2023 - WriterSpark Academy

17Dec, 2023

Affordable and Stunning Book Cover Design for Indie Authors

As an author, I know how difficult it is to find stunning book covers that are also affordable. Indie authors and small publishers are always on the lookout for beautiful covers. That simple fact is what inspired WriterSpark Book Cover Design. For me, it’s all about offering a way for authors and publishers to find the beautiful covers they want and deserve.

I come from a family of artists. My mother and brother are both award-winning fine artists. My brother is an art professor, too. Words have always been my art. I see the world through the written word, hence my career as a writer. But my love of art has grown and grown. This love has taken me on a new path, one that I am so excited about.

Book Cover Design

Each of my covers, premade and custom, uses premium design and typography elements. All textual elements are customizable (title, subtitle, author name, and cover quote). Affordable pricing doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. See the cover options HERE.

How it Works

My custom book cover design process is straightforward.

Generally, people choose a cover based on instinct. But let’s delve a little deeper into it. How do you choose a cover?

First, think with your mind and your emotions.

➤ What resonates with you when you pick books to read?

➤ As you pick the perfect cover, think like a reader because the cover is the first thing to grab a potential reader’s attention.

➤ This is your meet-cute with your target audience. You have to grab them, and grab them fast!

The WriterSpark Etsy Shop

My premade book covers are available to view at the WriterSpark Book Cover website. To purchase a premade cover you see and fall in love with there, hop over to the WriterSpark Etsy Shop.

➤ When you find the perfect cover, simply CLICK ON IT to get the details.

➤ On Etsy, purchase and download the sample file to complete the customization form.

➤ I will be in contact once the purchase is complete to finalize details for your new cover.

Other Book Cover FAQs

➤ Each title is sold only once. Once you buy it, it is yours and yours alone.

➤ All titles and cover text are placeholders, but if you love a title, you are welcome to use it!

➤ When you are ready for a full flat for print and/or an audio cover, please contact me for pricing and information.

➤ All images are acceptable for standard use. If your book sales exceed 500,00, first, yay for you! Second, please contact me so I can upgrade the license.

➤ If you’d like to purchase an entire set of a particular cover, you will receive a 10% discount off the list price.

Questions about WriterSpark Book Covers?

Questions? Contact me HERE.

Read about Best Practices for Book Cover Design

8 Strategies for Backstory in your Narrative

12Nov, 2023

This is How You Integrate Backstory To Balance Your Narrative

Watch my Quick Tip video on how to integrate backstory to balance your narrative. ⬇︎

Balancing Backstory with Your Narrative

Backstory Balance:

Writing a story, especially during NaNoWriMo, takes more than speed. It takes finesse. It’s pretty easy to get tunnel vision, thinking only about your central storyline, but you can’t overlook backstory. This Is how you integrate backstory to balance your narrative.

Integrating backstory can elevate your narrative without derailing the pace. I have 8 strategies on how to intertwine backstory deftly into your story.

1. Strategic Timing:

Introduce backstory at strategic moments, aligning its revelation with the plot’s progression. For instance, if your character’s struggle with trust is integral to the current story, reveal a past betrayal when they face a similar situation. This timing not only provides context but also shapes their present choices.

2. Show, Don’t Tell:

Instead of explicitly narrating a character’s past, use actions and subtle cues to reveal it. For instance, a character’s aversion to a particular flower due to a painful memory associated with it speaks volumes without explicitly stating the past.

3. Employing Triggers:

Employ triggers to link current events to the past. A character encountering a particular song, evoking memories of a significant life event, effortlessly introduces past events. The song acts as a trigger, seamlessly intertwining backstory into the present scene.

4. Emotional Anchors:

Emotions serve as a gateway to the past. Describe a character’s sudden fear of enclosed spaces, revealing a past trauma without narrating it directly. The emotional response hints at the backstory, creating a profound impact.

5. Relevance and Conciseness:

Maintain relevance and conciseness in backstory presentation. For example, if a character’s fear of water is crucial to the plot, mention the boating accident that triggered it, rather than detailing every aspect of their childhood by the sea.

6. Seamless Integration:

Blend backstory seamlessly into the narrative. Instead of a dedicated ‘flashback,’ subtly insert snippets of the past into the ongoing story. An offhand comment about a character’s missing family member can hint at an unexplored history.

7. Layering Technique:

Present backstory in layers throughout the narrative. Sprinkle hints about a character’s lost love interest, letting readers piece together the backstory as the tale unfolds, adding depth and intrigue to the current plot.

8. Relevance to Present Events:

Ensure the relevance of the backstory to the current storyline. If a character’s past choices impact their present decisions, revealing the root of those choices becomes essential to the reader’s understanding of the character’s actions in the story.

Practice, Experiment, Perfect

Practice these techniques for integrating backstory into your narrative and find the balance that best suits your story, your writing style, and your voice. You can experiment with diverse approaches to smoothly integrate backstory into your NaNoWriMo novel, allowing it to add depth without hindering the narrative flow.

Mastering the art of weaving backstory into your NaNoWriMo tale requires finesse and practice. By subtly integrating the past into the present narrative, you can enrich the reader’s experience without sacrificing the story’s momentum. So, embrace the challenge, weave your tale with grace, and let your backstory add depth to your NaNoWriMo masterpiece

Read the rest of my Quick Tips. They’re great if you’re doing NaNoWriMo, and even if you’re not!

WriterSpark Cover Design. Get covered!

Book Cover Design might be just what you’re looking for. Click HERE to view our Premade covers.

Or visit our Etsy Store to view our premade covers there.

If you are interested in a custom cover, EMAIL HERE.

A collage of pictures reflecting 'Writer's Block' and the title: 8 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO CONQUER WRITER’S BLOCK

11Nov, 2023

Use these 8 Proven Strategies to Conquer Writer’s Block

Listen to the Podcast on 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block

Everyone Gets Stuck

Everyone gets stuck with their writing sometimes. Whatever you call it, I have 8 strategies to help you conquer “Writer’s Block” and reignite your muse.

