Just Imagine

Feeling chatty?

Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Monday, May 30, 2011

MONDAY COVERS IT. AJ Nuest's, Jezebel's Wish. Absolutely Stunning. Chance to Win!!!

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks so much for joining me at A Writer’s Mind. Today it’s all about MONDAY COVERS IT. What does that mean? Well, we’re checking out some of the best book covers out there.

Today I’d like to welcome author AJ Nuest. Though I only recently ‘met’ AJ, I can tell already her stories are winners. Pure talent. New York Times Best Selling author someday soon. Mark my words. In fact, she’s already on the roster for my end of the year, “What Every Woman Wants beneath Her Christmas Tree” blog event. But chatting about that is for another day.

AJ would like to host a contest. One lucky commenter wins an Ecopy of JEZEBEL’S WISH!

I’m SO loving the cover for Jezebel’s Wish. How beautiful! Okay, I’ve rattled on enough. Time to hand things over to AJ.

From her lips to my blog…

“At this point in my career, I think I’m safe in assuming I have a pretty good handle on visualizing stories and getting them down on paper. So, imagine my surprise when I recently discovered I am NOT good at visualizing covers – a fascinating lesson which became blatantly apparent during the cover design of Jezebel’s Wish. When The Wild Rose Press first asked I share the details of what I envisioned for my cover, I spent several hours filling out the paperwork, describing in detail the exact picture in my head. True to their word, the cover artist took my description and designed a cover based on my specifications. It was…for lack of a better word, ugly. Really ugly. And very boring. But I couldn’t blame the artist. She had done exactly as I instructed. A bit disappointed and shocked by my overall lack of design prowess, I contacted my editor and pleaded, whined and cajoled until she agreed to approach the art department and ask if they would take another stab at it. Thankfully, The Wild Rose Press has an outstanding cover reputation, because once my cover was reviewed by other members of the staff, we all agreed. AJ’s idea wasn’t so hot. Much to my delight a redesign was granted, and brilliantly (on their part) AJ and her ineptitude were left far outside the mix. I wish I could say I envisioned that breathtaking winter sky and the beautiful black stallion running through a bank of fluffy white snow. But alas, I did not. That was all the outstanding artists at The Wild Rose Press. The first time I saw the cover for Jezebel’s Wish I wept buckets. They had somehow reached inside my heart and whisked out The Reverend, bringing him to life for my cover. Now I know. Leave the covers to the design experts. I’m happily content with words.

The cover of Jezebel’s Wish placed as one of the top five finalists in the Dunes and Dreams Picture Perfect Cover Contest, 2011.”

Sky here. Congratulations, AJ! Seriously, this is one stunning cover. Breathtaking! Ooooh, I’d cry too! In fact I did for one of my covers so you’re not alone. Those WRP cover artists are a cut above the rest. If it makes you feel any better, I went through a similar experience many years ago with Fate’s Monolith. I clearly envisioned a four foot tall rock in the forest. Um…huh? Monolith! Thank God, Tamra Westberry got a hold of mine and created a cover that more clearly depicted what I envisioned… whether I knew it or not. Been with her since! She knows my mind. You find a great cover artist that 'gets' you, grab on with both hands and hold tight.

Let’s learn a bit more about JEZEBEL'S WISH…

Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past—except now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he’s completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons.

Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet—even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can't she?

What they’re saying about JEZEBEL'S WISH…

"Get the Tissue Box out for This Story!

Boy, did I bawl my eyes out on this one! A very heart-wrenching story about a woman who is emotionally recovering from the death of her fiancée. To try and sort out her feelings and give herself some space, Jezebel (or Jezzy) stays with her mother and sister on their ranch in the country - quite a break and change of scenery from her city life in Chicago. Because of the dark secrets she holds about the accident that killed her fiancée, she puts up a wall of negativity and anger. However, the local vet Matthias (or Matty) is used to caring and healing those who hurt but can't talk about their pain. Enlisting the gentle nature of a stallion named The Reverend, Matty helps Jezzy recover from her ordeal and their relationship blossoms.

Matty is a strong and loving hero any woman would dream of having in her life, with a gentle nature who gives as good as he gets and deals with the heroine's caustic nature with good humor...just what she needs to bring those walls down.

Jezzy is a very much like a wounded animal that lashes out at anyone trying to help, but she's doing it to protect those she loves and it's less about protecting herself. The guilt she has weighing her spirit down is understandable and her transition toward healing is a joyful experience."

Highly recommended read!"

Read an Excerpt for Jezebel’s Wish.

