I really like the idea, and I think with the right execution, it would look amazing. I do think the smiley might end up a little small though, and as the thing that grabs your attention that might be a bad thing. Not sure how to fix that, or even if you need to, that was just one of the first things that came to mind
I'm glad I have a measure of your confidence....because I made this post before I left on my trip...but I took my iPad with me to draw.
...and I drew...a LOT.
Yeah, the smaller smiley, I can tell you, in every version, will not work.
It's just too small, and I think we all agreed that the smiley is the key to all of this and the icon I believe will take this series into the future and be remembered.
I wonder if it might work to have the smiley around him, kind of like he’s silhouetted in a tunnel, but it’s the smiley. I’m not sure how that would turn out, but it might solve the issue
The thing I don't want to get away from s the image of the smiley BEING a t-shirt.
It's one of the key aspects of his person.
So I LIKE your idea, sounds creatively fun, but for the smiley itself, I would like to make sure you cannot mistake the smiley as anything BUT itself, on a shirt.
...it's the only real hesitation I have with Deleyna's idea.
THANK YOU for sharing your ideas, Benjamin. What you might not realize is that ALL suggestions help. Each one helps me solidify the final creation....so don't hold back.
You're likely to see hints of your suggestions in the results [grin].
I understand, it makes sense that you’d want it as the shirt.
New idea, What if you had Wendell silhouetted with the smiley on his shirt like you were thinking, then surrounding him, maybe mixed in with other key elements of the book are other versions of the smiley with deferent emotions? That way the one in the center draws the eye, but you get more smiley the more you look
I created t-shirts like that, but when I did a collection cover -- it was a collection of books 1-4 that I id a short run years ago -- people got confused. That was a regular comment, and I was told they didn't know where to look.
The goal here is to create a crystal clear drawl.
...for people to look at one specific thing and the rest will build as they venture into the book/story.
Started working ahead of this post and played with several of the old covers, trying to make a combination of the suggestions work.
...it's going to be fun, but probably not what people think.
I have a rough sketch that I want to show you all next week. Now that I'm home and have access to all my tools, I'm already working at top speed to get this completed so the book can be published.
I'm excited to see! But what if you didn't show Wendell at all? Just the huge smiley with the background being that grayscale intense art giving almost the black background for the smiley but there's just tons going on in it? Not sure if it would work but I bet you could...
The change as the reader approached the book would be fascinating...
Would have to see both to be sure (as any bias could be due to “seeing” a like-cover on the original post example and not yet knowing what this could look like) but without having seen it… I think for somebody new coming to it, not knowing you
or Wendell, they would likely have a stronger impression with the silhouette included, I would have to hazard to guess. 💡🤔
Do you plan on having art in the book? Specifically of Wendell like you had in the previous renditions as well as the art you’ve shown along the way here in Substack?
If so I don’t see the purpose of “letting them imagine their own Wendell.” You’re allready showing them what he looks like just not on the cover. I don’t see the point in shrouding him in mystery for the purpose of letting them picture him for themselves If you show him to them multiple times throughout it.
One thing I would warn you against is making it too noisy the eye will find it hard to track.
To be honest I’d have to see your vision to give a full opinion. Right now I have doubts about the silhouette idea but I could easily be proven wrong.
My thoughts and feelings on it seem to match what Joseph is stating most closely, on every comment. Sorry to be an old rag, and not have any suggestions myself, but Wendell's youth, and persona seemed very fitting to the sketches you made of him.
...it's so refreshing to hear readers...MY readers, whom I consider friends, encouraging what I loved doing for decades....and almost gave up on myself.
I've not had feedback on this for what, more than 12-15 years I think?
(maybe less)
So thank you, Hyrum, Joseph, and everyone who has provided feedback.
All good and valid points. You and I are on the same page, Joseph...I've considered your perspectives and a few others...which is hard for YOU, because, like you said, you haven't seen my sketches...
