MEET BOBBY NASH AT ALABAMA PHOENIX FESTIVAL!

Bobby will be a guest at the Alabama Phoenix Festival this weekend, May 25 - 27 in Birmingham, AL www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com

If you’re in the area, please stop by and say hi.

Earth Station Who Episode 6: Planet of the Spiders

I sat in with my Earth Station One cohorts on our sister show, Earth Station Who this week. Give it a listen.

Bobby

The final arc of The Third Doctor is bittersweet as we say “Goodbye” to Jon Pertwee, witness performances from gone-too-soon Nicolas Courtney and Elisabeth Sladen, and control our arachnophobia as we encounter the sisters of Metebelis Three. But all is made right by one of the best multi-vehicle chase scenes ever filmed! Mike, Mike, and Dave are once again joined by ESO co-host Bobby Nash to review Planet of the Spiders.

You can listen now at www.esopodcast.com
Direct link: http://erthstationone.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/earth-station-who-episode-6-planet-of-the-spiders/

REVISITING MY EVIL WAYS!

Today has been a very busy one as I work on a new backdrop and design for my convention table. I'm planning to unveil it at this weekend's Alabama Phoenix Festival. Nothing like waiting until the last minute, huh? :)

While working on my new convention table backdrop I created the newspaper shown above. It depicts the first death from my Evil Ways novel. I've wanted to do this type of promotional item for awhile now, as far back as 2004 when the book was preparing for release. I'm glad to finally get to it. Better late than never, huh?

By the way, in case I haven't mentioned it, Evil Ways returns to print this summer.

Yeah. That's pretty exciting news, I thought.

If you happen to be in the Birmingham area this weekend, stop by the Alabama Phoenix Festival and say hello.

Bobby

Earth Station One Episode 112: The World of Stephen King

This week, the ESO crew gets into THE SHINING 1958 Plymouth Fury named CHRISTINE, places it in MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE for THE GREEN MILE, takes a left at the PET CEMETERY into THE DEAD ZONE, blows through THE MIST like a SILVER BULLET, finally arriving at THE DARK TOWER and takes THE STAND to testify on the incredible career of Stephen King. Mike, Mike, and Bobby are once again joined by the award-winning Mark Maddox, artist Lysa Shin, listener Michelle Kenoyer, and Rebecca Perry from TheOneRing.net. Plus, the usual Rants, Raves, Shout Outs and Khan Report!

Join us for yet another episode of The Earth Station One Podcast we like to call: The World of Stephen King at www.esopodcast.com.
Direct link: http://erthstationone.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/earth-station-one-episode-112-the-world-of-stephen-king/

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:08:45 Rants & Raves
0:36:49 Lysa Shin
0:48:48 The Geek Seat w/ Michelle Kenoyer
1:04:03 The Wold of Stephen King
2:02:24 Khan Report
2:24:45 Shout Outs
2:32:30 Show Close

If you would like to leave feedback or a comment on the show please call the ESO feedback line at (404)963-9057 (remember long distance charges may apply) or feel free to email us @ esopodcast@gmail.com

Download this podcast from Itunes or Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Next on Earth Station One...

Next week, the Earth Station One crew returns from their weekend convention adventures with an episode recorded at the TimeGate convention in Atlanta where Mike Faber, Mike Gordon, and Earth Station Who’s Phantom Troublemaker will be and the Alabama Phoenix Festival where Bobby Nash will be in attendance. It’s going to be a fun time at the ol’ con tonight.

Were you at any conventions this week and want to share your thoughts? Let us know at www.esopodcast.com, at the ESO Facebook Group, email us at esopodcast@gmail.com, or call us at 404-963-9057. We might just read yours on the show. Plus, join us for the usual rants, raves, shout outs, and Mike’s Khan Report! It’s going to be an action-packed episode next week at Earth Station One.

The Ruby Files Reviewed!

Mat Nastos reviewed The Ruby Files over at his website.

Every so often, I open up my email and find a nice little surprise. This time around it was from genre author, Sean Taylor, with a preview copy of the new pulp detective anthology he’s released with Bobby Nash, “The Ruby Files.”

Read the rest of the review here.