NaNoWriMo?

If you’re doing NaNoWriMo this month, these strategies may come in very handy in conquering “Writer’s Block” and reigniting your muse. The ticking clock of 50K words in one month can be daunting and the pressure can sometimes stymie your momentum.

So, if you are you facing the infamous writer’s block during your NaNoWriMo adventure, and you need something to help reignite your creative muse, keep reading.

Is it Writer’s Block?

I don’t really believe in Writer’s Block, per se, but I do get stuck from time to time. Usually, that means I’ve gone off-track—or I haven’t planned enough or don’t know my story well enough. When that happens, I use one of these tactics to move past that stall.

Whether you call it Writer’s Block or something else, try one of my ideas to reignite your creative flame and keep your storytelling momentum alive.

8 Strategies/Tactics to Get Past Writer’s Block (or Get Unstuck)

1. Embrace the Chaos of Freewriting:

Allow your thoughts to spill onto the page without restraint. Disregard structure, grammar, or coherence. The goal is to let your mind roam freely, exploring untamed ideas. You’ll be surprised how this uninhibited approach can lead to unexpected breakthroughs in your story. You never know where it will lead you.

2. Time-Bound Writing Sprints:

The Pomodoro Technique really works! In other words—writing sprints. Set a timer for a short burst of focused writing, say 20 or 25 minutes. During this time, immerse yourself entirely in your narrative, disregarding the quality or editing. Short, intense bursts can often kickstart your creative flow.

I do this when I feel distracted by social media, chores, bills, kids, or whatever else is happening in my life. I set my phone timer, minimize everything except my project on my computer screen, and I write. It can be so effective!

3. Write out of order:

We can sometimes get stuck when we don’t know what to write next. As a work-around to that, I write out of order. My ability to do that only started for me when I switched from writing in Word or Pages to Scrivener. The structure of a project with the binder where I write in scenes rather than chronologically or linearly, really freed up my brain. Whatever word processing program you use, you can do this. If you’re stuck on a scene, put it aside and work on something else.

4. Change Your Writing Environment:

Shake things up by writing in a different setting. A change of scenery can stimulate fresh ideas. Whether it’s a cozy cafe, a park bench, or just another room in your house, a new environment can invigorate your creativity. I love to write on my deck in the backyard when the weather is nice. In fact, that’s where I’m recording this video!

5. Mindful Breaks and Physical Activity:

When the words refuse to cooperate, step away. Take a breather. Engage in physical activities, like a brisk walk, yoga, or a short workout. Exercise not only refreshes your mind but also nudges your brain toward new perspectives. I walk the dogs, listen to a podcast or an audio book, go to a yoga class, bake something…anything to get my mind off of my project, which allows my subconscious to work.

6. Create an Idea Repository:

If you’re feeling stuck in your current narrative, jot down new ideas or scenes that come to mind, even if they don’t fit into your current storyline. These could serve as a treasure trove of inspiration for future chapters or entirely new stories. I use a note on my phone app, which syncs to my computer. Easy peasy!

7. Dialogue with Your Characters:

Have a conversation with your characters. Explore their motivations, desires, and fears. Sometimes, reconnecting with the essence of your characters can reveal new pathways for your plot.

You can do this by writing a journal entry from their point of view, or throw them into a random scene you haven’t yet planned to see what happens.

You need to know how your characters will react in different situations. Writing some of those can help you know them better, and it could reveal a new idea, as well.

8. Use a Prompt

There are so many writing prompt books and websites with prompts. Use those to see if an idea sparks.

I can think of one particular time when that really worked for me. I wasn’t sure where to go in my story so I flipped open a prompt book I had that had one-line scenarios coupled with photos. One picture caught my eye…it was a collection of shoes lined up by a door.

Bam! Just like that, I had an idea. My villain would have shoes by his door and the protagonist would see them and put a few things together. It was perfect!

It’s Part of the Journey

Remember, writer’s block—or being stuck—is part of the journey. Use it as an opportunity to explore different angles, let your imagination roam, and challenge your creativity. Your story is waiting to be told—don’t let a temporary blockade dim your writer spark.

Stay determined, keep writing, and unleash your creativity. You’ve got this, NaNoWriMo warriors!

WriterSpark Cover Design. Get covered!

Book Cover Design might be just what you’re looking for. Click HERE to view our Premade covers.

Or visit our Etsy Store to view our premade covers there.

If you are interested in a custom cover, EMAIL HERE.

2Nov, 2023

You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo

You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo and succeed at reaching your writing goals for the month of November.

Y’all, it’s November. That means National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you’re in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. You can do it, and I have tips to help you absolutely CRUSH it. Here we go.

First, a little background.

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is an annual event that started back in the 80s. It has grown and grown and grown into an international event that happens every November. NaNoWriMo writers pledge to compose a 50,000-word novel draft within 30 days.

This may sound daunting, and…well, it is. But committing is half the battle.

With the right mindset and some essential tips, You. Can. Do. It!

In this article, I have some tips and advice to make sure you have a productive writing experience during this year’s challenge.

Whether you’re experienced or new to the game, I have ways to help you stay focused, motivated, and inspired to reach your NaNoWriMo goal.

Some people spend October planning their project for NaNoWriMo. Since we’re already in November, let’s skip over the planning part. If you did plan, great! If you haven’t, that is A-Okay. Some of the most wonderful magic happens when you just give in to your creativity.

First Things First

The first thing you need to do is to accept that NaNoWriMo can be a chaotic month. You’re trying to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days! It’s going to get messy. But that’s okay. That’s what it’s all about. You have to embrace the chaos, and remember that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to exist. You can always edit later.

Okay, now let’s get to some tips to help you succeed at this massive writing challenge.

Tips to Help You Succeed at NaNoWriMo

Set aside dedicated writing time each day.

