A FanArt Project Gets Real Across the Beer Bar

Welcome Sunny Talbot, artist extraordinaire and creator of the new Realtors covers and that amazing author banner up top! Now...pay attention because I'm going to ask one rather pointed question from the guts of this interview at the end.Winner receives:A signed e-copy of Floor Time (book one or whatever bookyou need to complete your set).  If you have already readthis series then you will be put on the Official List to get an ARC of The Essence of Time, The Realtors: Book 4.Also...$20 in ARe Omni Bucks, so you can, you know, gobuy my back list and stuff.
Welcome to my beer bar Sunny! What can I pour for you to start?Sunny: this is where I need your expertise Liz. I know nothing of the fine art of beer. Someday I will visit that Brewery of yours. The closest I get to beer isa Tequila Shot.Liz: *groans*Sunny: With a beer chaser! I know I know, I can hear Rob and Blake scolding me from your books, beside themselves with my silly inexperience. They would have me tastetesting all night I'm sure. Then I would be forced to sleepon their floor. So Liz, pour me the best you got!Liz: yeah, those boys take their craft beer as seriously as I do.Imagine. Here: Wolverine Premium Lager. Perfect for a craft beer newb.
Liz: Every author likes to think their work inspires people. Butsomehow, from my books YOU were inspired to created someart work. How did that happen?
Sunny: As an obsessed artist I can never seem to keep mymind from thinking up new ways to create something. My profession is actually graphic design/sculpting.  I constantly evolve in art and when I read my very first downloaded Romance novel my creative side was shifted into overdrive.
I sped off like a read hot Ferrari zooming along the damn Autobahn. It was like electrical cables were attached directly to my heart. I couldn't stop reading the damn books!Talk about sleep deprived. I think I walked around like Nightof the Living Dead on some days. There wasn't enough coffeeon the planet or toothpicks to keep my eyes open.
Needless to say, I forced myself to get some sleep. My love for romance novels grew and so did my need to express that love visually. I wanted to thank certain authors that I really enjoy by sending them "fan art" featuring whatever book or character I have my head wrapped around at thattime.
I started talking to some really fantastic people that way. People in the romance industry like authors, reviewers,artists, publishers, editors. I need to send a Big Shout Out to Ditter Tha Great of "According to Ditter"Book group on Facebook! She really got my art out there for people to see.
I've had some amazing opportunities with my art in the past and this new one is really exciting for me. When youand Tri-Destiny Publishing asked me to rework your Realtor Series cover art I about fainted. I was so excited!I mean really I think I was flying through my house for a while. Everyone has been so great. I feel so at home right now with this and when I feel like that, I know good things will come.
OK, cover art break. Here 'tis. the new and improved Floor Time This is the first one I saw. And I was hooked!  

Liz:  You are also an author.  Where are you in the publishing Process?
Sunny: I am an aspiring romance author, yes. I have 5 books in my computer that are begin me to finish them. So far the one I am the closest to completing is called "The Elux Eleven." It is a Sci-Fi romance about a cyber-generated enhanced group named the Eleven. They are tattooed, weapon-toting bad assesthat are out to take out the evil scientist that created them. The only way they can take out said scientist is to kidnap hisDaughter. Liz: But of course...Sunny: The Eleven's commander, Zier, soon finds himself wrapped up with the red-headed hacker genius (daughter) who doesn't want to believe her father is the man they claim him to be. Trouble ensues, and pants go flying.  Zier has his hands full with the trouble making human.Liz: I'm all in favor of flying pants...just saying...Sunny: My goal is to get it published one day not too far away. I have worked really hard trying to write these few books. I don't think I will rest until they go somewherefor others to enjoy. It's just about not giving up. Never saying never. You just do it. You keep writing and know thatyou will have to edit a million times but that you will eventually get there.
Liz: Sweetling I am living proof of that principle. TheRealtors piled up scads of rejection but I think every singleone of them I got formulated the stories into what they arenow. Being able to flex, and take criticism for what it's worthand make yourself better is just part of the game. And it loosens up your ego for the dreaded editing session once youARE accepted.
Okay. Sweat Equity time: Yeah. I dare you not to stare into Jack's eyes for at least five minutes on this one. 
Liz: I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that you are a KICK ASS artist. And I personally plan to keep you very busyfor a while. What do you enjoy more...writing or art?
Sunny: *blushing* You know I like that you are going to keep me busy Liz. I am your official "art slave." Liz: *side note* NO "slaves" were actually formed as part of this interview.  Just, you know, "beck and call" sorts of moments---about those book marks....
Sunny: Wow, it is hard to choose which I enjoy more. The art side is super fun and instantly gratifying. I can make a graphic in as little as a few yours or minutes and get feedback on it the same day. I love to see how people react.Writing is more challenging in its art form and I love that too.  You really have to concentrate and work to get things out on paper. It can be a slow process and frustrating sometimes.  In the end, re-reading your story gives you a happy feeling in your heart. It can be such an accomplishment. I guess with that I would have to say I love both as equals.
Liz:  What are your professional goals for yourself? Sunny: Well, like I said I want to get published. I also wantto see my art on romance novel covers and THAT seems to be a reality now thanks to you Tri Destiny publishing! Cheers! Next time drinks on me.
Liz:  *pats her hand*  Okay night cap time...
Sunny: Pour me another shot! Don't pull me off the bar Liz Iain't done. You tell Blake and Rob to cool their jets.
Liz: Darling, when this writer gets it in her head to write, she will no matter who is around. But I will warn you that Blake just threw something (he has a temper) back in the brewery because you said "shot." This is a BEER BAR...beer only. 
Here *passes small glass across bar* bourbon barrel agedImperial Dark Lager. THAT will get your muse going.It surely works for me!Now: the 3rd and final reveal:Closing Costs:
Dear God I cannot stop staring at these covers Sunny. THANKS!!Now for the question: What is the name of the Facebook group where Sunny and Liz met?
Upcoming releases:May 2012--Conditional Offer--A Realtors Short story.
June 2012--The Essence of Time--The Realtors: Book 4