The point that clears this up for me is this: "...I would warn you against is making it too noisy the eye will find it hard to track."
THAT is a MAIN reason why the black and yellow work so darn well.
It's not sophisticated, or tons of art, but it is killer simple and yes, you might not know the genre from a single look, BUT if you are looking FOR this series, there's no way you can miss it with the smile cover.
Which is the other thing. Like others say if you’re looking for it you’ll recognize it. But if your not looking for it and I’m a guy looking for a fantasy book or even just a novel
looking at the smiley face cover gives me zero information about what’s in the book at all. For all I know if the cover says “choices” and has a smiley face I would think it’s a self help or mental something or other book. I don’t know. Just the thoughts in my head.
Okay, so on the self-help issue, I don't think that would be an issue.
Remember, I've had the earlier versions of the books published and that was never a thing.
Not knowing the GENRE, that is a real thing. Is it a problem?
Sort of.
This is the EXACT crossroad and issue I'm trying to solve, Joseph,...this issue, right here.
....
THE QUESTION IS: ......[drum roll please] HOW will people FIND this book?
....
Think about that, because I believe it's key.
You have all helped me SO MUCH and I LOVE YOU ALL for every comment and question, and again, I want to EXPLAIN that YOU ALL HELP ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS!!!
Jospeh, do I PLAN my books and marketing efforts, whatever they may be, based on someone stumbling across the books for the first time with ZERO knowledge of the book...or on people who know something about it, being told via word of mouth?
All I do here should be based on the writing I do for each of you, here on Life of Fiction.
...all else is secondary.
Why?
Because, I believe, if I dedicate my talents to YOU, then people will find out about the books.
Might not be the first time...or the THIRD time...but if you see the right cover, I'm betting that you'll remember it...or you'll remember it f shown again, or someone talks about it.
I am completely new to your books- I have yet to even see a cover let alone read them so I can't chime in however, with all the comments filling me in, I'm excited to see what you decide and create. Honestly, I think all the behind the scenes access to the re-making of your books is pretty cool. I imagine you're talking about the smiley face that is at the top of Life of Fiction so it gave me context as to where that smiley comes from. I look forward to seeing the rough sketches! -and of course, reading the books!
Yep, I kinda explored a bit and found this site… it’s where I purchased your books. And guess what I have in my hands right now?! As I was reading a reply you sent, my Amazon alert interrupted… I went to check and “The Underlings” arrived! I’m on Jaime Buckley overload! —seriously excited to read with my son tonight! Oh, and thank you! I really love being here!
Sure thing! We will all give you feedback! (Even though some of us are above the age group recommended—we’re kids at heart) It’s the next book in our book club of 6. Me(43), Jules(23), Samantha(16), Lucas(11), Krismiery(10), Frailyn(8).
It’s perfect for the kids. Our book club started years ago, when Lucas was embarrassed to read in front of people. We read aloud, chapter by chapter, taking turns so they practice how to read to an audience. Now they all enjoy reading without fear. And it became a way they enjoyed the act of reading, too.
Would it work to add different symbols around, or even in the smiley face, such as swords, or other story related artifacts, which draw attention to, but don't really distract from the smiley? Maybe even an outline picture of a scene, such as falling off the cliff, or similar?; It might spark a question in the mind of the person looking at the back of, or even cover of the book, which will then cause them to want to know what it means.
I really like the idea, and I think with the right execution, it would look amazing. I do think the smiley might end up a little small though, and as the thing that grabs your attention that might be a bad thing. Not sure how to fix that, or even if you need to, that was just one of the first things that came to mind
I'm glad I have a measure of your confidence....because I made this post before I left on my trip...but I took my iPad with me to draw.
...and I drew...a LOT.
Yeah, the smaller smiley, I can tell you, in every version, will not work.
It's just too small, and I think we all agreed that the smiley is the key to all of this and the icon I believe will take this series into the future and be remembered.