Writing 50,000 words in 30 days equals 1,667 per day! That may sound like a little or a lot to you. It’s not insignificant. To make this task less daunting, set specific times when you plan to write. If you’re an early bird, do it before anyone is awake. Maybe lunchtime or later in the afternoon when everything has settled down is a better time for you. Setting a regular writing schedule makes you more likely to stick with it and reach your word-count goals.

Find or Create Your Zen Space

An essential aspect of succeeding at NaNoWriMo is creating an ideal writing environment. Your perfect writing space may look very different from mine, or from your writing partners, or from anyone else’s for that matter.

Whether you prefer quiet study rooms or bustling cafés, know what works for you and make it happen. Find a comfortable place to sit in your zen place. After all, you have to write for quite a while! Having good lighting and decluttering your workspace can also help you maximize your word count by minimizing distractions.

Have Support

Support systems, especially during the challenge of NaNoWriMo, can be a true lifesaver! Whether your support comes from fellow writers, friends, family, or your local (or online) NaNoWriMo community, having someone there who knows what you’re going through can provide inspiration and motivation.

Our local Friends of the Library, of which I am a board member, is hosting a write-in. Check your local library, Meet Up, and other writing organizations to see what kind of support they might offer. Finding writing buddies or using social media as accountability measures and/or sharing your word count or progress with others may push you closer to meeting daily writing goals.

Silence Your Inner Critic

During NaNoWriMo, it’s critical that you silence your inner critic. Your goal is to get words on the page, not to write a masterpiece. Accept that your first draft will be rough. Just keep writing!

Don’t Strive for Perfection

Whatever you do, don’t let perfection derail you from participating! NaNoWriMo is about quantity, not quality. Taking the time to edit can slow your writing progress. You can edit later.

Writing Sprints

Y’all, believe me when I say that writing sprints are a fantastic way to boost your word count. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes, write as fast as you can, and see how many words you can crank out. It’s like a friendly competition with yourself, and it’s a great way to beat writer’s block.

You can also find people online to do writing sprints with. Accountability with this can be really helpful.

Reward Yourself

Treat yourself when you reach milestones. Rewards can be motivating. Come up with rewards that you can dangle in front of you as motivation, because completing your daily word count or hitting your weekly goals deserves a little celebration. Don’t get your Pumpkin Spice Latte until you’ve reached your daily word count. Go for your walk once you’ve hit 500 words. It can be as simple as a piece of chocolate or a binge-watching session of your favorite show.

Take Breaks

This month can be intense, but don’t let it take over. Take time for yourself by taking breaks, practicing self-compassion and self-care, and engaging in activities that refresh both you mind and your body. Eat healthy meals, exercise, get fresh air, and keep yourself balanced.

Believe in Yourself

Right alongside silencing your inner critic is believing in your ability to succeed. NaNoWriMo may be a challenge–and it is–but it’s also a journey. Whether you actually hit the goal of 50,000 words or not, you will learn a lot about yourself, and you will have accomplished something big. You’ll have a serious jumpstart on your writing project, whatever it is. You’ve got this, and your story deserves to be told. Keep the faith!

Enjoy the Process

NaNoWriMo is an incredible adventure. It’s important to enjoy the process, savor the small victories, and relish in the joy of storytelling. It’s not just about reaching 50,000 words; it’s about the love and passion you pour into your work. Writing a novel is no simple task, so don’t feel discouraged if your goals don’t always align with your daily life.

Celebrate

Last, but certainly not least, is celebrating what you’ve achieved. That achievement is not reaching the 50,000-word mark. It’s that you took the leap, committed, and worked toward a goal. Simply completing this challenge should be recognized and celebrated!

Once November is up and NaNoWriMo concludes, take time to review your writing process, reflect upon the lessons you learned, and plan what comes next.

So there you have it, Writers

I hope these tips help you through your NaNoWriMo journey. Great books have been written during this time, and wonderful stories have begun. Remember, it’s about the journey, about the creativity you’ll tap into, and about the sense of accomplishment that comes from writing a novel (or some part of one) in a month.

Good luck, writers, and may your writing flow like a river throughout November! You’ve got this!

There have been many great books that were started during NaNoWriMo. Check them out, and let them inspire you about what you can achieve during this big month of writing.

Watch this talk on the WriterSpark YouTube channel! ⬇︎

27Oct, 2023

Best Practices: Mastering the Art of Ebook Cover Design

Mastering the Art of Ebook Cover Design

The visibility of your ebook cover can be the difference between your book being discovered or lost in a sea of others. In the ever-expanding world of independent publishing, the cover is the equivalent of your book’s digital storefront. In this article, I’m delving into the best practices for indie ebook cover design so you can capture the attention of your target audience. Read on to discover the best practices for compelling ebook covers and how you can master cover design.

First, let’s take stock.

There are literally millions of ebooks available online. That’s a lot of covers for potential readers to sift through. It might be easier to find a needle in a haystack than for a reader to find your book online. Because of this, it’s essential to make your book stand out. The best way to do that—and the first thing that will grab a reader’s attention—is your ebook cover. Mastering the art of ebook cover design is how your book will stand out among the masses.

Make it POP!

Attractive and well-designed covers are crucial for grabbing potential reader’s attention and encouraging them to explore your books. In an online marketplace, book cover images can be quite small. Your ebook cover, therefore, needs to POP! It must immediately spark a reader’s interest so they click to see more. Keep reading to learn about best practices for ebook cover design to help you create an eye-catching and effective cover that sells.

Best Practices

1. Know Your Target Audience

Mastering the art of ebook cover design means knowing who your ideal reader is. You need to know that before anything else. Why? Because different genres and demographics have distinct expectations for book covers. A romance novel cover will differ significantly from, say, a science fiction thriller. Make an ideal reader profile and use that person as your key target reader.

2. Research and analyze your genre

As mentioned in #1, genres have distinct reader expectations, both with the story and with the cover. Before creating your book’s cover (on your own or with a cover designer), take the time to do some research. Identify popular design trends, and look at the top-selling books in that category/genre. Identify several comp titles—meaning books similar to yours that have the same target audience. This will help you refine what your cover should look like to ensure it resonates with your potential readers.

