Martyn Stanley's Blog - Posts Tagged "isis-sousa"

To maintain continuity through the series, I've sadly decided to change cover illustrator. The artist responsible for the excellent, dark fantasy scene which most recently became the cover for book 1 was essentially too busy to commit to producing the covers within the right time period. I can see why he's in demand, I am very, very fond of the current cover

I have two contenders for the series, two artist's both of whose work I very much admire. One is Daniel Johnson of Squared Motion. His fantasy creatures are incredibly detailed and have real character. His proposal for a new cover I think is excellent (See Photo's section of The Last Dragon Slayer

The other artist in contention is my good friend, the Brazilian Artist, Isis Sousa Her characters are beautifully painted with emotive expression and a life-like quality. To me they really jump off the page, she gave me a sneak preview of a WIP recently and it was stunning.

So I'm really, really torn. It's definitely one or the other, both are incredible, both could bring a new vibrancy to the coming re-launch of books 1 and 2 and the fast approaching book 3. Time-scales will be a factor I think, I'm planning on having a big promotional push as soon as my new covers for 1 and 2 are created.

The question is, who to get to do them!?

I'm very, very torn on this.

You can see more of Daniel's work on his website and facebook page here:-

http://squaredmotion.com/

and here:-

https://www.facebook.com/SquaredMotion

You can see more of Isis Sousa's work on her webpage here:-

http://www.isissousadesigner.com/

And facebook page here:-

https://www.facebook.com/isissousa.2d

Any comments on would be the best artist for the job, along with 'why' would be appreciated. I love both of their work and an genuinely really torn.

Martyn

First of all, I've entered a Goodreads book giveaway!

For this:-


I really enjoyed Isis's 'Duskland' and I'm really excited about this illustrated version! So why not enter yourself? It's for a signed copy!

Yes I'm biased, Isis Sousa is my illustrator for Deathsworn Arc and is also becoming something like an estranged friend. Her writing is interesting though. Duskland has a very surreal feel to it. It reminds me a little of 'Una Pura Formalita' in it's style and pace.

Secondly I've actually started 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God'. I know, I know, 'Deathsworn Arc 3: The Blood Queen' isn't out yet, the cover is still being perfected, the editing and proofing is still churning away. In my defence it's nearly 50% bigger than the first two books, it's over 80,000 words. It's also more complex, the plot is more complex, more backstory is revealed with some major twists, more characters... And more exploration of the theme : 'Criticism of religion' namely the Isharian Church. I need to handle this sensitively, it needs to be subtle and thought provoking, I don't want to preach, I just want to question.

I know it's turning out to be the longest wait ever, but it will be worth it, 'The Blood Queen' is going to be really, really special.

I also want to write book 4 more slowly, so editing and proofing isn't such a complete nightmare. So I'm going to take my time and perfect it as I go along. I know what happens, it's going to be another big book, time will get stretched out more in this one too.

Oh, I am going to release an anthology of the first three parts soon too! But my first priority is my book proposal for a publisher who is showing some interest, then finishing book 3.

Busy, busy!

Martyn

Well, it's here!

The big cover reveal for book 3!

I haven't created the book listing on Goodreads yet, as I don't have the blurb ready. However the cover is I think, READY!

Do you like it?



Let me know what you think in the comments!

Martyn