SHOWCON WRAP UP

I was a guest at Showcon last weekend in Murfreesboro, TN. The crowds were light for the weekend, but that's sometimes to be expected with a first year convention. Despite the slow crowds and a massive storm on Saturday afternoon, I had a fun time meeting folks, talking with creators, dealers, and other guests. I even managed to sell a book or two. I also had fun traveling with, and being table neighbors with my Earth Station One co-host and Tiki Zombie writer, Michael Gordon. You can check out his work at www.newlegendproductions.com. Other guests included Dirk (A-Team, Battlestar Galactica) Benedict, Samantha (JEM and the Holograms) Newark, Ari (Friday The 13th) Lehman, Jacob (Official Marvel Handbook) Rougemont, Jonathan (Batman) Glapion, and more.

I'd like to thank the guys at The Show podcast for havingme out for their first convention. I had a great time.

Bobby

You can learn more about Showcon at http://showcon.net.

Click on the photos below for a larger view.

This is me. These are my books.

Tiki Zombie writer Mike Gordon

ESO Represent! www.esopodcast.com

Ivy and her Bat.

The world's greatest super hero.

No. Seriously. Come buy a book. :)

A few of the costume contest participants.

The Hall.

"Jean Luc, I have to tell you something about Ensign Lebowski."

Trust me. I'm a Doctor. Doctor Fate.

And who disguised as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent...

Always fun hanging out with Mike. It was a fun con.

I loved the extra long table. I wish more shows offered this.

Okay. Last time. Come on over and check out a book.

The Hall

Costume contest

The car from Supernatural.

They went thataway!

MEET BOBBY NASH AT ALABAMA PHOENIX FESTIVAL!

What Bobby's table might look like at Alabama Phoenix Festival.

Also on hand...

Meet author Bobby Nash at the Alabama Phoenix Festival this weekend, May 25 - 27 in Birmingham, AL.
www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com has all the details.

If you’re in the area, please stop by and say hi.

Here's Bobby's panel schedule (as of 5/21):

Deadly Games!

Friday:

12:30 PM - Breaking and Entering
Sean Taylor, Bobby Nash, Andy Gray and Geoffrey Gwin offer advice to those of us dying to get a job in writing and drawing comics in today's creative field!

3:30 PM – eBooks
Making, distributing and promoting them.

Saturday:

11:30 AM – Marketing 101
How to promote yourself and your work.

Meet Bobby & Jason.

4:00 PM - The Bloody Pulps
Pulp fiction, old and new.

5:30 PM - What makes a character memorable
We have all heard of the adventures of the courageous Captain Harriman from Star Trek, or the rogue smuggler Bo Shek from Star Wars…wait, you haven’t? Why not? Find out what makes a “Gandalf” as opposed to ending up with a “Dave the guy that’s really good at card tricks” from the writers and experts that know the difference.

Sunday:

11:30 AM - Get it and go!
You get your first job as a writer or artist on a published book...now what? Join Andy Gray, Geoffrey Gwin, Sean Taylor, and Bobby Nash for the answer...or watch bemused as they pass the buck to one another, either way.

Meet Bobby, Van, & Sean

1:00 PM – First Chevron locked!!!
Step into the SGC and explore the missions of all the SG teams as they travel through the galaxy and search for alien technology and allies to defend Earth.

4:00 PM - Starship Smackdown
Super Star Destroyer: Executor vs. NCC-1701E? Firefly Class vs. the YT1600 Freighter? TARDIS vs. Whitestar? Join the group discussion of which starships come out on top and why.

Learn more about the Alabama Phoenix Festival at www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com

Recommended Reading: Vigilante by Stephen J. Cannell

I finished the last novel by the late Stephen J. Cannell called ‘Vigilante.’ It's sad to acknowledge that this is the last Shane Scully thriller, but with Vigilante the series goes out on a high note. Oh, and I love the antagonist, Nix Nash. Great character name. This novel is definitely a recommended read from a fantastic writer.
Bobby

BOBBY’S ALABAMA PHOENIX FESTIVAL PANEL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Bobby Nash will be a guest at the Alabama Phoenix Festival on May 25 - 27 in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to having a table with his books and signing times, Bobby will also be involved with panels. Here’s the list of Bobby's panels, subject to change as the convention draws closer.

Friday:

12:30 PM - Breaking and Entering
Sean Taylor, Bobby Nash, Andy Gray and Geoffrey Gwin offer advice to those of us dying to get a job in writing and drawing comics in today's creative field!

3:30 PM – eBooks
Making, distributing and promoting them.

Saturday:

11:30 AM – Marketing 101
How to promote yourself and your work.

