Category Archives: cool finds

Christmas Countdown

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Please excuse the glitter as I finish the last bit of gift wrapping and card writing. I can’t resist showing off my favorite buy from this year: a gift for my nephew-to-be.We’re counting down the days until Little Sis becomes a mommy!

I subjected this bunny to rigorous evaluation. First, he has big, sensitive eyes so you can tell all your troubles to him. He’s got floppy ears that a baby can grab onto. And he passed the hug test. I was a little sad to ship him off since he was so cuddly, but I have to remind myself that he’s going to a good home.

Along with the bunny, I sent my copy of The Velveteen Rabbit. I read it one more time before wrapping it up and, of course, had myself a good cry when the bunny becomes real. *sniff*

Speaking of countdowns, there’s only four more days until the Harlequin Historical Advent Calendar drawing. I’ll be drawing for my special giveaway and the group will be drawing for the Kindle 3G.

Check out the last several days on the calendar. A list of the daily winners can be found here. Many of the days are still open so if you want additional chances at the Kindle, feel free to catch up on any missed days. I’m pleased that there are still entries coming in for my giveaway. Find out more about Christmas in the Tang Dynasty if you haven’t found the ornament yet.

The December newsletter has also gone out with some preview information about upcoming releases for 2011. Also popular was the link to the online clothing store where I get my hanfu. Check it out here or click on the newsletter link if you’d like to sign up for future updates. I send out the newsletter once a month and always have a great time putting it together.

Happy Holidays! I’ll be back on December 23rd to announce winners.

Reference Pictures for Cover Art

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I’ve learned that while you’re promoting a new book, you pretty much become your cover. It’s your calling card. The funny thing is people very often ask me if I posed for the cover of Butterfly Swords. (No, I didn’t) I’m tickled pink by even the thought that I could be a cover model.

As authors, we don’t get much control over our cover art, yet the cover can make or break the book. I do, however, get to send reference pictures to give the art department perhaps a little inspiration as they design the cover. None of the pictures I use for inspiration look exactly like my characters or setting. I use them for a certain feel. Somewhere in between, an image emerges.

I suppose the art department does much the same thing. This morning I sent along pics for The Dragon and the Pearl and I’m totally jittery nervous about what they’ll come up with.

I always felt this picture by DeviantArtist feimo captured the attitude of Li Tao, though he’s much younger and prettier than the cold-blooded warlord. I wish the print were for sale.

The power play between the jiedushi, the military governors, are central to the book. I sent a couple of pictures to highlight the look and feel of the warlords.

An artist’s rendition of Cao Cao from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Ah, Tony…from the movie poster of Red Cliff. I still need to see the uncut version…

We talk about setting as character in writing, but more needs to be said about clothing as character. Suyin’s wardrobe is practically a secondary character in The Dragon and the Pearl. The Tang Dynasty is all about the fashion: gorgeous clothing, creative hair styles, accessories, accessories, accessories. In the context of those times, Ling Suyin would have been considered a super-model.

I’m now a junkie of the Chinese Clothing online store. I’m actually thinking of buying this blue dress to celebrate the manuscript being accepted and, you know, just wearing it around the house.

And speaking of setting as character, the famous Bamboo Sea is where it all takes place. I dream of going there one day. It’s too bad hubby doesn’t like to travel or eat exotic foods. He does like pandas, I believe.

So can you see a killer cover out of all that?