3. Typography Matters

Mastering the art of ebook cover design means using typography effectively. Your cover text should be easily legible, even when scaled down to thumbnail size on online platforms. Choose fonts that align with your book’s genre, are visually appealing, and convey the book’s mood or theme effectively. Experiment with styles and sizes to create an engaging and unique look for your book. Be mindful of letter spacing (kerning), line spacing, padding (distance between text and the edge of your cover), and alignment to maintain a clean and professional appearance.

4. Use Visually Striking Imagery

Along with typography, eye-catching imagery is the core of an effective ebook cover design. Whether it’s a photograph, illustration, or a combination, it must be visually appealing and relevant to your book’s content. High-resolution images are a must. Make sure the images used are not only relevant but also crystal clear. No pixelated or blurry images. They can turn potential readers away and smack of unprofessionalism cover design.

5. Maintain a Cohesive Color Scheme

Select a color scheme that complements the genre and theme of your ebook is another important component of mastering ebook cover design. Consistency in color choices helps create a visually appealing and unified design. Jewel tones, for example, are the expectation in women’s paranormal books, giving one more way (beyond title and imagery). Having a color palette that reflects your book’s genre can instantly capture your potential reader’s attention so they click to look further into your book. Additionally, avoid using too many colors, as it can be overwhelming. Two to three main colors are generally sufficient.

6. Balance and Composition

If you have ever looked at a piece of art or a book cover that just didn’t work for you, chances are good that the composition was off. Mastering the art of ebook cover design means having a well-balanced composition with all the visual elements – image, title, subtitle, and author name – harmoniously arranged on the cover. It also means understanding background and foreground, shadows, and perspective. Make sure your ebook cover’s composition is balanced and artistically sound.

7. Reflect Your Book’s Essence

Think of your book cover as a visual synopsis of your book’s essence. To accomplish this, imagery or artwork, color scheme, and typography should all encapsulate the mood, genre, and storyline of your book. Make it visually arresting to draw in potential readers. Mastery of these elements means greater success with your ebook cover design.

8. Keep It Simple

It’s essential to make your cover eye-catching. Sometimes simplicity can be the most effective way to accomplish this. Complexity can muddy the waters. Avoid cluttered designs and excessive details that can confuse or overwhelm potential readers. It’s challenging to capture a reader’s attention with a thumbnail when a cover is overly busy. A clean, well-organized cover that clearly identifies the key elements of your book (genre, mood, tone) is often accomplished with simplicity.

9. Consistency Across Series

If you’re writing a series of ebooks, maintain consistency in cover design. This helps readers recognize your brand and easily identify related books. Books within a series should use a consistent layout, fonts, and color schemes. Readers should be able to tell instantly that any given book is part of the same series.

10. Seek Feedback

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback on your book cover design. Do A/B testing with different covers, or ask fellow authors, friends, or writing groups (and even readers!) for their opinions. Constructive criticism can help you and/or your cover artist refine your cover’s design and make it more appealing to your target audience. CLICK to see which version won!

Wrapping Up

Creating a captivating ebook cover is an essential step in the self-publishing journey—second only to a compelling and well-written story. A well-designed cover not only attracts readers but also conveys the essence of your book. Follow these best practices for ebook cover design to increase your chances of grabbing the attention of potential readers and boosting your book’s success in the digital marketplace. Remember, your ebook cover is the first impression you make on your audience, so make it count!

Additional Tips

SEO

Use SEO keywords in the image file name and ALT text to boost your cover’s search engine visibility.

Test the Thumbnail Version

Before finalizing your ebook cover, test how it appears in thumbnail size. This is how potential readers will first see it on online platforms. Ensure that the title, author’s name, and essential design elements are clear and recognizable in a smaller format.

DPI

Dots Per Inch should be 300 for the highest quality resolution.

See all the WriterSpark Covers HERE.

15Oct, 2023

How to Find and Collaborate with a Book Cover Designer

➤ Join the private WriterSpark Book Cover Facebook Group!

As an independent author, it may be overwhelming to think about how to find and collaborate with a book cover designer. Think about it. You’ve put your heart and soul into writing your book. Now you want to make sure it has a cover that entices readers. Because, of course, you know how important a book cover is in attracting potential readers.

Where do you Start?

In one fell swoop, a book cover has to grab a reader’s attention, convey the essence of your book in tone and genre, and say to them: This book is for you!

But how do you go about finding the right book cover designer and collaborating effectively with them? In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process, step by step.

STEP 1

Begin Your Search for a Book Cover Designer Online

You can start Googling Book Cover Designers and Ebook Cover Designers, or be more specific and say Cozy Mystery Book Cover Designers. See what shows up in the search.

Alternatively, you can go to a place like The Book Cover Designer and Book Cover Zone, both of which have premade covers. This is a pretty affordable way to go if you don’t have a ton of money to spend on book covers.

Go Custom

Custom book cover designers is the other way to go. Word of mouth is one way to find reputable designers. If you have fellow writers who are happy with their covers, ask them who their designer is. Also, most will ask that you credit them on the copyright page, so if you find a cover you love on a random book, take a look at the copyright page to see if the cover artist is credited.

If you don’t want to actually buy the book, no worries! Most retailers allow you to read a sample for free which should include the copyright page.

Custom covers can get very expensive, so you have to evaluate your budget and marketing plan to decide what makes the most sense for you.

Other Freelance Sites

Beyond these two starting points, you can also check out other freelance sites such as:

Search by genre or style to find designers who fit with what you want.

Step 2

Make a Shortlist and Dig Deeper

Once you’ve identified potential book cover design artists, what’s next? How do you choose the book cover artist you want to collaborate with? Now is when you dig a little deeper.

Portfolio Assessment:

Take a good look at their portfolio, which should be on their website. Does their style match your book’s genre and themes?

Reviews

Are there reviews? Does the artist seem to be timely, responsive, and have overall positive reviews?

