S.S. It wouldn't be unethical, would it, if I used a photograph of Salma Hayek instead?