Progress Report: Back to the Manuscript (The Cover)

Drum roll, please! My manuscript now has a cover—the last step before being published. 

Richard Stroud, who has designed more than 400 covers, came up with the artwork for "Darkness Beyond the Light." The novel will be released Nov. 1 by Wings ePress.

Richard interviewed me several times, on Skype and by telephone, to get an idea what the story was about. I had already filled out an artist information form that provides background about the manuscript—scenes, characters, plot, etc. Needless to say, it's difficult to describe the main theme from the 93k words that comprise my eighth novel—in 100 words on less. 

He was patient, asked pertinent questions, and did an excellent job in conveying the essence of the novel through several captivating images. Richard seeks to avoid clutter, as I do when I write, which I think he accomplished. I hope readers will be enticed to pick up the novel and consider reading it, simply by looking at the cover.

Richard will redo the "Old Ways and New Days" cover, the first "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel," so it will have a stronger and compelling connection to "Darkness Beyond the Light." And when I finish the third book in the series, he'll handle that as well.

Between now and the release date, I'll be promoting "Darkness Beyond the Light" through traditional means, social media, and other avenues. And I'll be working on the third installment. Busy days ahead.

Until the next time. . . .