Hi, Reader

Recently, an author friend of mine, JA Webb, asked for advice about his updated book cover design.

This began a dialogue where, in order to help him fine-tune his idea, I pointed out some things that might be necessary to find the perfect book cover. Here are some of those things...

HOW TO DECIDE ON A BOOK COVER (insider secrets!)

First, you have to IDENTIFY CORRECTLY what the Amazon (&BISAC) categories and subcategories of your book are.

Second, you need to look at the best-sellers in those sub/categories to find out what is trending. You look at colors and font style. Are there people on the cover or designs? Are the people close up or far away? Is the setting close up or far away? How do they use light and shadow? These kinds of elements cue the reader as to what "kind" of story it is. These examinations ensure it will fit in to the bookstore and library SHELVES where it should be found by the right reader.--I'm sure you've seen a book that has contents that do not match what the cover promises.

Third, you need to have a similar cover made for your book, and fine-tune it according to the trends and tropes of your own story.

In helping J.A. with this process, I decided to read his book, so I could help him identify the genre (because it really is an interesting cross-over of medieval and futuristic).

FRAGMENTS BY J.A. WEBB

As I read the first, second, and third chapters I got so excited about the book that I asked him if I could feature it in my newsletter.

Now, having finished it, I am CERTAIN that his book FRAGMENTS and the prequel FUGITIVE will THRILL and EXCITE you.

Let me share my short Amazon review of the book:

If you've read Trunk of Scrolls, you know that having NO ACCESS to the Bible was a theme of the story. Marcellus and Byziana are the only family in the empire who has a large collection of Bible Scrolls. What happens to these scrolls is an analogy to what happens to the Byzantine empire--and actually what leads the world into the Dark Ages.

If you're familiar with world history, you know that Martin Luther and the reformers made access to the Bible of top priority in bringing the Church back to Christ.

Fragments is about the other side of history. As a sci-fi fictional story, it imagines what would happen if the bad leaders of history managed to "do something" to the Bible that made the gospel inaccessible. OH! I WANT TO SAY MORE! But it would be a spoiler.

Fragments is FREE on Kindle Unlimited or available for purchase at $7.99

Fugitive is the prequel to Fragments (I haven't read it yet), and has a cross-over of characters--which I'm excited to read about. (see links in the BookMobile below)

The storyworld is dark. And the world is bleak. But you see a flickering candle which gives hope in the dystopia.

PUBLISHING NEWS

BOOK COVER: I'm now in the process (described above) of planning a cover for my upcoming Sci-fi Fantasy Dystopia. I have several ideas I've been kicking around and can't wait for the reveal! And I have a great artist lined up--Emily Haney!

STORY: The Sci-fi Dystopia has had several iterations. Each time it's gone through a beta read, a large plot hole or other problem comes to the surface.

Here's a blurb about the novel (series name and novel 1 name TBA)

But now, I'm excited to tell you, I'm finalizing the last chapter. Oh my goodness! This is the story I wanted it to be! In the series I wanted it to be.

I'm working with my editor on making it its absolute best and I see the Finish Line! 🏁

I can't wait to announce the launch!

📖vREAL JUSTICE DELAYED (a meditation)

In 2 Samuel, when David flees Jerusalem to escape the coup led by his son, Absolom, he meets several people. Some curse him and some help him along. He does not react to the negative people, saying of Shimei's curse:

On the other hand, Barzillai the Gileadite showed excessive kindness to him in his trials. David always seemed to lean in toward mercy. In this, he reflects the longsuffering patience of God.

Years and years later, when he is about to die and after he makes Solomon king, he deals with these people again--Solomon was to finish accounts.

Solomon was continue blessing Barzillai the Gileadite, but was to punish the guilty people who had been living on David's mercy. Joab and Shimei and Abiathar were given a consequence for their treachery.

In this we see both "the man after God's own heart" and the predecessor to Christ the Judge. If you have an enemy, if someone is against you, if they've hurt someone you love--show mercy and forgiveness. The day will come when Someone Wiser Than Solomon will judge them. This sequence in David's life shows us two things:

1) God has great and kind mercy on treacherous people.

2) Don't be discouraged. There will be a day of recompense. No one will "get away with it."

Be at peace, friend!

See you next week!

Darlene