I wonder if it might work to have the smiley around him, kind of like he’s silhouetted in a tunnel, but it’s the smiley. I’m not sure how that would turn out, but it might solve the issue
The thing I don't want to get away from s the image of the smiley BEING a t-shirt.
It's one of the key aspects of his person.
So I LIKE your idea, sounds creatively fun, but for the smiley itself, I would like to make sure you cannot mistake the smiley as anything BUT itself, on a shirt.
...it's the only real hesitation I have with Deleyna's idea.
THANK YOU for sharing your ideas, Benjamin. What you might not realize is that ALL suggestions help. Each one helps me solidify the final creation....so don't hold back.
You're likely to see hints of your suggestions in the results [grin].
I understand, it makes sense that you’d want it as the shirt.
New idea, What if you had Wendell silhouetted with the smiley on his shirt like you were thinking, then surrounding him, maybe mixed in with other key elements of the book are other versions of the smiley with deferent emotions? That way the one in the center draws the eye, but you get more smiley the more you look
I created t-shirts like that, but when I did a collection cover -- it was a collection of books 1-4 that I id a short run years ago -- people got confused. That was a regular comment, and I was told they didn't know where to look.
The goal here is to create a crystal clear drawl.
...for people to look at one specific thing and the rest will build as they venture into the book/story.
I love the idea. I can’t wait to see what you draw!
Started working ahead of this post and played with several of the old covers, trying to make a combination of the suggestions work.
...it's going to be fun, but probably not what people think.
I have a rough sketch that I want to show you all next week. Now that I'm home and have access to all my tools, I'm already working at top speed to get this completed so the book can be published.
I'm excited to see! But what if you didn't show Wendell at all? Just the huge smiley with the background being that grayscale intense art giving almost the black background for the smiley but there's just tons going on in it? Not sure if it would work but I bet you could...
The change as the reader approached the book would be fascinating...
Huh.
Never considered that.
I'd love feedback on that suggestion.
...what do the rest of you think about Deleyna's idea???
Would have to see both to be sure (as any bias could be due to “seeing” a like-cover on the original post example and not yet knowing what this could look like) but without having seen it… I think for somebody new coming to it, not knowing you
or Wendell, they would likely have a stronger impression with the silhouette included, I would have to hazard to guess. 💡🤔
Oh, YA BABY! Can’t like it more!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Do you plan on having art in the book? Specifically of Wendell like you had in the previous renditions as well as the art you’ve shown along the way here in Substack?
If so I don’t see the purpose of “letting them imagine their own Wendell.” You’re allready showing them what he looks like just not on the cover. I don’t see the point in shrouding him in mystery for the purpose of letting them picture him for themselves If you show him to them multiple times throughout it.
One thing I would warn you against is making it too noisy the eye will find it hard to track.
To be honest I’d have to see your vision to give a full opinion. Right now I have doubts about the silhouette idea but I could easily be proven wrong.
Also the invisible man poster makes him seem evil. I haven’t read it or know anything about it it’s just the vibe I get.
I was shooting for mysterious, not evil, so I appreciate that view. I needed more eyes on it, in case I missed something...(and I believe I did!)
My thoughts and feelings on it seem to match what Joseph is stating most closely, on every comment. Sorry to be an old rag, and not have any suggestions myself, but Wendell's youth, and persona seemed very fitting to the sketches you made of him.
No, no,....I keep saying you guys are good!
...it's so refreshing to hear readers...MY readers, whom I consider friends, encouraging what I loved doing for decades....and almost gave up on myself.
I've not had feedback on this for what, more than 12-15 years I think?
(maybe less)
So thank you, Hyrum, Joseph, and everyone who has provided feedback.
I needed this.
Truly.
All good and valid points. You and I are on the same page, Joseph...I've considered your perspectives and a few others...which is hard for YOU, because, like you said, you haven't seen my sketches...
The point that clears this up for me is this: "...I would warn you against is making it too noisy the eye will find it hard to track."
