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I have a very clear image in mind of what I want, something that does a much better job of showing something of what the story's about than what I've got.
And frankly, sales have totally died off for the last couple of months, so a change would maybe do some good.
As I described it to an artist whose style would be perfect for it, but who, alas, declined:
"It would be a very simple graphic. The main female character is from a very tall, extremely slender species with fine, short brown fur. I'm imagining a shot from behind, from below the shoulderblades to mid thigh. Her hands are in handcuffs behind her back, but her forearms are horizontal because the chain on the handcuffs is captured under a metal belt that is snug around her waist. She has only a stub of a tail, just enough to protect her modesty from this shot. (It had been cut off in her past.) It wouldn't need any background, just very simple solid colors."
Heck, it could be bold line art and I could color it.
The only thing is, I can't really justify spending money on a cover for a novelette that has generated a whopping $13 for me so far this year.
Any ideas?
Update: I have art for a new cover, and I'll make a big announcement about it when the new edition is ready.
And frankly, sales have totally died off for the last couple of months, so a change would maybe do some good.
As I described it to an artist whose style would be perfect for it, but who, alas, declined:
"It would be a very simple graphic. The main female character is from a very tall, extremely slender species with fine, short brown fur. I'm imagining a shot from behind, from below the shoulderblades to mid thigh. Her hands are in handcuffs behind her back, but her forearms are horizontal because the chain on the handcuffs is captured under a metal belt that is snug around her waist. She has only a stub of a tail, just enough to protect her modesty from this shot. (It had been cut off in her past.) It wouldn't need any background, just very simple solid colors."
Heck, it could be bold line art and I could color it.
The only thing is, I can't really justify spending money on a cover for a novelette that has generated a whopping $13 for me so far this year.
Any ideas?
Update: I have art for a new cover, and I'll make a big announcement about it when the new edition is ready.
Neo: I need Desks, lots of Desks.
I go into excruciating detail on my Anime/Computer blog (Shoplifting in the Marketplace of Ideas) but basically, I got myself a new desk for Christmas/Birthday. My current use of an improvised entertainment center and a TV Tray Table just isn't conducive for any serious work. My previous experience in Furniture Assembly told me exactly what to get. Heavy Duty, durable, and super simple to assemble AND take down in the future when I retire and move and get out of this hell state. I went and hit the Office Depot site, and after doing some measuring, I decided the Bush Components 60" x 30" desk was the one for me. Did I say One? I meant Three. One for the computer, one for accessories and crap, and one for the 3D printers so I can reclaim my Dining Room table from them. It was also a great excuse to totally revolutionize my living room. I've trashed a lot of stuff and vacuumed sections of rug that haven't seen the light of day for decades (But they HAVE seen a lot of cat hair!). I'll
My loss is your gain
So, a very decent fellow who goes by LawDog has started a publishing company, and has been doing lots of anthologies. And lots of my writer friends have been in them. One of the odder books that cropped up happened because part of his childhood was spent on the Islands of Malta. So an anthology of stories set on Malta came into being. They could be anything, historical, mystical, futuristic... and it was wildly popular, so much so that four volumes have been created, (the fourth should be out soon). So last year at LibertyCon, I finished off a submission for it. An actual Dr. Mauser story, but set on Malta. I showed it to a few people (Martin Shoemaker said, "Your worldbuilding is twisted." which is my favorite comment ever. Martin is an amazing author and "Today I am Paul" will make you cry). I showed it to LawDog and he loved it. Then Volume 3 came out and it wasn't in it. And I didn't find out until it came out. (LawDog was involved in some legal issues at the time). When I asked,
Being Audible
So the Audible version of "In the Wings" is out, which of course includes my story "Barn Find". This isn't the first, "Gates of Hell" is also out on Audible, with "First Steps". But I don't really do audio books normally, so I had never heard anything of mine narrated before. Turns out a piece of Barn Find was chosen to use for the preview. So this was the first time, and it's kinda wild to hear someone else's take on reading your story. The sample comes right at the climax, and ends at the perfect place to be a cliffhanger (But of course, the actual story continues.) And I always crack up at the spot where the narrator drops his rough, growling voice for one particular phrase.... See for yourself: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-the-Wings-Audiobook/B09QDZD4LD
The egg hatched!
Okay, Cryptic reference in my status notwithstanding, I have amazing news.
I just sold my first story to an actual publisher. I wrote a story for an upcoming Four Horsemen Universe anthology to be titled "The Gates of Hell". (Should be out May/June, details when I have them).
And what's really fun is that way back in the first 4HU book, Mark Wandrey Tuckerized me, (Well, Dr. Mauser, I wrote about that here ages ago), and now, 40+ books later, I get a chance to tell "My" side of the story.
And I gotta say, 4HU is a top Seller in its category on Amazon. Probably one of the most successful shared universe series ever.
© 2014 - 2024 Mauser712
Comments2
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Move on and write another story. Come back and consider it later after you've written 5 or 6 more.
Really, let it go. To paraphrase a comment of yours: "NEXT!"
Really, let it go. To paraphrase a comment of yours: "NEXT!"