Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Cover Reveal: THE VOICE OF THUNDER


Fingers turned to Jell-O. I have to face it. Better do it now. But…but now I’m still feeling fine. What if after… what if it ruins my day. What if, like that other writer on the kid-lit chat board, I have to spend the next two days crying. Better do it right away, like yanking a Band-Aid. But I can’t. Not. Just. Yet.

This is an accurate description of my reaction to an Email I got a few days ago. Not one from any known detractor, but an Email I have waited for and wanted to get. The subject line, from the publisher, said “The Voice of Thunder cover.” I could see there’s an attachment. I opened the Email and, indeed, the text read: “Here you go! The official cover.”

But I didn’t open the attachment. Not until I looked at all the other Emails. Not until I got up and made some mint tea. Not until I took a deep breath. A hundred of them, actually.

While the tea brewed and I breathed, I kept saying to myself over and over- This part is not up to you. Whatever it is, you have to accept it. Whatever it is, it will be all right. Whatever.

Unless you self-publish, the cover design is between the publisher and their designer. I know of others who loved their book covers, some liked their covers, and some who disliked their covers. I even know one writer who was so despondent over the cover that he wanted to remove his name from the book. Writers advise each other to hope for the best, expect the worst, and to remind themselves to let go.

I opened the attachment.

I’m one of the fortunate. I *love* it.

The cover represents the story well, and it looks just as I would have deigned it if I could design. The designer clearly read the book. Mira Levi’s diary pages are set on old oak wood, all from the story. The old photograph is perfect. Now I really want to read this book…

I hope others feel the same. But this, too, is not up to me.

More about The Voice of Thunder on my website Books page.

See you there.

24 comments:

Katie L. Carroll said...

Congrats, Mirka, on such a beautiful cover! I get such a sense of mystery from it.

Ann Herrick said...

How wonderful to get a great cover that represents the story! Woo!

Jennifer said...

Yay, Mirka!! Congratulations! It's lovely. I'm so happy you're thrilled with it!

Vijaya said...

I like the sepia tones, the diary elements, the old photo ... it's a pick me up book, esp. for fans of historicals. Congratulations!

Diane Kress Hower said...

I love the photo Mirka. It is fitting and compelling. I can not wait to read and review the book!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Oh, Mirka, it's lovely. And I'm so glad that it accurately represents the story - and especially that you love it! Yay!

Anne M Leone said...

Oh, wonderful news! So very very happy for you! And I know exactly what you mean about being terrified to see the cover... goodness, some of the horror stories I've heard (and horrible covers I've seen). Anyways, YAY!!!

Barbara Etlin said...

Yes, you are very lucky! Great cover!

Evelyn said...

Yay for a wonderful cover, dear friend!! I love that photo of the two little girls! And I know it's special to you, so that makes the cover extra, extra special. I could imagine so well your trepidation about opening that email attachment. What a gift (from God in my view) that the cover was perfect, exactly what you would've chosen, if you could've chosen. I'm very happy for you and can't wait til your book comes out!

Michael Sussman said...

Love it. Very cool!

Anonymous said...

I love the cover and can't wait to read your book as well! I'm excited for you. I'm glad you opened your attachment!

Christina Farley said...

So happy for you! Congratulations!

Hava Rembrand said...

Halleluyah!
Magia Lach

Christine Sarmel said...

It's beautiful. Can't wait to read it.

Mirka Breen said...

Magia Lach= Hebrew for 'You deserve it.'

Just wanted to make sure no one mistakes this for some Klingon obscenity.

Jen Klein said...

I think it's beautiful!

AnneB said...

tlhuH!*

*Klingon, but not an obscenity.

Mirka Breen said...

tlhuH




Thank heavens for Google-
Klingon to English Dictionary

tlhuH definition:
n. breath
v. breathe; be stimulated, be exhilarated, be invigorated (slang)

Amie McCracken said...

I'm so glad you like it! Reading this post filled me with bubbles of happiness. :)

Marcia said...

Yes, isn't loving the cover a joy? And I remember being so impressed when I realized the cover artist had to have read the ms.

Once, there was a huge mistake on a cover -- contradicting the climax of the book! -- and I of course told the editor. I never found out for sure if the mistake got fixed till I got my author copies.

Congrats, Mirka!

Word Wrestler (Robyn) said...

So happy for you! It's so important to love your cover.

Shannon Hitchcock ~ Children's Writer said...

I'm so pleased for you! I have a writer acquaintance who is currently unhappy with her cover. It's so much better when all the stars align. Congratulations!

BarbaraB said...

Wonderful cover, Mirka. Congratulations!

Lily Cate said...

That is a great cover! What a happy day :D