Book Cover Junkie Interviews Urban Fantasy Author Christine Amsden

Christine Amsden is the author of nine award-winning fantasy and science fiction novels, including the Cassie Scot Series.

Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but Christine believes great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. She writes primarily about people, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

In addition to writing, Christine is a freelance editor and political activist. Disability advocacy is of particular interest to her; she has a rare genetic eye condition called Stargardt Macular Degeneration and has been legally blind since the age of eighteen. In her free time, she enjoys role playing, board games, and a good cup of tea. She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband and two kids.

Author Links

Website ➜https://christineamsden.com/wordpress/

X ➜ http://www.x.com/christineamsden 

Facebook ➜https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Amsden-Author-Page/127673027288664?ref=hl

Interview:

Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it?

The idea for Knot of Souls came to me in November of 2020, after a particularly divisive election cycle. I wasn’t sitting on the sidelines that year; I worked social media for two state senate campaigns where I got a front-row seat to some of the vilest comments you can imagine. The day after the election, I sat down at my computer and wrote three words:

Write something happy.

Joy got her name before she got a plot! :) 

Ultimately, I chose to write a story about two very different beings forced by circumstance and mutually assured destruction to work together … and come out stronger on the other side. 

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

I usually struggle with titles, but this one almost wrote itself. It’s called Knot of Souls, and it’s about two souls trapped together inside one body where they get all tangled up. I played around with “tangle” and a few other synonyms, tried a few word orders, but this one popped early and obviously. It didn't come to me before I began writing, but it was early enough I don't remember calling it anything else. 

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like? 

When I originally conceived the cover for Knot of Souls, I was sure of only one thing: there had to be a knot. A green knot, made up of blue and yellow light (Joy’s soul is bluish-white, Shade’s is yellow-gold). The knot could be Celtic, because that’s recognizable at a glance, but that part isn’t literal. The colors are. 

I worked with BZN Studio Designs, and the artist there helped me conceive the rest. I initially suggested a silhouette to de-emphasize the importance of the body (compared to the souls), but this idea apparently looked too science fiction! (I’m not always convinced by the line between fantasy and science fiction, but I understand the genre expectations.) So, no silhouette. We went through a few different designs before she hit on the idea of obscuring the model’s features by showing only the lower part of her face, chin turned off to the side. The effect was surprising, even dramatic, and it kept the focus precisely where I wanted: on the knot. 

I love the lighting effects most of all, When I look at this cover, I don't see one person at all. I see both Joy and Shade, and I hope after reading the book, others will see it that way, too. 

The skyline at the bottom is Kansas City, where much of the story takes place. 

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

BZN Studio Designs was a recommendation from a colleague. I used them last year, too, when I got the rights back on The Immortality Virus and needed a new cover. She did a beautiful job on that one, too (https://a.co/d/efZnVdd) and although it's a very different cover, I also loved the lighting effects there. It's why I went back. 

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

Overwhelmingly positive! Which is especially gratifying because this is the first cover I commissioned on my own, without the help of a publisher. 

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

Look at covers. Lots of covers. Look at the cover artist's portfolio, too, and make sure you like their work, then tell them (with examples) what kinds of things you're looking for. Communication is the key to getting what you want. 

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

Just that if you enjoyed my Cassie Scot books, I think you'll like this, too. It's got all the magic, mystery, and magical family drama you've come to expect from me, plus a wonderful buddy love at its core. 

Thanks for having me!

Knot of Souls is available at Amazon. 

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Romance Author Richard I. Levine

Richard I Levine is a native New Yorker raised in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. After dabbling in several occupations and a one-year coast-to-coast wanderlust trip, This one-time auxiliary police officer, volunteer fireman, bartender, and store manager returned to school to become a chiropractor.

A twenty-five-year cancer survivor, he’s a strong advocate for the natural healing arts. In 2006 he wrote, produced, and was on-air personality of The Dr. Rich Levine Show on Seattle’s KKNW 1150AM and after a twenty-five-year chiropractic practice in Bellevue, Washington, he closed up shop at the end of 2016 and moved to Oahu to pursue a dream of acting and being on Hawaii 5-O.

While briefly working as a ghostwriter/community liaison for a Honolulu City Councilmember, a Hawaii State Senator, and volunteering as an advisory board member of USVETS Barbers Point, he appeared as a background actor in over twenty-seven 5-Os, Magnum P.I.s, NCIS-Hawaii, and several Hallmark movies. In 2020, he had a co-star role in the third season episode of Magnum PI called “Easy Money.”

While he no longer lives in Hawaii, he says he will always cherish and be grateful for those seven years and all the wonderful people he’s met. His 5th novel, To Catch the Setting Sun, was inspired by his time in Hawaii.

Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea is Levine’s first foray into the romance genre.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://www.docrichlevine.com  

X ➜ https://www.twitter.com/Your_In8_Power 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/RichardLevineAuthor/ 

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/rilevinedc 

Interview:

Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it? 

As with my other books, music has always been the trigger that sets the wheels in motion. It’s not just any

music mind you, but certain songs played in just the right way--tempo, key, volume, types of instruments--that have instantaneously given birth to a story, its characters, relationships, locations, etc. For me, the right kind of music simultaneously creates a feeling and a picture that resonates. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, I know I have my next novel. With Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea there were a couple of orchestrated pieces from a movie soundtrack that gave birth to Mitch, Jess and the Rockwell-esque smalltown in the Pacific Northwest where they lived.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

The original title of the book was completely different, and I knew from the outset that I wasn’t going to keep it. It was a placeholder until the title came to me. Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea was something I hadn’t searched for. It came organically during the writing process, and when it popped into my head, it simply felt right.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like? 

