Over the course of my life, there have been astonishing changes, especially in the realm of technology, many of which have impacted my world in a hundred different ways.
The first advance in technology was the television set. Suddenly, you could watch movies at home and be entertained by a small box in the living room. I saw Elvis, The Beatles, The Beach boys, and even The Singing Nun, all from the comfort of my couch. And we all know how television has evolved since then.
The next technological advance to affect me was the self-cleaning oven, and on its heels, the microwave oven. Suddenly, cleaning the oven with fouls smelling chemicals was a thing of the past, and as for the microwave, I can’t imagine how I got dinner on the table, on time, without it.
There were many other things that made life easier–the portable dishwasher, disposable diapers, and apartment-sized washers and dryers. Each and everyone made life less of a hassle.
The third thing to impact my life was the arrival of personal computers. It was because of them that I was able to realize my dreams and become a writer. Together with the Internet, they drew opportunity and the world closer to me than ever before. They opened doors for me that I hadn’t even known existed. Instead of wading through encyclopedias, information was just a click away.
Then came cell phones, and Smart phones, cameras at your fingertips to capture all those wonderful milestones, not to mention hundreds of vacation pictures, and games to keep you busy while waiting. Once again, I don’t know what I would do without my cell.
But what I want to praise today is A I, especially as it relates to cover design. Let me show you what my incredible cover artist, Melinda De Ross has done for me. All of the covers she’s ever created for me have been spectacular in their own rights, but sometimes it’s hard to get exactly what you want using the cover models and images available.
Let’s start with my paranormal romance, Beneath the Ashes. On the left, you have the original cover. On the right, the new one created with A I technology and Melinda’s brilliance. Isn’t it gorgeous? Can’t you feel the woman’s sense of expectation? You can’t help but wonder what awaits her beneath the ashes.
Let’s look at book two in that series, Listen to the Stones. This one won’t be available until spring 2024 When I started the book, I thought it would be a Christmas romance, but the characters pulled me in a completely different direction, one where the supernatural has taken on a greater role, and the love Marina and Jerome share is truly timeless. I love the way Melinda blended the Standing Stones, the Northern lights and the woman’s face. You can sense her reservations and get the impression that she is indeed listening to her mystical stones.
Finally, let’s look at The Guardian, Book Two of my Punishers Series, about a paranormal police squad in modern day New Orleans, superheroes who protect both the living and the undead. My hero is half-elf, half human, sent to Earth to atone for violating one of his homeland’s sacred laws. He wields a magic sword that materializes in his hands when he needs it. I would’nt mind having him look after me.
There you have it. The same great stories with amazing new covers that convey the plots in a fun and fabulous way.
I’m not sure whether I’ll embrace A I in writing my books, but I’m definitely ready to embrace it when my cover artists can us it to create such amazing, vibrant, covers.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate the holiday today. I’ll bet technology has made things easier for you, too
