John C. Horst's Blog, page 42
May 1, 2012
Nice Interview at IndieReader Thank you, IndieReader!
Cover Me | IR Staff
The Mule Tamer
My main character is a mule breeder in Arizona and one crucial part of the novel finds him traveling alone in the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. The cover conveys a certain tension, as the landscape is so vast and foreign and lonely. It evokes both a sense of danger and tranquility.
1. Tell us a little bit about your book cover. What does it convey about your book?
As you can see, the artwork is of a man riding what appears to be a mule in the desert of Arizona, how lucky can one get? My main character, Arvel Walsh, is a mule breeder in Arizona, and one crucial part of the novel finds him traveling alone in the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It also conveys a certain tension, as the landscape is so vast and foreign and lonely. It evokes both a sense of danger and tranquility.
It was just dumb luck that I found that artwork, as if the artist made it for me. I could not hire someone to do a painting, and of course did not want to run afoul of copyright issues, so the iStockphoto route was a terrific compromise. I would highly recommend the service to your authors. I believe I paid around $75 for the use of this artwork.
2. Was the cover inspired by something in particular? A character in the book? A certain tone?
I was looking for something like what you would see from old 1930′s travel posters for Arizona, like the one I have attached, and “The Mule Tamer “cover is very similar. Not so much that the novel is set in the 30′s, but that artwork seemed to work even though my novel is set in 1892. I put together the font (with help from my friend, graphic artist Kevin Moore) from inspiration from old west script and from the cover of one of the “Lonesome Dove” book covers.
3. Did you create the book cover yourself? Or did you use outside services?
Kevin referred me to iStockphoto, where I found the artwork and purchased it. He then sized the image for me and I had Amazon’s Createspace put the book together. So, it was a collaboration between Kevin and me. He does not do book covers for a living, but does many other related things for his profession. He used Photoshop to put it all together.
4. Is there another book cover that particularly inspires you?
I would say that Lonesome Dove was the most inspirational for me but only insofar as the font goes. I wanted an old west feel to the font.
See the full article here: http://indiereader.com/2012/05/the-mule-tamer/
1. Tell us a little bit about your book cover. What does it convey about your book?
As you can see, the artwork is of a man riding what appears to be a mule in the desert of Arizona, how lucky can one get? My main character, Arvel Walsh, is a mule breeder in Arizona, and one crucial part of the novel finds him traveling alone in the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It also conveys a certain tension, as the landscape is so vast and foreign and lonely. It evokes both a sense of danger and tranquility.
It was just dumb luck that I found that artwork, as if the artist made it for me. I could not hire someone to do a painting, and of course did not want to run afoul of copyright issues, so the iStockphoto route was a terrific compromise. I would highly recommend the service to your authors. I believe I paid around $75 for the use of this artwork.
2. Was the cover inspired by something in particular? A character in the book? A certain tone?
I was looking for something like what you would see from old 1930′s travel posters for Arizona, like the one I have attached, and “The Mule Tamer “cover is very similar. Not so much that the novel is set in the 30′s, but that artwork seemed to work even though my novel is set in 1892. I put together the font (with help from my friend, graphic artist Kevin Moore) from inspiration from old west script and from the cover of one of the “Lonesome Dove” book covers.
3. Did you create the book cover yourself? Or did you use outside services?
Kevin referred me to iStockphoto, where I found the artwork and purchased it. He then sized the image for me and I had Amazon’s Createspace put the book together. So, it was a collaboration between Kevin and me. He does not do book covers for a living, but does many other related things for his profession. He used Photoshop to put it all together.
4. Is there another book cover that particularly inspires you?
I would say that Lonesome Dove was the most inspirational for me but only insofar as the font goes. I wanted an old west feel to the font.
See the full article here: http://indiereader.com/2012/05/the-mule-tamer/
Interview with IndieReader
Hey, Everyone, please check out this interview. It was very nice of IndieReader to give me so much attention!