Note: If a book cover design artist is new, they might not have many testimonials. Maybe you can be one for them! You might also get a better price from new artists starting their book cover design business.

Step 3

Communicate Your Vision Clearly

Once you’ve chosen someone to reach out to, follow their process. Effective two-way communication is key when working with a book cover designer.

Use their Process

If they have a form to fill out with important information about your cover, do that first. Follow up if they have questions before the design process begins.

Ask how many potential covers you will receive and how many revision cycles you will go through.

Design Overview

If the cover designer does not have a form or process, prepare a detailed design description of what you want which includes your book’s genre, target audience, and any specific ideas you have for the cover.

All of this information will help your designer understand your vision better.

It will help you better understand what you want, as well. Knowledge is power, so knowing what you want and what you don’t will make the process easier.

Step 4

Collaboration and Feedback

The design process is a two-way street. Trust your artist’s expertise and be collaborative.

Be Open to Input

Remember, your designer is an expert in their field. Be open to their suggestions and insights.

Step 5

Finalize and Get Your Files

After your design is complete and you’re satisfied with the result, it’s time to wrap things up:

File Formats

Ensure you receive the final design in various formats suitable for print and digital use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as an indie author, finding and working with a book cover designer is an essential step in your indie-publishing journey. I hope the steps above will help you find the perfect book cover design artist for you, and guides you through the process of collaborating on and developing your book covers.

Your goal is to find the designer who will bring your book to life visually and help you embark or continue on your indie publishing adventure with confidence.

Go forth and get covered!

Book Cover Design might be just what you’re looking for. Click HERE to visit our Premade covers.

Or visit our Etsy Store to view our premade covers there.

If you are interested in a custom cover, EMAIL HERE.

When to change the Cover_Title of your book

4Oct, 2023

When to Change the Title and Cover of a Book

➤ Join the private WriterSpark Book Cover Facebook Group!

When to Change the Cover or Title of a Book

One of the tricky parts of being an indie author is knowing when to change the cover or title of a book. Of course, the fact that you can make that change fairly easily is a huge plus. Conventional wisdom says that if a book isn’t selling, it’s either the cover, the title, or the story itself.

When to Change the Cover or Title of a Book

Let’s assume that the story and writing are good. That leaves the title and the cover for consideration, and it means you have to take a hard look at something you may love—the title and/or the cover. But remember, if you do nothing, nothing will change. That edict is rarely proven wrong.

My Experience

I recently went through this and had to make a hard decision on both cover and title. I had a novella in a Prolific Works year-long promotion. Something about the cover and title just never felt right to me. My decision to make changes wasn’t about sales but about my gut. I’m a firm believer in listening to my gut.

I went through the process of change, going straight to my readers for input through a poll in my newsletter and on social media.

My Decision

I ended up changing both the title and the cover. Now, in a cozy mystery Facebook group I’m part of, many of those readers preferred the original cover. But based on sales since the change, and on my knowledge of the sleuth, the new cover is a better fit. I’m happy with my decision. However, if I change my mind at some point, you know what? I can change it again!

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is, don’t be afraid of change. As an indie author, you have the flexibility to make changes, so evaluate what’s happening with your titles and go for the change if you feel it’s called for.

Here is the process I went through as I made my changes:

Feeling comfortable with the knowledge that the writing was good, I had to look at the title and/or the cover. The book in question is (was) A Pickle of a Murder, which is the first book in the Foxy Ladies Mystery series. It’s a spin-off from the Book Magic series and features Hattie Juniper Pickle as the protagonist, and the Foxy Ladies, which are Hattie and her friends Lemon, Maude, and Cricket.

When it Doesn’t Feel Right

Something about the original cover and title just didn’t do it for me. It didn’t feel quite right. So for me, the decision wasn’t about sales, but I still felt it might be necessary to make the changes. I had to make a decision: Should I or should I not change the cover or title of the book?

The Cover

As I pondered the decision of whether or not to change the cover or title of the book, I tossed around various ideas, starting with the cover. While I love the cat pictured on the original (Carrot in the book, Buffy in real life as she’s my mom’s actual cat), the rest of it just fell flat for me. Part of it, I think, is that Hattie is such an eccentric character and so full of zest for life. The original cover doesn’t capture any of that.

The Title

The next thing to consider about changing the cover or title of the book was the title. A Pickle of a Murder didn’t feel quite right. Sure, it’s a cute play on words since Hattie’s last name is Pickle, but for me, it wasn’t a book I’d pick up in the store. It didn’t grab me. And Hattie definitely wasn’t in the title, either.

The Power of Three

Now, I’m a firm believer in the Power of Three. The human psyche responds to things in threes. I’ll talk more about that some other time. Books with a series of three things in their titles are hugely popular. Look at Diane Kelly’s Death and Taxes series, beginning with Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure. Then there is Tonya Kappes’s Camper series where every book is an alliterative series of three things as in Beaches, Bungalows, and Burglaries.

Deciding on the Title

Finally, I decided that both the title and the cover of the book needed to change. I played around with various titles and even did a poll on Instagram and Facebook. Eventually, I landed on Love, Lies, and Lousy Exes. Hattie, bless her heart, has had several husbands (one of them she married twice!). ‘Lousy Exes‘ really worked for me, ‘Lies’ conveyed a bit of mystery, and ‘Love‘ is what she’s after. It was the fan favorite.

Working on the Cover

When it came to changing the cover, I took more time. As a cover artist (a new arm of the WriterSpark business), I planned on making the cover. I searched image sites and even tried an AI program, but nothing felt right. Nothing screamed: Hattie!

Then I found this image:

Colorful shoes and outfit on a female showing only the legs and feet — These ARE Hattie’s Legs!

I immediately loved it and it felt right.

This was Hattie.

Putting it Together

Having made the decision to change the title and cover of the book, I began playing around on Canva, using different backgrounds, design elements, and fonts. Bit by bit, the entire thing came together and it was…LOVE.

Is it Cozy Enough?

