Book Cover!
La-di-da, la-di-do! Here it is! Creating this cover was quite a challenge but a joy, nevertheless.
I often use Pinterest to search for inspiration. I typed in 1880 fashions, the era of my next book, scrolled through and fell for a vintage green corset with black lace trim and imagined what trouble a girl could get into wearing it. The corset helped me name the book and compose scenes with both modern-day Anne McFarland and 1885 Sally Sue Sullivan encountering it.
Inspirational Pinterest Photo
When it came time to develop the book design, I just had to have a corset on the cover. Due to copyright guidelines, with no cited photographer, the Pinterest picture wasn’t able to be used. I couldn’t find an authentic corset on sale though.
My actor friend, Phil Johnson referred me to Jordyn Smiley a fashion design instructor who crafts costumes for local San Diego theaters. Based on the Pinterest photo she went to town sketching the design. After selecting fabric, making patterns, and sewing she wowed me! Okay yes, it fits me. And yes, I’ll be wearing it at my launch events even if they’re virtual.
I shipped the corset to the She Write’s Press art director Julie Metz on the East Coast who also designed the magical covers for The Black Velvet Coat and The Silver Shoes. I requested she try to match it with my other books. I wanted the corset hanging on a door with colorful wildflowers. Like creating the other covers she instinctively knew exactly what to do!
I’m pleased to announce The Green Lace Corset (novel not real corset) is now available for preorder in e-book and paperback forms everywhere books are sold. I encourage you to order it through your favorite independent bookstore to support them. Copies will arrive on or before October 13.
Keep your eyes open for my launch event schedule coming soon. No matter where you live you’ll be able to celebrate with me from the comfort of your own home. In the meantime, happy reading!
Do you judge books by their covers? Comment below:
It’s beautiful! How fun to create this and I can’t wait to read the newest book!
Thanks Lisa! You and David will get to fight over who gets to read it first!
Super Cool ! I confess, I try new wines when the bottle is interesting. I am so excited for you. All the covers are very interesting and I enjoy hearing about your inspiration for them.
Faith, I choose wines too by their creative labels and bet on horses because I like the jockey’s colorful outfit.
What a fun, creative process in finding the perfect cover and corset Jill! I loved seeing all of the covers together, representing your now
trilogy! What an accomplishment! Congrats!
Carol, Thanks for all our enthusiasm and support!
Enjoyed your explanation of how the green corset was an inspired process from original concept to finished product. I look forward to reading your newest addition to the series. Congratulations!
Trish, Thanks so much! You and Steve are always there for me.
This is really exciting Jill! I love the corset and the cover. The flowers add just the right touch. Can’t wait to read the book! Congratulations!
Marti, The flowers remind me of your watercolor paintings! I hope you’re finding time to be creative.
I love i!
Roselyn, Thanks so much!
So proud of all of your accomplishments! On your third book already and it looks like you have found your niche….so awesome! Congrats!
Laurie, And I’m proud of all your accomplishments too. I love seeing FB posts with your newest mosaic creations.
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L cover!
T-H-A-N-K Y-0-U!
This is beautiful Jill! I loved hearing the story of how you came to the design of this cover. I can’t wait for the book!
Congratulations Jill!
Ellen, Aren’t you just a blast from the past? Remember when we were in Amy’s Read & Critique Group and you said enough of Sylvia I want to read more about Anne? Well here you go! Three books with her in them! Thanks for your encouragement early on.
I wouldn’t say that I ‘judge’ books by the cover, but I am drawn to books that have interesting designs, fascinating color combinations, and/or book titles that capture my curiosity without being obscure. “The Green Lace Corset” has me hooked because I want to read how San Francisco artist Anne finds the corset and, in turn, how the corset becomes a part of Anne’s story.
I can hardly wait to read your new book Jill! This is so exciting! Congratulations!
So beautiful, Jill–the new cover, the corset itself and the author of all these books. We’re all looking forward to the book launch and seeing you in the Green Lace Corset. And, of course, reading the continuing story of Anne and the introduction of your newest character.
Judy, Ready to virtually party?!!
Beautiful!
Hope this new book busts out some good sales and reviews.
Andy, You always know how to make me laugh! Miss you, amiga!
Love the story of how the cover came to be! Thanks, Jill!
Wonderful…love the photo of the three books together…
Congratulations, Jill! The Green Lace Corset looks like a fun read. Will order now.
Love the green corset cover! Congratulations and all the best as you go forward.
I LOVE IT!! So elegant, whimsical, sassy and I can’t wait to read all about it … Congratulations, Jill xoxo
I look forward to a photo with you wearing all 3 of them, coat, slippers, corset. Is that in our future?
Sandy – Of course it is?
Congratulations Jill. How thrilling to finally have the perfect cover for your new book. I can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations on a beautiful cover! I’m so excited to see the book out the world. Congratulations on being persistent and achieving your goal of the trilogy.
Thanks SWP SIster!
STUPENDOUSLY AWESOME!!! It is almost as gorgeous as you are.
Tanya, Look who’s gorgeous. Love your head shot! Love you.
Congratulation soul sister! So proud of you! The cover looks absolutely brilliant!
Thanks SB! You’re always so supportive.
Congratulations, Jill–‘loved reading all the other comments–you are a star! Pam
Pam, Thank you so much! And you’re a star for reading finding all those glitches on the advanced copy.