4:00 PM - The Bloody Pulps
Pulp fiction, old and new.

5:30 PM - What makes a character memorable
We have all heard of the adventures of the courageous Captain Harriman from Star Trek, or the rogue smuggler Bo Shek from Star Wars…wait, you haven’t? Why not? Find out what makes a “Gandalf” as opposed to ending up with a “Dave the guy that’s really good at card tricks” from the writers and experts that know the difference.

Click for larger view

Sunday:

11:30 AM - Get it and go!
You get your first job as a writer or artist on a published book...now what? Join Andy Gray, Geoffrey Gwin, Sean Taylor, and Bobby Nash for the answer...or watch bemused as they pass the buck to one another, either way.

1:00 PM – First Chevron locked!!!
Step into the SGC and explore the missions of all the SG teams as they travel through the galaxy and search for alien technology and allies to defend Earth.

4:00 PM - Starship Smackdown
Super Star Destroyer: Executor vs. NCC-1701E? Firefly Class vs. the YT1600 Freighter? TARDIS vs. Whitestar? Join the group discussion of which starships come out on top and why.

Learn more about the Alabama Phoenix Festival at www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com

Earth Station One Episode 111: Bring On The Bad Guys!

Who’s bad? This week, the ESO crew descend into the wretched hive of scum and villainy to determine the tops of sinful sots and the baddest mf’ers in the galaxy. Malicious Mike, Mike the Merciless, and Rat Bastard Bobby join forces with Atrocious Anthony Taylor, the Award-Winning, Devilishly Devious Mark Maddox, Vile Victor Fishman, and Hockey-Mask-Wearing Jason Adams to name the greatest villains of all time. Also, Wheel of Death spinner Marc Ballard joins us to give us a preview of the upcoming Knoxville Comic and Anime Show. All this, plus the usual Ranting, Raving, Shouting, and Khaaaaaan Report!!

Join us for yet another episode of The Earth Station One Podcast we like to call: Bring On The Bad Guys!! at www.esopodcast.com.
Direct link: http://erthstationone.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/earth-station-one-episode-111-bring-on-the-bad-guys/

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:09:46 Rants & Raves
0:40:41 The Geek Seat w/ Jason Adams
0:54:13 Bring on the Bad Guys
2:36:33 Khan Report w/ Marc Ballard of The Knoxville Comic and Anime Show
3:08:36 Shout Outs
3:20:05 Show Close

If you would like to leave feedback or a comment on the show please call the ESO feedback line at (404)963-9057 (remember long distance charges may apply) or feel free to email us @ esopodcast@gmail.com

Download this podcast from Itunes or Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Next on Earth Station One...

Next week, the Earth Station One crew turns out the lights, checks the locks on the doors, locks up the dogs, and grabs a flashlight as we discuss the master of the macabre, author Stephen King. ESO wants to hear from you. What are your favorite Stephen King novels and/or movies and why? Let us know at www.esopodcast.com, at the ESO Facebook Group, email us at esopodcast@gmail.com, or call us at 404-963-9057. We might just read yours on the show. Plus, join us for the usual rants, raves, shout outs, and Mike’s Khan Report! It’s going to be an action-packed episode next week at Earth Station One.

Boldly Going! My Latest Project!

I’m excited to officially announce that I wrote a script for the Star Trek fan series, Starship Farragut. Set in the time of Star Trek: The Original Series, my story is called “Conspiracy of Innocence.” The crew of the Farragut discovers an advanced and thriving civilization on a previously uninhabited planet. Captain Carter and Chief Smithfield accept an invitation planet side and beam into an adventure neither of them ever expected.

As a longtime Star Trek fan, I had a lot of fun writing this one. I first met creator/actor John Broughton and Executive Producer Michael Day at the Con Carolinas convention in 2010. Our tables were across the hall from one another so I got to watch their episodes several times over the weekend. By the end of the weekend I had a rough idea for a story in place and talked to Michael about possibly writing something for them. That story became “Conspiracy of Innocence.”

“Conspiracy of Innocence” will go before cameras this fall. I will keep you updated on things as much as I can right here. Doubly exciting, this is the first thing I’ve written that will be filmed. I imagine it will seem strange when I see it, but a good kind of strange.

Watching "The Price of Anything" at Trek Trax Atlanta with cast, crew, & fans.

