Ann Marston discusses new YA novel, Diamonds in Black Sand

June 1, 2017, a new YA fantasy releases from Ann Marston, author of the much-beloved The Rune Blades of Celi series Diamonds in Black Sand. Ann took time to discuss this engaging new novel from her home in Alberta, Canada. LS: You return to your first love with this story by way of cultural influence, that of Scottish sensibilities. What is it about the culture that draws you, that feeds your imagination? AM: Scotland—its people, its landscapes, its culture,…

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May 2017

By Lorina StephensA Still and Bitter Grave, Ann Marston, artwork, Diamonds in Black Sand, New Releases1 Comment

Artist, Jessica Allain talks about cover art for Diamonds in Black Sand

Jessica Allain sent along her thoughts on the vision behind the moody and dynamic cover she created for Ann Marston’s engaging new YA fantasy, Diamonds in Black Sand. After reading some of Ann’s manuscript, as well as speaking to her about aspects of her book, I began picturing the scene I wanted her cover to reflect. Growing up beside the ocean, I had a good idea of what a maritime scene should be. Ann described a…

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Apr 2017

By Lorina StephensAnn Marston, artwork, Covers, Diamonds in Black Sand, Jessica AllainComments Off

Ann Crowe discusses creative process for Avians cover

Cover artist, Ann Crowe, shared with us the creative process behind Timothy Gwyn’s dynamic new YA fantasy, Avians. I’ve always wanted to do illustration for books, be they book covers or children’s picture books or otherwise, so when I was approached to illustrate the cover for Avians, I was ecstatic. This project was a dream come true for me. After being introduced to the author, Timothy Gwyn, my first order of business was to find out…

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Apr 2017

By Lorina StephensAnn Crowe, artwork, Avians, Covers, Timothy Gwyn5 Comments

James Beveridge talks about creative process for Eocene Station

As soon as I heard that this cover was for a Dave Duncan story, my mind went to the covers that he’s had on earlier novels. My memory sees them as having a classic feel. The story was described initially as a time travel romp, and the title placed much of the story in the Eocene Period. I knew that it was going to be a fun place to visually explore. Once I’d read the first…

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Aug 2016

By Lorina Stephensartwork, Dave Duncan, Eocene Station, James BeveridgeComments Off

Patrick Hunter discusses cover art creative process

October 1, 2016 The Great Sky, by D.G. Laderoute releases in both print and eBook. The YA novel, the second by Thunder Bay writer, D.G. Laderoute, is an urban fantasy. The first time Piper Preach died he was ten years old. But the Anishnaabe spirits thought otherwise. Now, six year later, Piper struggles with the hard realities of life in a big city. The ancient ways of his people are a distant memory. But the spirits aren’t…

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Aug 2016

By Lorina Stephensartwork, David Laderoute, New Releases, Patrick Hunter, The Great SkyComments Off