Let’s Talk Reviews and Covers

The Blog Tour for Iridescent, the sequel to Ember is underway. The tour is hosted by AToMR Blog Tours and you can find a full list of stops here. Firstly, I want to thank Julie for all her work in putting this together. I also want to thank Traci Olsen for constantly having my back and sometimes giving me a kick to get stuff done when I need to. Lastly, but in no mean least, thank you to all the book bloggers taking part. Without you guys helping to push my books they would be lost in a  big ocean of new releases coming out every day. You guys rock!

I don’t tend to comment on reviews because I feel reviews are for readers, not the author, although I try to read every them, good, negative, or indifferent. In my view, all opinions are valid and someone has taken time out of their live to not only read my books but also share their thoughts. I appreciate this, even if the book isn’t to their taste. Having said that, I’m human and I do love it when someone has enjoyed my work. It’s a fabulous feeling knowing your book has connected with a reader on an emotional level and allowed them to happily escape into another universe, even if only for a few hours. 

Moving on. In light of the above, I read a question in one of the reviews today. Jenna, over at Coffee, Books, & Me said she was wondered what the butterfly on the books cover signifies. I’m sure it’s something other reviewers and readers will wonder about too, so I thought I’d provide the answer today.

I wrote a post with a full explanation of  the Ember cover here. Basically, the butterfly represents Candra and her growth and development from an ordinary human. She is very much alone in her decision, as the butterfly is the only color in the  image. By the end of the book she emerges as something else, much like the caterpillar transitions to a butterfly.  The hand belongs to Brie, her protector. The rain represents the threat to Candra. Brie has no option but to allow her to be exposed to this threat, yet just like rain can be deadly to a butterfly, Candra also must risk everything.

On to the cover for Iridescent. I’ll try to explain without spoilers. Again, I had very specific ideas for how I wanted the cover to look and again was very lucky that my publisher saw things the same way. This time round, the story is a lot more action packed. Candra is very much a part of everything going on around her and not as delicate as the butterfly any longer. I felt she needed to be represented as a vibrant young woman in full color.

The butterfly in this image, isn’t a butterfly at all. As far as I know it’s actually a moth. So similar to the butterfly in many respects but also different. It’s sitting on her shoulder representing the part of Candra that is with her constantly, but also separate from her in some respects. If you have already read Iridescent, you will know what I mean by this. In the image she is looking back and appears worried, not really knowing what to make of it, but at the same time not shaking it off. This represents her feelings in the the book about the part of her she is still trying to understand and accept.

So, there you go.

Since it’s Friday, it’s time for The List.

I can’t say I’m keeping on top of my writing schedule, but I’m getting there. We are up to 59,000 words.

Refresh

What is the working title of your book?

The working title is Fracture.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

This is a bit complicated. Fracture is a ghost story with a twist. I’ve always wondered what exactly are ghosts? why do some people see them and some don’t? Why is it some people claim to have seen ghosts of the living or that they often appear in different forms? Some are more substantial, some can interact, some are like a movie being played over and over with apparently no awareness of the living world. 

I believe in the possibility we live in just one of an infinite number of dimensions. Some are alternate physical worlds where another us is living out a different life, and some spiritual. I also believe when our physical life ends that we pass over into one of the spiritual worlds. When people see a ghost or feel a presence, it’s the thinning of the veil separating these worlds. Some people are more sensitive to it than others.

It’s these questions and beliefs that formed the basis for the idea that later became Fracture.

What genre does your book fall under?

Fracture is paranormal romance YA. 

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

This is a tough one. Basically, because I know that authors generally have little to no input on casting, I try very hard not to imagine specific actors in roles. If I absolutely had to choose, I would probably put Alexander Ludwig as the male lead. After seeing him in the hunger games, I think he could pull off the attitude. Mia Wasikowska with short, cropped hair as the female lead. She has a certain relaxed strength about her.

This Weeks question: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Oh dear, I’m not very good at these, but here we go.

A young seer befriends the tormented ghost of an 19th century gentleman and refuses to give up until she can unravel the mystery behind his violent death.