1. Tell us a little bit about your book cover. What does it convey about your book?
As you can see, the artwork is of a man riding what appears to be a mule in the desert of Arizona, how lucky can one get? My main character, Arvel Walsh, is a mule breeder in Arizona, and one crucial part of the novel finds him traveling alone in the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It also conveys a certain tension, as the landscape is so vast and foreign and lonely. It evokes both a sense of danger and tranquility.
It was just dumb luck that I found that artwork, as if the artist made it for me. I could not hire someone to do a painting, and of course did not want to run afoul of copyright issues, so the iStockphoto route was a terrific compromise. I would highly recommend the service to your authors. I believe I paid around $75 for the use of this artwork.
2. Was the cover inspired by something in particular? A character in the book? A certain tone?
I was looking for something like what you would see from old 1930′s travel posters for Arizona, like the one I have attached, and “The Mule Tamer “cover is very similar. Not so much that the novel is set in the 30′s, but that artwork seemed to work even though my novel is set in 1892. I put together the font (with help from my friend, graphic artist Kevin Moore) from inspiration from old west script and from the cover of one of the “Lonesome Dove” book covers.
3. Did you create the book cover yourself? Or did you use outside services?
Kevin referred me to iStockphoto, where I found the artwork and purchased it. He then sized the image for me and I had Amazon’s Createspace put the book together. So, it was a collaboration between Kevin and me. He does not do book covers for a living, but does many other related things for his profession. He used Photoshop to put it all together.
4. Is there another book cover that particularly inspires you? (NOTE: it can be any book…doesn’t have to be an indie)
I would say that Lonesome Dove was the most inspirational for me but only insofar as the font goes. I wanted an old west feel to the font.
Check out the full article: http://indiereader.com/
1. Tell us a little bit about your book cover. What does it convey about your book?
As you can see, the artwork is of a man riding what appears to be a mule in the desert of Arizona, how lucky can one get? My main character, Arvel Walsh, is a mule breeder in Arizona, and one crucial part of the novel finds him traveling alone in the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It also conveys a certain tension, as the landscape is so vast and foreign and lonely. It evokes both a sense of danger and tranquility.
It was just dumb luck that I found that artwork, as if the artist made it for me. I could not hire someone to do a painting, and of course did not want to run afoul of copyright issues, so the iStockphoto route was a terrific compromise. I would highly recommend the service to your authors. I believe I paid around $75 for the use of this artwork.
2. Was the cover inspired by something in particular? A character in the book? A certain tone?
I was looking for something like what you would see from old 1930′s travel posters for Arizona, like the one I have attached, and “The Mule Tamer “cover is very similar. Not so much that the novel is set in the 30′s, but that artwork seemed to work even though my novel is set in 1892. I put together the font (with help from my friend, graphic artist Kevin Moore) from inspiration from old west script and from the cover of one of the “Lonesome Dove” book covers.
3. Did you create the book cover yourself? Or did you use outside services?
Kevin referred me to iStockphoto, where I found the artwork and purchased it. He then sized the image for me and I had Amazon’s Createspace put the book together. So, it was a collaboration between Kevin and me. He does not do book covers for a living, but does many other related things for his profession. He used Photoshop to put it all together.
4. Is there another book cover that particularly inspires you? (NOTE: it can be any book…doesn’t have to be an indie)
I would say that Lonesome Dove was the most inspirational for me but only insofar as the font goes. I wanted an old west feel to the font.
Check out the full article: http://indiereader.com/
April 27, 2012
Latest 5 Star Review
Engaging and Entertaining, April 27, 2012
By patrickb -This review is from: The Mule Tamer (Kindle Edition)
This is a book that really grabbed me from the beginning and stuck with me until the end. For me the most captivating aspects were the unexpected characters and the Southwestern setting. I am not a reader of Westerns usually, but Author John C. Horst understands his characters and brings them to life in a way which I found to be very engaging. It kept me up several nights reading long after it was prudent. The only thing I found disappointing was that I had finished the book and did not have anything more to read about Chica and Arvel. Hopefully the author is working on a follow up book because there is a lot to explore with these lively characters and such a beautiful setting. It really took me back to my visits to Mexico and the American southwest. Very much looking forward to more.