Eager to purchase? Buy Jezebel’s Wish through The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

AJ on the Web…

AJ’s Blog ~ Tattered Pages

Join AJ on Facebook. Follow her on Twitter.

Don't forget!  One lucky commenter wins an Ecopy of Jezebel’s Wish!

Have a spare sec? Pop over to The Write Life now to meet another author, perhaps win a prize!

~Sky

47 comments:

Hywela Lyn said...

Happy Memorial Day!

I'm first to comment! That must be a first for me, I'm usually lagging waa-ay-ay behind!

Of course anything with a horse on draws me like a magnet, and that picture is absolutely beautiful! I love it!

Sounds like a great story too!

AJ Nuest said...

Good Morning, Hywela! Thanks so much for stopping by on this FINALLY sunny Memorial Day. I will add your name to the contest!

AJ Nuest said...

Sky, the blog looks absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for all your hard work! I'm so happy I get to partake in your Monday Covers It post! Cheers to you, my new friend!

Victoria M. Noxon said...

Happy Memoria Day!

Every time I see the cover, it's even more beautiful, AJ. They did a fantastic job! I can't wait to read it!

Sky Purington said...

Good morning and Happy Memorial Day weekend all! Love, love, love this book cover!!! If you don't mind me asking, AJ... who was your cover artist? :-)

Anonymous said...

Great post, AJ--as usual! Sky, Tamara did my cover too! Love her work. She totally "get's it! <3

AJ Nuest said...

Because the original design was less than we'd hoped for, RJ Morris took over and redid the cover for me. I know...I'm so totally lucky. She did an outstanding job.

AJ Nuest said...

Hi Victoria! Thanks for stopping by. I can't get enough of that cover either. I've got it hanging all over my house!

AJ Nuest said...

Hi Amie! It's so totally awesome when the cover artist literally "sees" the inmage inside your mind. How in the heck do that DO that?? Happy Memorial Day, sweets!

Lynn Chantale said...

Hey Aj!

Just stopping by to show some love! Great post. Happy Memorial Day!

Jennifer Jakes said...

Hi ladies -
Just dropping by to say I finished reading JEZEBEL a couple nights ago and it's every bit as wonderful as the reviews say it is!
Congrats, AJ. Wishing you many sales:)

AJ Nuest said...

Thanks, Telly! Great big batches of love back atcha', sweetie. Now get out there and enjoy this sunshine!

AJ Nuest said...

Hi Jen! That is quite a compliment coming from the very talented author of Rafe's Redemption - which I finished reading a couple of nights ago, as well. Yay Roses! Too many great reads to count!

Lynn Chantale said...

It's too hot. I'm running for the AC and my laptop! LOL! The is barbecuing. I did my part and made a cobbler.

Heather Redmond said...

I love your cover story! I'm always amazed by how my covers come out since I can't visualize them either!

Anonymous said...

Happy Memorial Day. Any chance to win an ebook is good for me. Love your cover too.

Selena Fulton

Sky Purington said...

I'm back! And very sunburned. *frowns* blast this Scotch-Irish skin! I see it's been busy here today. Fabulous!!! Now, making up for lost time...

Lyn... I KNEW you'd love this cover. So glad you swung by my friend. One of these days I'm crossing 'the pond' again and we're going to go riding. Way overdue to 'chat' horses. :-)

Sky Purington said...

Victoria... I know! I keep staring at the cover and it does indeed get more and more beautiful. Seriously stunning!

Sky Purington said...

Amielouellen... ah, you had Tamra too! How great is she, eh? TY for stopping in!

Sky Purington said...

wlynnchantale, thanks for swinging in!

Jennifer, great to 'see' you! Can't wait to have you back for the xmas tree event at the end of the year too! (((hugs)))

Sky Purington said...

Heather, nice to 'meet' you. Thanks for stopping by. Glad to know we're not alone trying to design these book covers...ugh! LOL.

Sky Purington said...

TY for stopping by, Selena! :-)

Mimi Barbour said...

A.J.
I'm glad you're published with Wild Rose Press. They care about their authors enough to give a bad cover another try. And it's beautiful!!
The story sounds wonderful - and since it's waiting for me on my Kindle as I write this, I'm probably the only commenter who hopes she doesn't win!!!lol

xo Mimi

Caroline Clemmons said...

Beautiful cover, A.J. Best wishes for megasales!

Sky, always a pleasure to visit your beautiful blog.

AJ Nuest said...