Starship Farragut’s latest adventure, “The Price of Anything” will be available across the ‘net in August. I watched a rough-cut of this one at the Trek Trax convention recently and it looks great, a very professional looking program. If you’re a Trek fan you will need to check this one out.

You can view the trailer below or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoZ8n9LLlsw

Here’s what Starship Farragut’s John Broughton said about “Conspiracy of Innocence” on his blog.

J. Broughton, H.Bednar, & M. Bednar.

With THE PRICE OF ANYTHING slated for release this August, folks have posted on our Starship Farragut Facebook page, asking what’s next?  Well, we’re officially in pre-production of our next Farragut adventure.  The group reviewed numerous scripts and we ultimately chose the screenplay, CONSPIRACY OF INNOCENCE written by Bobby Nash.

Bobby has written a plethora of novels and scripts – you can check him out at www.bobbynash.com.  Producer Jack Marshall is currently reviewing and annotating the script; from there collective weigh-in from the other stakeholders, which will then provide back to Bobby for final incorporation.  We will film CONSPIRACY OF INNOCENCE immediately following the Star Trek Continues full episode this fall.

You can learn more about Starship Farragut at www.starshipfarragut.com


I’d like to thank the cast and crew of Starship Farragut for the opportunity to write a Star Trek script. I wonder what young Bobby would say if he only knew that one day he would write something based on this TV series he enjoyed so much and used to play in the backyard when he was a kid? I bet he’d be thrilled... and maybe more than a little shocked.

Warp Speed Ahead.

Bobby

THE FOLLOWING

l-r: Ashmore, Goossen, Bacon, Purefoy, Zea, Catlett

I was fortunate enough to work as an extra on the pilot for the new FOX series, The Following starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy, among others. The show has been added to FOX’s 2013 mid-season lineup on Mondays at 9 p.m.

I had a fun time playing an FBI agent for three days on this one. I just made out a very blurry image of myself in the background in the trailer. I was on hand for several scenes shown in the trailer. You can watch the trailer below or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8H4ewQzKFM

From what I’ve seen so far, this looks like it’s going to be a good series. I’m looking forward to watching.

Bobby

The Following:

THE FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances across the country? What if one brilliant psychotic serial killer was able to bring them all together and activate a following?

Agent Robert Edwards

Welcome to THE FOLLOWING, the terrifying new thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson ("The Vampire Diaries," "Dawson's Creek," the "Scream" franchise).

When notorious serial killer JOE CARROLL (James Purefoy, "Rome") escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree, the FBI calls former agent RYAN HARDY (Emmy-nominated actor Kevin Bacon, "X-Men: First Class," "Frost/Nixon") to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll's capture nine years ago, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature.

Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll. He knows him better than anyone; he is perhaps Carroll's only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn't the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it's been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. This investigation is his redemption, his call to action.

In contrast to nine years ago, Hardy isn't calling the shots on this case. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes all-business and tough-as-nails JENNIFER MASON (Jeananne Goossen, "The Vow," ALCATRAZ) and young, razor-sharp MIKE WESTON (Shawn Ashmore, "X-Men"). The team considers Hardy to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of killers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape, and there's no telling how many additional killers are out there.

Bobby Nash as Agent Edwards

The FBI's investigation leads Hardy to CLAIRE MATTHEWS (Natalie Zea, "Justified"), Carroll's ex-wife and mother of the criminal's 10-year-old son, JOEY (newcomer Kyle Catlett). Close during Hardy's initial investigation, Hardy turns to Claire for insight into Carroll's next move. The tension rises when Carroll's accomplices kidnap his intended last victim from nine years ago. Hardy becomes ever more determined to end Carroll's game when he realizes that the psychopath intends to finish what he started.

The thriller will follow Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them, masterminded by the devious Carroll, who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. The reinvigorated Hardy will get a second chance to capture Carroll, as he's faced with not one, but a cult of serial killers.

THE FOLLOWING is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson. Marcos Siega ("Dexter," "The Vampire Diaries") also serves as an executive producer and directed the pilot.

"Like" THE FOLLOWING on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheFollowing. Follow the Series on Twitter @TheFollowingFOX and join the discussion at #benandkate

THE GREEN HORNET: STILL AT LARGE - Contents Announced!

New Pulp writer/editor Win Scott Eckert has announced the writers and story titles for the upcoming Moonstone Books release of Green Hornet: Still At Large.  