By patrickb -This review is from: The Mule Tamer (Kindle Edition)
This is a book that really grabbed me from the beginning and stuck with me until the end. For me the most captivating aspects were the unexpected characters and the Southwestern setting. I am not a reader of Westerns usually, but Author John C. Horst understands his characters and brings them to life in a way which I found to be very engaging. It kept me up several nights reading long after it was prudent. The only thing I found disappointing was that I had finished the book and did not have anything more to read about Chica and Arvel. Hopefully the author is working on a follow up book because there is a lot to explore with these lively characters and such a beautiful setting. It really took me back to my visits to Mexico and the American southwest. Very much looking forward to more.
Latest 5 Star Review
Engaging and Entertaining, April 27, 2012 By
patrickb
-
See all my reviews
This review is from: The Mule Tamer (Kindle Edition) This is a book that really grabbed me from the beginning and stuck with me until the end. For me the most captivating aspects were the unexpected characters and the Southwestern setting. I am not a reader of Westerns usually, but Author John C. Horst understands his characters and brings them to life in a way which I found to be very engaging. It kept me up several nights reading long after it was prudent. The only thing I found disappointing was that I had finished the book and did not have anything more to read about Chica and Arvel. Hopefully the author is working on a follow up book because there is a lot to explore with these lively characters and such a beautiful setting. It really took me back to my visits to Mexico and the American southwest. Very much looking forward to more.
April 16, 2012
Latest 5 star review
5.0 out of 5 stars the mule tamer, April 16, 2012 By DG (Cloverdale, CA USA) -
See all my reviews
This review is from: The Mule Tamer (Volume 1) (Paperback) I am a Louis L'Amour fan and am hesitant to read other western authors.
April 3, 2012
March 30, 2012
Latest 5 star review
A western with true character! The story is told with a beautiful form. The character development is exquisite and both the "heros" and "villans" seem like actual figures from the era. In addition to the wonderful old timey prose in English, Spanish is used smoothly making this book quite enjoyable! I urge readers of all ages to take the time to read The Mule Tamer. Chica is one woman you definately want to know!
March 27, 2012
Latest 5 star review
March 27, 2012
From a Goodreads member: 5 out of 5 stars. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I love the west and especially Arizona. The lead character was fascinating and very likable. The era was intriguing, a time we have no personal knowledge of. Each incident kept the book moving. I couldn't put it down till I was finished. Great job! Hopefully there is a follow up book on Arvel and his family.
From a Goodreads member: 5 out of 5 stars. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I love the west and especially Arizona. The lead character was fascinating and very likable. The era was intriguing, a time we have no personal knowledge of. Each incident kept the book moving. I couldn't put it down till I was finished. Great job! Hopefully there is a follow up book on Arvel and his family.
The Mule Tamer is Free Wednesday and Thursday, March 28th and 29th
This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.
March 23, 2012
The Mule Tamer Book Giveaway
Hello, Everyone:
I wanted to let the winners of the book giveway know that their books are going out Saturday March 24th via USPS Priority Mail. Please look for them no later than Thursday, but more likely by Wednesday of next week. If you do not get yours, please let me know right away. I can track the package, but do not have any way of notifying everyone as emails were not included in the contact information. Thanks for an exciting giveway and I hope the winners enjoy their books.
John
I wanted to let the winners of the book giveway know that their books are going out Saturday March 24th via USPS Priority Mail. Please look for them no later than Thursday, but more likely by Wednesday of next week. If you do not get yours, please let me know right away. I can track the package, but do not have any way of notifying everyone as emails were not included in the contact information. Thanks for an exciting giveway and I hope the winners enjoy their books.
John
