Wednesday Writing — Book Covers

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Happy hump day, everyone.  As you know from my weekend post, I’ve been working on more than just my (painfully slowly written) novel in progress, and more than the serial, The Delta Pearl.  I’ve also been editing a diesel-punk novella I authored in 2018.  Some of you may remember, Hullaba Lulu. 

Bookizing that serial has been on my to-do list for some time. I’ve been whittling away at it a little by little.  Awhile back I worked on some cover concepts for it. Today, I thought I’d share them with you. 

One early thought.  I didn’t even finish this one. Sometimes you have to recognize when you’re trying too hard to make something work — and then take a different path. I liked this one because it had the travel element from the story (luggage).  As the song said “Lulu has the reddest hair” so I gave her that and added a goblet of giggle water.  However, I felt I was wasting time. It wasn’t cooperating with me.  It’s not too bad in black and white, so I might use it as title page artwork.

Hullaba Lulu concept 2
Unfinished cover concept

Next idea.  I did a few versions of this one with the antique car. I couldn’t find the Rolls-Royce like the one I wrote about.  Even so, this one had the devil-may-care attitude I wanted. However, it doesn’t reflect the fantasy aspects of the dieselpunk story.

Cover concept by Teagan R. Geneviene
Cover concept by Teagan R. Geneviene

Dieselpunk Tech.  Then I remembered some public domain photos that influenced the appearance of my automatons.  Completely different ideas took hold.  Here’s another false start. I didn’t finish it, because the ritzy model just didn’t feel like Lulu.

Hullaba lulu concept 3 deco
Unfinished cover concept

Final versions.  However, I really liked how the automatons were looking.  So, I worked on them more and picked a different flapper.  I was able to add Lulu’s “reddest red” hair, and I changed the color of her glad rags in one. I can’t decide which of the final two I like best.

Final A

Book cover by Teagan R. Geneviene
Book cover by Teagan R. Geneviene

Final B

Hullaba Lulu Book Cover by Teagan R. Geneviene
Hullaba Lulu Book Cover by Teagan R. Geneviene

Thanks for delving into my thought process with me.  Wishing you an easy walk down the other side of this midweek hump.  Hugs on the wing!

 

 

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

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63 thoughts on “Wednesday Writing — Book Covers”

  2. I don’t know the story, so have no preconceived ideas!
    Thing is, I adore all of the art!
    Of the 2 finals, I like the one with the blue dress better. But , that’s just me!

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    1. Thank you, Adele. I ended up making a new flapper for that one — but it’s a bright color too. However, I won’t be sharing it in advance of publishing the book. I won’t do a book launch for this one, but I’ll make an announcement. Hugs on the wing.

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  5. I like the model T with the Flapper on the roof of it. Can’t you change the background in that image to something steampunk and keep the car and woman? I couldn’t do it, but you’re a clever graphic artist too!

    Best of luck making the final choice. It’s not going to be easy.

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  8. Hi, Teagan. YES! I remember this story well! Of the two final covers, I like the blue glad rags the best. It stands out, whereas to me, the yellow blends with the automation. Congrats on doing such a great job with all of them!

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  9. Wow. Did you draw the flapper? They’re all wonderful. I’m with Olganm, I like the yellow outfit with the blue sash and shoes that breaks up the color. I have a friend who designed her covers (fantasy), and I just don’t know how you two do it. Such intricate details and they look so professional. I designed mine, but I used photos (not fantasy), which was easier and less detail.

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  10. You are really good at this, Teagan. I really liked the one with the car. For your cover I prefer A, the blue/purple stands out nicely. Hugs!

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  13. It’s so fun to see how you play with covers, Teagan. I can spend hours futzing around with images and actually find it relaxing. I hope it’s the same for you. And the ones that don’t become covers are always great additions to the blog. I’m going to throw a wrench in the diesel works and say that I like the flapper on the car too. Lol. I know that one doesn’t capture the dieselpunk flavor, but it’s so catchy. Good luck, my friend. It will be a great read whichever way you go. 🙂

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  16. I know it says it doesn’t quite reflect what you wanted for the cover but I am really partial to the flapper on top of the car. That’s an outstanding cover. Of the final two, I like the blue dress better 🙂

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  17. I like the flapper on top of the car. Of the final two, the green screams Look at Me, more than the blue. You are one talented author/artist. Hugs dancing the Charleston on rouged knees heading your way.

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  19. This is tough, Teagan. They are all great! I love the flapper on the car, but I understand it won’t work for your book. I definitely like the blue dress over the yellow. You’re so talented. I could never do this!

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  20. I like the flapper on the car, but the automatons are an important element, and I like their being in the image. Of the finals, I prefer the blue dress version but that’s because the other version is a color I don’t see very well. As others have mentioned, I’m impressed with your ability to express the story in an image.

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  21. All great picks and designed. I think that the latter is the best for cover and I’d suggest you use all in your book 😉 I am ready to get it at once 🤗💖 Hugs on the wing my lovely one 😊💖😘

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  23. I’m terrible with images, but if you want my two cents, Teagan… First, I’m in awe, because when I try to edit or cut-and-paste images I end up with a terrible mess and with an almost irresistible need to hurl my computer out the window. I know what you mean about the first image. I like the attitude and the look of the flapper, although it doesn’t quite fit in with the story.
    I’m in the minority (at least so far), but I prefer the second version of the final cover, because there is more variety in the colour of the flapper’s clothes, and the colour of her dress matches the subtitle.
    Good luck with all your projects, Teagan.

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  24. I really like the flapper on the car… but agree the last images are more reflective of steam punkery. And blue dress for me. The other reminds me of something i found rotting in the garden shed… and like Barb said I’m humbled that you do this at all… sighs

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  25. I agree that the ritzy modelbin the unfinished automaton cover isn’t working. But for me the flapper in the last two versions is too flat and two-dimensional to be a good fit with the background. (There are lots of highlights giving almost photographic definition and depth to those automatons. )

    But I do have to say I’m in awe of your talent and amazing eye for the cover development process.

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