The idea for the cover came months after the title had come to me. I did have a basic idea of what I wanted it to look like, so every now and again I would search the royalty-free photo offerings on the internet. There had been a number of pictures that came close but didn’t quite do it for me until I came across the eventual winner. 

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

Of the six books I’ve written and published, I designed five covers. But they were self-published. Only one, the fifth one, was published by a small boutique publisher and as such, they did not allow me to participate in the cover design. Needless to say, I wasn’t happy about that. 

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

I’ve had a lot of positive feedback

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

Since I’m the type of person who likes to have total control over my work, it’s hard for me to provide tips when it comes to outsourcing for this portion of the project. I know there are many talented designers out there and I don’t want to take away anything from the folks who are artistic, gifted, have a vision, and who make a living creating them. All I can say to other authors is to do your research, which is as easy as to first look at the covers of the books you’ve read and see if those accurately reflect what’s on the inside. Does the cover grab your attention? Does it pique your curiosity?

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

It goes without saying that I hope your readers will buy this book and that they are ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride. I will leave you with two of the more than two dozen reviews that have already been posted on Amazon and Goodreads:

“It was such a sweet, slow-burn kind of romance that really hit me in the feels. It’s set in this cozy little coastal town—I mean, the kind of place you daydream about running away to when life gets too loud. The writing has this calm, almost poetic rhythm, and the way the Salish Sea is described? Ugh, dreamy. The love story isn’t flashy or overly dramatic—it’s mature, tender, and just real. I loved how the characters weren’t perfect; they’re a little bruised, a little weathered, like actual people in their 30s or 40s trying to figure it all out. And the community feel? Don’t even get me started. It made me want to pack up my Subaru and go find a sleepy little bookstore by the water. If you’re into Hallmark vibes with a bit more depth and a lot more heart, this one’s a quiet gem. Highly recommend with a cup of tea and a rainy window ~Grace Eliot

"Poignant, Powerful, and tender. Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea is more than a romance, it’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Mitch & Jess will stay with you long after the final page.” ~Tae Keller award winning author

Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea is available at Amazon. 

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Cozy Mystery Author Kate Damon

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.

Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.

Website ➜http://margaret-brownley.com/

Twitter ➜https://www.x.com/katejuryduty

Facebook ➜https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Kate-Damon-61565155275435/

Instagram ➜https://www.instagram.com/katedamonbooks

BookBub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-damon

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4072660.Kate_Damon and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/163681.Margaret_Brownley

Interview:

Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it?

Jury Duty Is Murder represents a significant change for me. Writing under the name Margaret Brownley, I am a multi-published romance author.  This is my first venture into the mystery genre, which is why I’m using a pen name.

The story takes place in the aftermath of a high-profile trial. After enduring four months of sequestered deliberation, the jurors can finally go home. However, their relief is short-lived as a series of mysterious deaths among the jurors begins to occur. In response to this alarming situation, juror #5—CeeCee—takes the initiative to call a meeting. Unfortunately, only three other jurors show up.

Despite their mutual disdain during the trial, these four former jurors must now set aside their differences and work together to find the killer before they become the next victims. The tension between them adds complexity to their investigation, as they navigate both personal conflicts and the looming threat of danger.

All my books start with a question and the inspiration for this story stemmed from a question that came about after reading an article about sequestered jurors. This prompted me to consider how extended periods of sequestering might impact the mental and emotional health of jurors, particularly in high-profile trials. Initially, I imagined crafting a courtroom romance set in the 1800s, similar to my previous works. However, I soon encountered a significant obstacle: the Henry Thaw trial in 1907 marked the first instance of a sequestered jury trial. This event occurred too late to authentically fit within an Old West setting, leading me to pivot towards a contemporary mystery.

The challenge was compounded by my publishers' lack of interest in my genre shift, which forced me to abandon the idea—or so I thought. Despite my efforts to move on, the characters continued to nag at me.  I finally gave in and started working on the book alongside my other projects and was lucky enough to find a publisher willing to take it on.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

I can’t remember the original title, but since I originally envisioned the book as a historical romance, I’m sure the title would have reflected that.  When I started the book, I had no idea where I was going with it. I was just letting the characters lead the way. The title Jury Duty is Murder didn’t occur to me until I was a third of the way through the book and dead bodies started showing up on the computer screen.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like? 

Creating a cover design for my book, Jury Duty is Murder, presented some unique challenges.  I am accustomed to designing covers for my romance novels that feature embracing couples. In those cases, my main considerations revolved around the characters' hair and eye color, as well as ensuring their attire was historically accurate. However, this particular book diverges from my usual genre and theme.

Jury Duty Is Murder does not center around the trial itself but takes place in the aftermath of it. Therefore, I wanted to avoid using a jury box on the cover, which could mislead potential readers about the story's focus. Instead, I aimed to convey that the trial serves as a foundational element of the story without making it the central theme.

Another consideration was the typical aesthetic of mystery novels. Many mysteries tend to have darker covers that evoke a sense of suspense or foreboding. However, since Jury Duty is Murder falls into the cozy mystery category, I requested that the designer maintain a lighter tone for the cover. This choice reflects both the nature of cozy mysteries and my intention to attract readers who enjoy a more lighthearted approach to crime-solving.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

The cover was designed in-house by my publisher using my input.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

The cover was a finalist in a book cover contest, so I think we can say the reader response has been positive.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

Although I didn’t choose the cover designer for this project, I have done so for other books. The process typically involves evaluating portfolios of prior projects and confirming the designer’s experience in covers for a particular genre.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

I hope you enjoy the story and have fun attempting to unravel the mystery alongside the four jurors who have taken on the role of amateur detectives. The question is, who will be the first to arrive at the solution; Them or you?