Cover: Douglas Klauba

I'm pleased to announce the final contents for The Green Hornet: Still at Large, due out from Moonstone Books in July 2012.

Edited by Joe Gentile, Win Scott Eckert, and Matthew Baugh, this third anthology featuring the 1960s Green Hornet, based on the television program starring Van Williams and Bruce Lee, follows The Green Hornet Chronicles and The Green Hornet Casefiles, and will ship in two editions.

The softcover trade paperback features a cover by Douglas Klauba, while the limited edition hardcover boasts a cover by Ruben Procopio. It is anticipated that as with the prior books, the third volume will also see an eBook edition, although the specific date has not been announced.

Contents:
"Hero" by S.J. Rozan
"The Black Torpedo" by Will Murray
"The World Will End in Fire" by Richard Dean Starr
"The Man Inside" by Matthew Baugh

Cover: Ruben Procopio

"Death from Beyond" by Ron Fortier
"Play the Game" by Thom Brannan
"The Gauntlet" by Bobby Nash
"Chaos and the Year of the Dog" by Bobbie Metevier
"Axford's Sting” by Dan Wickline
"Revenge of the Yellowjacket" by Howard Hopkins
"The Man in the Picture" by Patricia Weakley
"Masks" by C.J. Henderson
"Bad Man's Blunder" by John Allen Small
"Losers, Weepers" by Rich Harvey
"Stormfront" by Greg Gick
"The Night I Met The Hornet" by Mel Odom
"Progress" by Win Scott Eckert

The limited edition hardcover will also feature:

“The Green Hornet Timeline,” a chronology of the Moonstone stories from the three anthologies, fit into the timeline of the original television episodes, by Win Scott Eckert

A bonus story featuring the 1930s-40s Green Hornet from the radio show and serials, “The Green Hornet Meets The Avenger” by Michael Uslan

Pre-ordering information:
Amazon.com (trade paperback)
Amazon.com (limited hardcover)
B&N.com (trade paperback)
B&N.com (limited hardcover)

MEET BOBBY NASH AT SHOW CON MAY 19-20!

Author Bobby Nash and his Earth Station One co-host, writer/editor Mike Gordon will be guests at Show Con this coming weekend, May 19 - 20 in Murfreesboro, TN along with Samantha (JEM) Newark, Starbuck himself, Dirk Benedict, and much more.

Please stop by and say “Howdy.” http://showcon.net

JUDGING A BOOK...

The topic today is one I’ve discussed before, but it’s good information for those, like me, who are planning to publish a book, or for those of you curious about the process. This will go through some of my experiences in designing the cover for my latest novel, Deadly Games! This was my first time designing a cover and I’m proud of how it turned out so I thought I’d share some of the steps I went through in designing the cover.

Click on images for a larger view.

So, without further ado, here’s Judging A Book...

There’s an old saying: “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

While in the context of the statement, that might be true, there is also a lot of truth in the fact that so many readers do in fact judge a book by the cover. The cover of a novel, comic book, even DVD or CD is the first point of contact with a prospective buyer. Think about how many times a striking cover has caught your attention and you picked up a book just to see what it was all about. That’s the mark of a good cover.

I’m not here to debate the merits of certain types of covers over others. As with most forms of art, beauty is, as ever, in the eye of the beholder. When it comes to novel covers (just to keep it simple) creators and publishers have many options. There’s the painted cover, the comic art style cover, the computer generated image cover, the clip art photo cover, the original photo cover, the abstract design cover, the giant fonts without an image cover, and on and on and on. Just visit a bookstore and you’ll see what I mean.

When I was putting together my latest novel release, Deadly Games! I started out by sketching ideas for what type of cover I wanted for the novel. Deadly Games! is an action/thriller set in the real modern day world. In fact, like my novel, Evil Ways, before it, part of Deadly Games! takes place in the fictional town of Sommersville, GA, which is very much based on Barrow County, but with a few odds and ends added. Knowing that the story was firmly planted in reality, I started forming ideas of what I wanted the cover to convey. Once I had the basic idea I had to decide what type of cover worked best for this book. I love drawn and painted covers, but I did not feel that either of those methods worked here. I decided on a photo cover.

I scoured through free photos looking for something that fit the theme of the book, but nothing really jumped out at me so I went back to sketching and came up with the idea that became my cover. I knew that I wanted a shot of our protagonist, Detective John Bartlett standing with a gun and a copy of a will in his hand on the cover. Blood would be splattered on the will and his hand as well as a puddle of blood on the floor, possibly with a reflection of Detective Bartlett in the blood pool. I loved the idea and decided that I would have to shoot this myself.

