Adam, I'd be happy to see you on the panel...to be sure we don't end up with something too 'safe' on the cover. Here's a problem though...if 10 people volunteer for the 3 person panel, will we need to elect a selection panel to decide who of the 10 gets in the 3...?

Let's just keep firing ideas in... chuck some in, Adam. Let's just keep it rolling. This thread will get long but at least we'll get it out of the way. Doesn't matter how crazy the idea is...brainstorm!

I think we should use images to support ideas, where possible.

Derek.

My thoughts on the cover:

I liked our flasher, and am sad to see him go - but I understand that it could alienate potential buyers, which is bad.

I'm not particularly fond of the motorway images.

I like the look of some of the lightning images.

Perhaps lightning striking a flasher? Is that too much? If we can only see the back of the flasher, the open mac, from a distance with a lightning bolt striking him. "Some flashes are better than others"? No?


Other stuff:

I don't think I'm ever going to be completley happy with all 6 of my pieces. I'm the kind who keeps on tinkering, so I think we need a deadline after which they should stay as they are.

Are we settled on a publisher?

Ben

Again, the lightning photo idea sounds too predictable to me. With all the competition we are up against, who necessarily is going to be drawn to buy a book with a Flash of Lightning on the cover. Not me, unless I heard word that IT IS GOOD from a trusted source.

Cover ideas:
-A photo of the Big Bang Theory!...an explosion.
-A photo of a "quickie" artwork, a man and woman making out in a restaurant bathroom or janitor's closet...something like that.
-artwork, a fist coming right at the reader...like the audience is getting sucker punched...

Okay these were quick thoughts, I'll keep thinking.

I still have 3 pieces I need to complete also. Must get this done by when?

Like I said before...possibly all we need is a really shocking colour and an intriguing title...all we have to do is make them pick it up and open it.

Very soon, Adam! I'm just catching up on recent comments and I think Adam may have inadvertently had a brainwave.

What about calling the book 'FLASHY'. Simple as that. On the cover we have a very Flashy, sexy, nouvea riche couple. Dead glamourous.

What do you think?

Shay

Shay --

Good idea. I can go with that.

What about calling the book 'FLASHY'. Simple as that. On the cover we have a very Flashy, sexy, nouvea riche couple. Dead glamourous.

I can go with that. The colors would have to be prety sweet, as Derek mentioned. Also maybe have a cocktail in their hands.

Just expanding this...she's wearing an expensive designer dress sat on a high stool, cocktail in hand, guy stood aside her, sharp tailored suit, open-neck shirt, eye contact being made. Very sophisticated. Very bright colours.

And I think that's the big thing...sophistication rather than perceived tackiness. Also gives no clue as to the contents (unless we put the 84 flash fiction stories bit on). Hopefilly, the cover will arouse interest and be picked up. We'd just need a great photo...

Shay


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Hopefilly ?? I'm thinking too much about the filly in the designer dress!

I really don't like that idea, Shay. Plus you'd have to pay a photography studio a mint, not only for use of the studio and a bespoke piccy, but also for the models and everything...

Maybe I missunderstood...but it sounds more like a perfume ad to me.

I hope you don't mind me butting into this thread, but I thought you might like to have the opinion of a reader (and potential customer) for your book.

I was told about Derek's excellent flasher picture, and when I looked myself, I have to say I thought it was brilliant. I can honestly say it would have attracted my attention on a bookshelf, in a way that I doubt a bolt of lightening or motorway lights could ever do. As a woman, and the mother of a young daughter, I did not find it offensive in any way at all...it was simply eye catching and made me laugh.

There may well be, in my opinion, a small majority who are offended by it, but I wonder if that is not better than not being noticed at all. The tide is slowly turning against the overly politically correct ways, and surely a bit of negative publicity, could so easily turn around to be used positively - I can just see one of defending your stance on Richard & Judy, and it being a best seller because of it.

I so admire the work you have put in, and admire your commitement to this project and wish you every success. I however, truly believe that your biggest asset was Derek's excellent cover, and although the writing will be excellent whatever, how is anyone going to know that unless it has a 'please pick me up' cover like the flasher one was.

I hope you don't mind my 2c, but just wanted to put my honest point of view from the perspective of a customer.

Good luck, all.

Shads



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Sorry everyone, I meant small MINORITY!!!!!! Whoops!!!

Yes Yes Yes. ShadowGirl is SO RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
The original artwork was actually what drew me into the project if I must be completely honest. The contributors and good writing were just the bonus.

Just please please please not the designer couple...please...

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Please

Couldn't resist popping in when I had a spare moment for a peek - I liked bj's idea of a flasher being hit by a flash of lightning - gave me this image of a flasher clutching his burning backside, streaking away across a field - but no offence because the flasher is the butt of the joke

If you really wanted to shock, of course it might not be the flasher's butt that got flashed ... but perhaps that's going a bit too far. Certainly eye-catching though. That'd teach him to leave it uncovered in a thunderstorm ...

Alright, alright, I'm gone

Take care
Andrea

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Maybe Derek's original artwork, with an appropriately directed flash of lightning, almost as if a thunderbolt from God

See...I knew you loved Norman really... .

Actually Adam, prior to seeing the cover art I had not paid much attention - it was certainly that which inspired my interest in your project. As I am sure it would in a bookshop setting also.

Shads