Saturday 24 November 2018

The Evolution of a Book Cover

My Mom always used to say that your first child should be disposable because a first -time mother makes all her mistakes on that poor first child. The same principle applies to the cover of your first novel. 

Way back in 2011, I made all my mistakes on that first cover of the first edition of my first novel "DANCING IN THE SHADOW OF LOVE." The end result was nothing like I wanted it to be.

I loved my second cover, designed by a professional in 2012. But, as beautiful and unusual as it is, it still wasn't quite right for the book: it sent the wrong message to readers. This novel is not a romance novel, but a hard-hitting,  gritty spiritual allegory.  

In 2018, I decided to try again. I returned to the beginning. The artwork of my 2011 and 2018 covers is a mixed media painting by South African artist, Martin Wenkidu. Called "Man and the World of Stars" it - like the novel - is dense with symbolism. You can read an interview with the artist here, where he explains the imagery and symbolism.  This image resonates deeply with the content of the novel: the three figures in the dance of life, arms upraised to connect to the Divine, coming out of the shadows and into the light of Love. 



Third time lucky! Using the original artwork, Wendy from Apple Pie Graphics did a stunning job on the cover. Now I feel this book is finally complete and I can close the chapter on it. What a relief!