I’ve had some people say that it doesn’t strike them as ‘cozy’ enough–that it’s more rom-com. Maybe, but it certainly captures Hattie’s colorful personality. Plus I created the cute little Foxy Ladies Mystery logo:

Now that I’ve changed both the title and the cover of this book, it’s time to wait. So far, sales are great and my decision feels warranted. If something changes? Well, I can change again.

Deciding whether or not to change the title and/or cover can be a tough decision to make. When you think about it, though, it’s akin to painting a room. If you don’t like the way it turns out, you can redo it. Easy, peasy.

Behold the new cover and title for the first Foxy Ladies Cozy Mystery Series.

As you know, I’m a writer. Check out all my books HERE!

1Oct, 2023

10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries

10 Things to Love About Reading and Writing Cozy Mysteries

While the mystery genre is huge, there are 10 things to love about reading and writing cozy mysteries. Sure, there are thrillers, suspense, and police procedurals on one end, domestic suspense and straight mysteries in the middle to capers and cozies on the other side of the spectrum. There is, literally, something for everyone.

The Promise of a Puzzle

No matter the subgenre, mysteries draw you in with the promise of a puzzle and that is one of the 10 reasons to read and write cozy mysteries. That and the promise of justice being served, something which doesn’t always happen in real life.

Now I love the tense emotional build-up, the back and forth of the cat and mouse chase, and the heart-stopping suspense that comes with the darker side of mysteries, particularly domestic suspense. But cozies…ahhh, cozies…they offer something so much more than just the mystery.

Why Write Cozy Mysteries as an Author?

As a writer, I love the fact that I get to hang out with a cast of characters that are interesting and unique and would be my friends in real life (well, not the killer, but almost everyone else). What better reason to read and write cozy mysteries? I love the challenge of figuring out how to write what I like to call ‘happy murder’, because cozies aren’t dark and brooding. They aren’t sad and filled with distress and the dark side of things. They are…funny and warm and…cozy.

Striking a balance between the gravity of murder and the tone of a cozy takes some deftness. I’m always up for that challenge!

Why Read Cozy Mysteries as a Reader

As a reader, I love so many other things about reading and writing the cozy genre. They are about so much more than just the solving of a murder. They are about community. Relationships. Setting. These things give them a wide-spread appeal because they speak to our collective consciousness in terms of what we’d like our world to look like, both in the place we live and with whom we live our lives. They give us a community we’d love to be part of, and through the immersive writing of so many wonderful authors, we get to do just that. We get to visit with friends and be alongside them in their lives as well as during the crime-solving adventures.

Here are 10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries

🔍 The Punny Titles and Charming Covers that Bring You In

The first thing to love about reading and writing cozy mysteries are the punny titles–and they also have wonderfully appealing covers. They show us a glimpse of the world we’re about to enter and the charming life that lives between the covers.

Flour in the Attic, from my Bread Shop series, was one of the best titles one year in a cozy title round-up. A Murder Yule Regret and The Walking Bread are other favorites from that series.

Pleating for Mercy is the first in series book for the Harlow Cassidy Magical Dressmaking series, which is a paranormal cozy series. Bodice of Evidence and Bobbin for Answers are two other favorites. Punny titles are so much fun.

🔍 The Friends You Meet on the Page

Another reason to love reading and writing cozy mysteries is that they are flush with warm and caring people. The sleuths are smart, clever, and appealing. They may be unique and sassy. The sidekicks are equally winsome. There usually is some sort of love interest with someone who compliments the sleuth perfectly. These people truly feel like friends, which is what makes a long-running cozy series so wonderful. As readers, we get to hang out with these folks who are or will become real friends in our lives.

When I sit down to write a cozy mystery, it is truly like hanging out with friends. I get to play PI with Lola Cruz, or sleuth with Harlow Cassidy or Ivy Culpepper, or do some bibliomancy with Pippin Lane Hawthorne. Friends on the page can be just as important as friends in real life.

🔍 The Locales You Get to Call Home

Beach towns. A mountain oasis. A close-knit community in the city. An English moor. A rural farmhouse. Wherever cozies are set, this is another reason to love reading and writing cozy mysteries. Whatever the setting, there is sure to be a ton of charm, and it will likely be incredibly picturesque. Being inside the pages of a book with a charming local is akin to visiting the place in real life. It’s almost like having another (or many) home.

My Bread Shop mystery series is set in a fictional town (named Santa Sofia after my daughter) on the central California coast.

Bliss, Texas, from my Harlow Cassidy Magical Dressmaking series (a paranormal cozy) is a fictional small town in Texas.

Love Alaska? Crazy about the Outer Banks? If you have an affinity for a particular type of locale, chances are good that there is a cozy mystery set there!

🔍 A “Happy Murder” that Lets You Sleep at Night

In a cozy mystery, blood, violence, and sex happen off the page–and many cozy mystery readers (and writers) like this fact. A murder is a murder, of course. In a cozy, by definition, there is death. There might be people put in harm’s way. There probably will be a progression in a relationship. But cozy readers don’t have to get the down-and-dirty details of these things. They exist and we know they exist, but we’re slightly removed from them in a cozy.

Inevitably, someone stumbles upon a body that has some connection to the sleuth, either directly or peripherally.

🔍 Furry Friends

Oh my gosh, this may be one of the best reasons to read and write cozy mysteries! More often than not, cozy mystery sleuths have some sort of furry friend as a companion. Whether they’re dogs, cats, horses, teacup pigs, or goats, chances are good a much-loved pet will make an appearance. They’re often on the covers, too!

In Bread Over Troubled Water, book 8 in the Bread Shop cozy series, Agatha the pug (named after the grand dame of cozies) is the one to discover the body.

In my Harlow Cassidy paranormal cozies, Thelma Louise (the grand dame of Sundance Kids) is a cantankerous goat who adds some comedy. She’s also on every cover.

The bottom line, furry friends are fun!

