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I have a "light horror" novel for teens (think Stranger Things) called Pumpkins that I've been planning to write for a couple of years, and I'm finally ready to pull the trigger. To help prime the pump and inspire me to keep going, it's always fun to see what the finished novel will look like. So, I spent a bit of time coming up with a new design. Check it out here, which will also allow you to read the first chapter.
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Snowbound!, book 5 in the Milligan Creek Series is now officially available for purchase in paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and every other kind of Amazon. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, I've been unable to get copies to sell directly on my website, although you can buy the Kindle version here. With snow already falling in many parts of North America, this is the perfect time to read this winter-themed story, which takes place the week before Valentine's Day. I hope you enjoy it, and if you do, be sure to spread the word by reviewing it on Amazon, Goodreads, or simply telling people you know!
Sometimes you don't want to see how the sausage gets made, but when it comes to book covers, I think it's fun to see an idea unfold and then progress toward the finished product. In this case, the book cover was for a new children's picture book that I'm bringing out shortly. (Shameless plug: It's winter-themed and will make a great Christmas present!) Usually, it's me drawing some sort of terrible sketch that my artist is somehow able to magically interpret into something fantastic. However, this time I didn't have any strong ideas for the cover, so I threw it open to my artist, Hannah Doerksen. She wanted to use the following Robert Munsch cover for inspiration.  I thought this was a great idea seeing as it sells the reaction to something rather than the thing to which the characters are reacting, which is exactly what I wanted for my book. So, rather than me creating the rough sketch, this time Hannah drew up something that I had to interpret. She mainly wanted to know which character to feature as the primary focus, so this is what she texted me prior to embarking on the actual drawing.  For reasons that will become obvious shortly, I went with the image on the right. Over the weekend, Hannah continued to refine the cover. Here's her second draft.  I gave her a bit of feedback, and then she proceeded to a full ink drawing.  It was at this point I realized there were no women on the cover, so she made a small revision and then began coloring.  From there it was just a matter of some texturing and details. Then it was up to me to figure out what the title and credits would look like. This is what I came up with.  I'm very pleased with the result. All the files have been submitted, and I'm now awaiting a proof. I can't wait to unleash this book on the world!
I've kept this project a bit on the down low, but it's in the final stages and should be available later this month. All I'll say for now is that it's a Christmas-themed book, and the title may shock you! Here's a sneak peek at a piece of artwork.  |
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December 2024
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