I called up my friend Kurt, also a Barrow County resident and a talented photographer himself, to discuss my idea and ask if he would play the cover model. He agreed and we went off to shoot. It was almost Halloween at this time so I picked up a tube of fake blood at one of the Halloween stores. Turns out I didn’t need it. Kurt mixed up a pool of blood and the blood spatter with some liquid latex. It was an education for me as I was not familiar with the substance. That turned out to be one of the best things ever. Not only did it look wet, but it was easy to move around. All you had to do was peel it up and go [See photo #1]. A handy little time saver, let me tell you.

Before I go on I should talk about the will. I did a search on-line for wills and found several examples that were rather dull looking documents. I created the Last Will & Testament header myself and used a will I found on-line belonging to Ted Williams. Yes, that Ted Williams. A few adjustments to make the will fit the villainous character of Darrin Morehouse from Deadly Games! and we were off and running. [See photo #2]

The photo shoot went well. We took several photos for both the front and back cover [See photo #3] until I found the right pose [See photo #4]. Oddly enough, the image on the back cover of the novel was an improvised shot. Originally, I had not intended for the hand to be in the shot with the gun. That’s my hand, by the way. Some ideas came while we were doing the shoot so keeping an open mind to new ideas was important. [See photo #5]. The presumably dead hand holding the gun not only looked good, but also tied in to the story so that was a nice, unexpected bonus.

When I sat down to design the cover my first step was to remove the background clutter that I hadn’t realized was in the shot when I took it [See photo #6]. I found that none of the fonts in my digital library seemed to fit the tone of the book or didn’t have the right look to match the cover. That meant a trip through some of the free on-line font websites where I downloaded a lot (and I do mean a lot) of new fonts. I finally settled on a few different fonts that I could try. That, of course, led to a whole lot of trial and error to see what works. I’m only posting a small sample here. There were a lot of variations on themes, fonts, and textures [See photo #7], but something still wasn’t quite right. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. At least not yet.

It finally dawned on me that there was a lot of dead space on the cover in front of and behind the character on the cover. Cropping it was the logical answer, but I wanted to be able to see the pool of blood on the cover. Thankfully, I decided that the cover worked just fine without the blood pool on the front and the cover was finally how I wanted it [See photo #8]. Adding some texture and type to the back cover completed the look [See photo #9].

All in all, the process of creating the Deadly Games! cover took several days. During this time I was also formatting the interior pages as well, but many hours went into this. Most important to me is that I am happy with how the cover turned out. That certainly helps when it comes time for me to talk up the book. I have had experiences where the covers on books I’ve written or been a part of were not to my liking. As evidence, the cover to my first novel, Evil Ways was a great disappointment and it did very little to help sell the book.

Hopefully, potential readers will like the Deadly Games! cover enough to pick up the book to see what it’s all about. If so then it is a successful cover. I think it came out great and hopefully you’ll agree. I will definitely design more of my own covers in the future. In fact, I just recently completed a cover for an upcoming release called Earthstrike Agenda that I thought came out great as well.

And just in case this blog about creating a cover has piqued your interest in Deadly Games!, here’s a little more information about the story.

DEADLY GAMES!
A thriller by Bobby Nash

They played the most dangerous game of all and death was only the beginning...

Six years ago, Police Detective John Bartlett and journalist Benjamin West were instrumental in the capture of notorious master criminal Darrin Morehouse. Their story played out in the media, rocketing both Bartlett and West into local celebrity status.

Today, Morehouse, still a master game player and manipulator, commits suicide while in prison. His death initiates one final game of survival for the people Morehouse felt wronged him the most. At that top of the list are Bartlett and West, who must set aside their differences to save the lives of Morehouse's other victims and solve one last game before a dead man’s hired killers catch them and his other enemies.

Deadly Games! is a fast-paced action/thriller featuring action, suspense, murder, and the occasional gunfire from Author Bobby Nash, the writer of Evil Ways, Domino Lady, Lance Star: Sky Ranger, and more.

Deadly Games! is available in print and digital editions at the following:
Print at Amazon
Kindle ebook
Smashwords ebook (Kindle, Nook, PDf, etc.)
Nook ebook
KOBO ebook

Bobby