Thank you so much for stopping by, Heather. Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to the blog. Big day of family-ness, and Sky, I am feeling your sunburn pain! I know, I could never do a cover either. Most of my ideas are met with a wide-eyed stare. I learned my lesson with JW. Leave the covers to the pros.

AJ Nuest said...

Hi Selena! Thanks for visiting with me and Sky today! I'll make sure your name gets added to the pot for the free e-book!

AJ Nuest said...

Mimi, you amaze me, my friend. I am so, so, so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such an outstanding group of women. I thank my lucky stars the day I found The Wild Rose Press. I couldn't be in better company.

AJ Nuest said...

Caroline, you're the best! Thank you so much for the unfailing support! I just can't wait until the day I get to meet all my Rose friends in person! Hope you had a great Memorial Day.

Sarah Grimm said...

I don't have much skill in designing covers, either. Honestly, when I fill out my cover art sheets, the spot where you tell them if you have any ideas or what you'd like to see on the cover is blank. I tell them what my h/h look like and if there is an item that plays a significant role in the book and that's it. I love both of my covers, and have always thought yours stunning.

AJ Nuest said...

Hi Sarah! You mean there is something you CAN'T do? I find this hard to believe. Thanks for stopping by, darlin'. Can't wait to read "Not Without Risk"!

L. K. Below/Lindsay Below said...

What a beautiful cover. Good to hear that you were able to fix it. I know what you mean sometimes about designing covers. Sometimes I just have no clue. Fortunately, thus far I've worked with amazing artists who view what I write down in the abstract!!

lbelow(at)lbelow.net

AJ Nuest said...

Hi L.K.! Thanks for stopping in! For the cover for my next book, "She's Got Dibs", I'm running a contest. I'm going to let my readers decide. I figure that'll be pretty safe - and hopefully FUN!

Joyce Henderson said...

I'm with you, AJ. Leave the artwork to the artists! LOL The first time I saw the Jezebel's Wish cover, I wanted that horse! OK, I'm a sucker for gorgeous horseflesh, but that's moi. The story is on my TBR list, and that's a promise.

Calisa Rhose said...

I NEED this book AJ!!!!! NEED, NEED, NEED it!!!!!

Who did your cover AJ? It's absolutely beautiful, and what drew me to read the blurb in the first place last week. I was looking for covers I might like content for my own. Though this one doesn't suit my story in any way- I knew I'd have to have this book.


Thanks for giving us another day to comment Sky.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Love the cover and the story behind it and enjoyed the excerpt. Keeping my fingers crossed for great sales.

Ilona Fridl said...

Hi, AJ! This horse lover adores the cover! The story sounds good, too. Hoping great sales for you!

AJ Nuest said...

Oooo...thank you, Joyce. I love horses too, and my daughter inherited this from her mother. She keeps hounding me for a horse...and a chicken. She wants ONE chicken. Too funny! Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

AJ Nuest said...

Calisa, you crack me up! I do the same thing, begging to be the winner at all these great blogs. RJ Morris stepped outside her normal role as Art Director to design the cover for me. And I am STILL amazed at how beautiful it is.

AJ Nuest said...

Thanks, Vonnie! From your lips to God's ears, my friend! Here's hoping ALL the authors at WRP have stupendous sales this year!

AJ Nuest said...

Hi, Ilona! That cover is based in a horse in my Mom's stable. Easy Street is his name and I ADORE him as well. I'm sooooo glad The Reverend lives up to his inspiration!

Shawna Thomas said...

I love the cover for Jezebel's Wish. It immediately draws your eye.

I agree, TWRP has an excellent art department!

AJ Nuest said...

Hooray, Lynne! I'm glad you were able to stop by. Hope Blogger isn't giving you any more trouble! Thanks for the kind words!!

N.J. Nielsen/ Saddington said...

Hey AJ... well it has taken me a bit to get here and leave a comment but it finally brought me to the right spot.. please enter me in the chance to win you beautiful book. I agree the cover is awesome and I love the name.

AJ Nuest said...

Thanks, Norma! You GOT it, and thanks for the wonderful compliment on my cover. Whoo wee!!

P.L. Parker said...

Well, here I am, better late than never I guess. Love the cover and the story sounds great.

Sky Purington said...

Ohhh, it's been busy, busy, busy here. Doesn't surprise me in the least with such talent visiting!

Thank you to eveyone who popped in so far to share the 'love.'

P.L., I'm late for everything so you're not alone! LOL!

AJ Nuest said...

Talk about being late to your own party! OY what a day! Thanks for stopping by, P.L.! I really appreciate it!