🔍 A Touch of Romance

Romance is never the focal point of a cozy mystery, but it’s usually an element and that is definitely a reason to love reading and writing cozies. The typical scenario is a romantic prospect in law enforcement that forces contact with the sleuth. I tend to go the opposite way in my cozy mystery series. In the Bread Shop cozy mystery series. Emmaline Davis, Ivy Culpepper’s best friend is the law enforcement character. The romance comes in the form of Miguel Baptista, a restauranteur.

In my Harlow Cassidy Magical Dressmaking series, the love interest is an architect with the town. The sheriff is not a relation, and another deputy is an old schoolmate, but not really a friend.

🔍 Amateur Sleuth

The star of a cozy mystery is an amateur sleuth, and that is what keeps readers coming back. So yes, the sleuth is one huge reason to read and write cozy mysteries. They aren’t trained in law enforcement. They may or may not have some special skill that helps them with their investigation, but it’s typically not formal training. This makes it fun and easy for readers to follow right alongside the sleuth in the crime-solving. It makes the sleuth very relatable and easy to love because we can root for their success. Remember, they’re like a friend!

🔍 A Cozy Hook

Cozy mysteries have cozy hooks, which is another thing that can first attract readers and writers to the cozy genre. That means there is always a hobby or creative interest or some other something that is the central focus of the cozy world in any particular series. Coffee or tea houses, culinary connections or bakeries (Yeast of Eden is the bread shop in my Bread Shop series), fiber or fabric tie-ins like sewing (my Harlow Cassidy Magical Dressmaking series), or other hobbies like photography, horseback riding, motorcycles, painting, knitting, or book shops. Whatever your jam, there is a cozy series with that hook.

🔍 The Puzzle of an Intriguing Mystery

Every mystery on the mystery spectrum offers a puzzle to be solved. The cozy mystery is no different. The reader may know what happened and know things the protagonist doesn’t know (as in suspense), or they may know just what the sleuth knows and be right alongside, or even ahead, in the crime-solving. Either way (or somewhere in between), the mystery drives the plot. The puzzle of the mystery brings a reader to the mystery in the first place. The other elements of a cozy keep those cozy readers along for the ride.

🔍 Justice is Served and Good Prevails

One of the reasons mysteries have wide appeal for readers and writers is the underlying end result of the bad guys being brought to justice. Good prevails. In cozy mysteries, this is especially true. The crime is solved, justice is served, and the community and life of the sleuth get to move forward, with the reader in tow. This isn’t how it always happens in real life, but in cozies, it absolutely is.

This means there is always a happy ending and the sleuth is ready to solve another crime

Remember, there are ten things to love about the cozy mystery genre. They are a special mystery subgenre. Fix a cuppa, snuggle up, and settle in for a blissful escape into wonderfully cozy worlds.

See all my books HERE.

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Are you ready for the next step as a writer? I offer:

➤ Developmental and line editing services

➤ One-on-One coaching

➤ Online, self-paced courses

Moving forward means taking action. Contact me to discuss your writing needs. I welcome the opportunity to work with you!

21Sep, 2023

The Benefits of Having a Writing Coach

The benefits of having a writing coach are probably endless. Lengthy at the very least. Whether you are an aspiring writer looking to elevate your skills and take your craft to the next level or a seasoned writer seeking to reignite your creative spark, a writing coach could meet your needs. And whether you’re a novelist, a blogger, or a content creator, a writing coach could be your ticket to success. Today I’m talking about the many benefits–ten to be exact– of having a writing coach by your side.

Personalized Guidance

First up is the opportunity to have personal guidance on your writing journey. In my opinion, it is one of the most significant advantages of working with a writing coach. Working with someone face to face (via video conferencing, of course) means you get to create a relationship, which allows a writing coach to tailor their approach to your specific needs and goals, rather than the generic writing advice you might find online.

This is actually huge because every writer needs something different. Coaching is not one size fits all. When I work with clients, I take time to really understand their writing style, strengths, and weaknesses. This helps ensure that the guidance I give is relevant and effective.

Unleashing Creative Potential

Next, a writing coach can help you tap into your full creative potential. Part of their job is to encourage you to explore new ideas, experiment with different writing styles, and step out of your comfort zone.

With my clients, sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge or a specific task to break through and unlock a well of creativity they never knew they had or hadn’t been able to access.

Constructive Feedback

As a former public school teacher and adult education creative writing teacher, I know how important constructive feedback is. It is essential for growth as a writer. A writing coach you trust will provide you with thoughtful feedback. It is not about checking for spelling and grammar errors. With my clients, I critique work in a way that highlights strengths and gently guides them in areas in need of improvement. Really, it’s like having a built-in editor who genuinely cares about your progress.

Accountability and Motivation

There is no doubt that writing can be solitary and even isolating. Sometimes it feels daunting. A writing coach helps keep you accountable. Knowing that someone is there to check in on your progress can be a powerful motivator. I help my clients set achievable writing goals and stay on track to meet them.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is the arch-nemesis of all writers everywhere. Usually, there are reasons for the block. Read my tips about beating writer’s block HERE. But fear not! Any writing coach worth their salt has a toolbox of techniques to help you move past it. I teach my clients strategies to break through creative barriers, reignite their writing spark, and keep those words flowing.

Building Confidence

Self-doubt can be a writer’s worst enemy. A writing coach is akin to having your own personal confidence booster. As a writer, I know how doubt can creep in. Part of my job with my clients is to provide encouragement when they’re feeling stuck and to remind them of their accomplishments when they’re ready to throw in the towel.

Ready to Work With a Writing Coach?

In conclusion, a writing coach is a valuable resource for any writer looking to improve their skills, overcome obstacles, and achieve their writing goals. With the personalized guidance, constructive feedback, and unwavering support they offer, a writing coach can truly be the catalyst for your writing success.

So, if you are ready to take the plunge and watch your writing flourish, finding a writing coach is a solid, intentional, and proactive step forward. If you’re ready to talk and explore the next steps together, contact me HERE.

