tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1873652322915407206.post860875220289983069..comments2023-05-25T07:55:42.399-07:00Comments on Writing the Renaissance: Dream CoversJulianne Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10190332417986785920noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1873652322915407206.post-67804492225671532622008-04-27T23:57:00.000-07:002008-04-27T23:57:00.000-07:00Sheramy--I think your cover concept is wonderful! ...Sheramy--I think your cover concept is wonderful! The bright color and recognizable artwork would certainly induce people to pick up your book. And I think that in using a "happy" painting, you're signaling that your book is not a doom and gloom account of Vincent's illness. I certainly hope you can convince your publisher likewise.<BR/><BR/>Catherine--I can't wait to read about the development of the cover for <I>For the King</I>. All of us aspiring authors are learning so much from your informative posts.<BR/><BR/>Lucy--what kind of illustration in particular do you envision for your novel?<BR/><BR/>Renee--I'm so glad to see you here [hug]! You make a very good point as a reader. The cover needs to not only signal "historical fiction" but the era and possibly the setting, which is why, as Catherine pointed out in the other thread, it is important that the fashions and other objects featured be appropriate to the time period.<BR/><BR/>And don't worry--I said I wouldn't care if they put Jollande's big toe on the cover, but I would certainly balk at Fabio! Anyway, Gabriel's hair is dark and curly, not at all like Fabio's blondish mane. {s}Julianne Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10190332417986785920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1873652322915407206.post-80642597602489206812008-04-27T07:33:00.000-07:002008-04-27T07:33:00.000-07:00As a reader, I like the idea of just seeing her ha...As a reader, I like the idea of just seeing her hand with the quill! I don't have your background in history, so when I see the cover, it helps set the time and scene in my mind. Then I can use your description and a little of my own imagination for the characters. I already have a "picture" Jollande in my head, so, it might be weird to see her on your cover and have it not be who I thought :) Anyway, when I book shop, esp. for historical fiction, I like seeing things that aquaint me with the time period (the quill and cage). As long as "Fabio" isn't on there!! Remember that discussion? ReneeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1873652322915407206.post-68580078213560385492008-04-26T04:56:00.000-07:002008-04-26T04:56:00.000-07:00My sister-the-graphic-designer has won me over to ...My sister-the-graphic-designer has won me over to the idea of original illustrations as the most remarkable and striking covers, and when I wander through bookstores browsing, I find that she is right. They're a little harder to do for historical fiction, but I am finding all those covers that use period artwork become a little indistinguishable from each other.lucy pickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11654313604255868619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1873652322915407206.post-63654638811551107802008-04-25T15:50:00.000-07:002008-04-25T15:50:00.000-07:00Those headless women are often details of original...Those headless women are often details of original paintings, so cost is not the motivating factor behind this trend.<BR/><BR/>I think the cover you describe for "The Measure of Silence" would be beautiful and evocative. Just start looking for the right painting...<BR/><BR/>I will post shortly on the search for the right cover for my second novel. Already in the works, but nothing is decided...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1873652322915407206.post-71477586900823228242008-04-25T13:54:00.000-07:002008-04-25T13:54:00.000-07:00Hi Julianne--thanks for the blog-link! At this rat...Hi Julianne--<BR/>thanks for the blog-link! At this rate, I may get lots of regular readers! <BR/><BR/>I find the discussion of covers here and at Catherine's blog so interesting. You asked about fantasy covers for our own work: well, a novel about van Gogh really needs an original artwork, hang the licensing costs. So my idea would be a cover based around the National Gallery London's version of "Sunflowers" (yellow-on-yellow), a close up detail of some of the stems/petals that look all tentacle-y and dynamic. The yellow would be eye-catching, to say the least, and "Sunflowers" is iconic enough that everybody knows it's VIncent's from say, a few shelves away. <BR/><BR/>Not that I've given this thought or anything. ;-)Sheramy Bundrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02524287538029230566noreply@blogger.com