THAT is a MAIN reason why the black and yellow work so darn well.
It's not sophisticated, or tons of art, but it is killer simple and yes, you might not know the genre from a single look, BUT if you are looking FOR this series, there's no way you can miss it with the smile cover.
Which is the other thing. Like others say if you’re looking for it you’ll recognize it. But if your not looking for it and I’m a guy looking for a fantasy book or even just a novel
looking at the smiley face cover gives me zero information about what’s in the book at all. For all I know if the cover says “choices” and has a smiley face I would think it’s a self help or mental something or other book. I don’t know. Just the thoughts in my head.
Okay, so on the self-help issue, I don't think that would be an issue.
Remember, I've had the earlier versions of the books published and that was never a thing.
Not knowing the GENRE, that is a real thing. Is it a problem?
Sort of.
This is the EXACT crossroad and issue I'm trying to solve, Joseph,...this issue, right here.
....
THE QUESTION IS: ......[drum roll please] HOW will people FIND this book?
....
Think about that, because I believe it's key.
You have all helped me SO MUCH and I LOVE YOU ALL for every comment and question, and again, I want to EXPLAIN that YOU ALL HELP ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS!!!
Jospeh, do I PLAN my books and marketing efforts, whatever they may be, based on someone stumbling across the books for the first time with ZERO knowledge of the book...or on people who know something about it, being told via word of mouth?
I believe it's the latter.
All I do here should be based on the writing I do for each of you, here on Life of Fiction.
...all else is secondary.
Why?
Because, I believe, if I dedicate my talents to YOU, then people will find out about the books.
Might not be the first time...or the THIRD time...but if you see the right cover, I'm betting that you'll remember it...or you'll remember it f shown again, or someone talks about it.
THAT is what I'm after here.
The idea grabs me! I love your sample. That poster is excellent!
I am completely new to your books- I have yet to even see a cover let alone read them so I can't chime in however, with all the comments filling me in, I'm excited to see what you decide and create. Honestly, I think all the behind the scenes access to the re-making of your books is pretty cool. I imagine you're talking about the smiley face that is at the top of Life of Fiction so it gave me context as to where that smiley comes from. I look forward to seeing the rough sketches! -and of course, reading the books!
Kristie, I want you to know that I love that you're here.
If you'd like a fun place to just wander around, you can visit:
https://www.worldanvil.com/w/wantedhero
Yep, I kinda explored a bit and found this site… it’s where I purchased your books. And guess what I have in my hands right now?! As I was reading a reply you sent, my Amazon alert interrupted… I went to check and “The Underlings” arrived! I’m on Jaime Buckley overload! —seriously excited to read with my son tonight! Oh, and thank you! I really love being here!
Please let me know how he likes it, okay?
...I loooooove kid feedback!!
Sure thing! We will all give you feedback! (Even though some of us are above the age group recommended—we’re kids at heart) It’s the next book in our book club of 6. Me(43), Jules(23), Samantha(16), Lucas(11), Krismiery(10), Frailyn(8).
But I write for the whole family.
The Underlings is fr 6-12.
Chronicles of a Hero is for 14+....my average age reader is 24, so....
It’s perfect for the kids. Our book club started years ago, when Lucas was embarrassed to read in front of people. We read aloud, chapter by chapter, taking turns so they practice how to read to an audience. Now they all enjoy reading without fear. And it became a way they enjoyed the act of reading, too.
Just a quick thought, Jaime.
Would it work to add different symbols around, or even in the smiley face, such as swords, or other story related artifacts, which draw attention to, but don't really distract from the smiley? Maybe even an outline picture of a scene, such as falling off the cliff, or similar?; It might spark a question in the mind of the person looking at the back of, or even cover of the book, which will then cause them to want to know what it means.
... Just late night, exhausted thoughts.
...I know I skipped a lot of conversation on it, due to other commitments, and lack of energy, but maybe this idea aligns with others?