Are you ready for the next step as a writer? I offer:

➤ Developmental and line editing services

➤ One-on-One coaching

➤ Online, self-paced courses

Moving forward means taking action. Contact me to discuss your writing needs. I welcome the opportunity to work with you!

15Sep, 2023

How to Create Fictional Characters that Jump off the Page

Crafting Stories or Baking a Cake?

I often compare the crafting of a story to cooking or baking. You have a set of ingredients, and when put together in just the right way, you end up with a delicious curry or the tastiest chocolate cake. If you miss an ingredient, the whole dish can taste different or not work at all.

The Character is the Main Ingredient

With writing fiction, the main ingredient is character—all the active characters. To create a compelling story, you need the rest of the ingredients: the points of the hero’s journey the protagonist is on; the plot; the setting; tone; mood; point of view; dialogue; and voice.

But, again, it really ALL comes down to character.

Today we’re going to delve into one method of character development that’s fun and sort of a mix and match activity. One of the most important parts of creating fictional characters is making sure they’re realistic. One way to approach this is by tapping into real people in your life, and then kind of like the Garanimals children’s clothing brand, you mix and match characteristics and traits together.

A Character Development Activity

Today’s prompt is more of an activity. Choose 4 or 5 real people (they can be people from your life, people on the periphery, or celebrities or others you know things about). Make a list of character traits for each of these people.

Once you’ve done that, pick and choose traits from each list to create an entirely new person.

This is a fun activity that really makes you think and dig deep.

Here’s an example of what this looks like:

Person #1

Seems to enjoy his work
Outwardly positive
Extraverted
Wears glasses
Average height
Enjoys grilling
Enjoys tea
Likes smalltalk
Loves holidays
Has a rolling desk
Loves jalapeños
Has a goatee
Dark hair peppered with gray
Works on Sundays
Has several kids
Loves fishing
Loves kayaking
Smokes cigars
Works in public education

Person #2

Accountant
Dark hair
Smirks
Uses good vocabulary
Retired
Runs
Traditional gender role expectations
Arrogant
Doesn’t like yard work
Doesn’t cook
Reads Stephen King
Wears contact lenses
Three kids
Over-protective father
Special father-daughter relationship
Flaunts his children’s successes as if they’re his own

Person #3

Extremely logical
Hard worker
Balding
Reading glasses
Pulled up from bootstraps/self made
Cautious with money
Shows love through generosity
Keeps emotions under control
Loves cycling
Loves nice cars
Brutally honest
Reads SciFi
Loves scotch
Loves gadgets
Works in tech

NEW CHARACTER

High school technology teacher
Near retirement
Has two kids, one very successful, the other not
Sings the praises of the successful one
Loves the idea of a nice car but can never afford one
Wears sports coats
Brutally honest, especially with his students
Ever-present smirk
Drinks green tea
A little below average height
Hates smalltalk
Loves gadgets and all things tech
Always has the latest computer and accessories
Organized desk

As I create this new character, he begins to unfold in my mind. He’s taken on a life of his own and while some of his traits are inspired by the three people I actually know, when mixed and matched, he does not resemble any of them.

Enjoy the activity!

How do your characters react?

Are you ready for the next step in your writing process? Hire me as your developmental editor and partner. Together, we will take your writing to the next level!

WriterSpark Academy

WriterSpark Academy

Yearly Archives: 2023

Book Cover Design

How it Works

My custom book cover design process is straightforward.

The WriterSpark Etsy Shop

Other Book Cover FAQs

Questions about WriterSpark Book Covers?

Questions? Contact me HERE.

Join the WriterSpark Book Cover Newsletter HERE.

Watch my Quick Tip video on how to integrate backstory to balance your narrative. ⬇︎

Balancing Backstory with Your Narrative

1. Strategic Timing:

2. Show, Don’t Tell:

3. Employing Triggers:

5. Relevance and Conciseness:

6. Seamless Integration:

7. Layering Technique:

8. Relevance to Present Events:

WriterSpark Cover Design. Get covered!

Book Cover Design might be just what you’re looking for. Click HERE to view our Premade covers.

Or visit our Etsy Store to view our premade covers there.

If you are interested in a custom cover, EMAIL HERE.

Listen to the Podcast on 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block

Everyone Gets Stuck

8 Strategies/Tactics to Get Past Writer’s Block (or Get Unstuck)

1. Embrace the Chaos of Freewriting:

2. Time-Bound Writing Sprints:

3. Write out of order:

4. Change Your Writing Environment:

5. Mindful Breaks and Physical Activity:

6. Create an Idea Repository:

7. Dialogue with Your Characters:

8. Use a Prompt

It’s Part of the Journey

WriterSpark Cover Design. Get covered!

Book Cover Design might be just what you’re looking for. Click HERE to view our Premade covers.

Or visit our Etsy Store to view our premade covers there.

If you are interested in a custom cover, EMAIL HERE.

You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo and succeed at reaching your writing goals for the month of November.

First, a little background.

First Things First

Tips to Help You Succeed at NaNoWriMo

Set aside dedicated writing time each day.

Find or Create Your Zen Space

Have Support

Silence Your Inner Critic

Don’t Strive for Perfection

Writing Sprints

Reward Yourself

Take Breaks

Believe in Yourself

Enjoy the Process

Celebrate

So there you have it, Writers

Mastering the Art of Ebook Cover Design

First, let’s take stock.

Make it POP!

Best Practices

1. Know Your Target Audience

2. Research and analyze your genre

3. Typography Matters

4. Use Visually Striking Imagery

5. Maintain a Cohesive Color Scheme

6. Balance and Composition

7. Reflect Your Book’s Essence

8. Keep It Simple

9. Consistency Across Series

10. Seek Feedback

Wrapping Up

Additional Tips

SEO

Test the Thumbnail Version

DPI

See all the WriterSpark Covers HERE.

➤ Join the private WriterSpark Book Cover Facebook Group!

Where do you Start?

STEP 1

Begin Your Search for a Book Cover Designer Online