For Today’s Freebie Friday, I thought it would be fun to showcase a few of my own designs.
Freebie Friday: 9/13
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Category Archives: Books
Night Caller Book Cover Tutorial
I chose this picture for two reasons. For starters, its sexy, but more importantly, I wanted to show you how you can drastically change the color and atmosphere of a picture in just a few steps. Another important thing to note about this image is that we will only be using a very small portion of it, so you will need to purchase the largest pixel size available because we will be cutting out so much of it (but only if you plan to use this for print or commercially).
The first step for me is always cropping the image. If you are creating a book cover, you will probably need to make your image a certain size or ratio. I set this before I actually start cropping. Once you set the ratio, cropping becomes a breeze. Just move the edges until you get the section of the picture you want. I wanted this to look more like a bedroom scene than a beach scene, so I made sure not to show the shorts or too much of the background. How much you crop just depends on what you want to do with your cover.
Tip: Create a duplicate layer of the couple before you start erasing just in case you mess up.
The next step is removing the background. I started with the background eraser tool set with at low tolerance. If you do not know how to find this, it’s on the left side of your screen. In the red box below, the is an example of what the icon looks like when you right-click on it. I use the background eraser to erase the background around the couple, and I adjust the tolerance depending on how close the colors are. For example, in this picture the bottom needed a lower tolerance because the dark colors blend together. If you cannot get it to erase without taking pieces of the image that you want to keep, just skip that part and we will do it by hand later.
Tip: If you mess up go to the top toolbar and click EDIT>STEP BACKWARD.
Once you have removed what you can with the background eraser tool, choose the regular eraser with a defined edge and remove theĀ remainderĀ of the background. This is also when you should remove the edges that you couldn’t get with the background eraser tool. To do this, choose a very small brush size and zoom in so you can be as precise as possible. Also, any time I’m touch up the edges of an image with the eraser tool, I use the soft edge eraser (the red arrow is pointing to it) set at a very small brush size.
Tip: To create a new layer go to the top toolbar and select LAYER>NEW>LAYER.
Now that you have removed the background, it’s time to create a new one. If you want, you can drag in a new picture as the background, but for this cover I just used a simple black background. Start by creating a new layer. Then you choose the paint bucket tool and fill the layer with black. Then drag the black layer behind the couple.
Tip: When creating new layers, it is wise to give them an easily identifiable title because it will make the layers easier to find later.
If there is anything left of the background, use the soft edged eraser tool set a small brush size to clean up the background and the edges.
Tip: To create a black and white layer go the top toolbar and select LAYER>NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER>BLACK &WHITE.
I wanted this picture to feel dark so I applied a black and white layer. A plain black and white layer was a little too bland for this image, so I set the layer to multiply mode. You notice that the couple is still darker but they retain their glow.
I wanted the couple to look a little darker so I duplicated the Black and White layer to intensify the effects. To create a duplicate layer, click on the layer you want to duplicate and right-click on it. The picture below shows the rest.
For the text background, I wanted to create a transparent black strip. I started out by creating another layer. Next, select the Rectangular Marquee Tool.
Use the marquee tool to make a nice thick rectangle. Next, use the Paint Bucket Tool to fill the selection with black.
Next, you want to deselect the selection area.
Now, to make the strip of black transparent we are going to bring the opacity down to 52% and change the blend mode to Darker Color.
The next step is to create the decorative divider. Start by creating another layer. Then use the brush tool to apply the divider. You can use any divider you like, but I found mine here.
All that is left now is placing your text. All that you really need to do with text is play around with placement, font, and color. For this cover, I decided to go plain: pale color, no layer effects, and a clean font.
And you’re done!
Freebie Friday #9
I know I promised to have the new tutorial up today, but it looks like I might be a little late. It should be up sometime later tonight. Turns out I had a little more to do than I anticipated.
King, King, Goose? – Mandy M. Roth
The Voyage (Voices Beckon, Book One) – Linda Lee Graham
For One Last Kiss (Grim Reaper Romance, Prequel) – Calista Taylor
Freebie Friday #8
Enchanted (Channie, Book 1) – Charlotte Abel
Taken (Channie, Book 2) – Charlotte Abel
Hot Under the Collar ( Lords of Lancashire, Book 2) – Jackie Barbosa
Whiskey Dreams (Sleepy Hollow, Book 0.5) – Ranae Rose
Book Cover Design in Photoshop
So, my latest project was learning how to useĀ Photoshop. It was wicked hard, but well worth the time spent. I can do some really cool stuff now, and I’ve only spent a few days learning some basic tricks. I’m thinking about creating a few how-to articles (strictlyĀ for beginners),Ā becauseĀ I know a lot of writers are moving towards self-publishing. Even if you’re not, knowing your way aroundĀ Photoshop can beĀ extremely helpful to you in other ways.
Below are some covers I’ve created, and some of the things I can teach you to do.
Welcome Melynda Price!
Hello, Hallie,
Thank you for hosting me on your blog today. Iām looking forwardĀ to this interview and would like to mention that Iām having a giveaway for aĀ copy of Until Darkness Comes. Details to win will be included at the end of the interview.
1. What’s the first book you remember reading and why did it stick with you?
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.
This book was about a young adolescent girl entering puberty andĀ trying to find her way. It was a great story that stuck with meĀ because the main character was easy to identify with.
2. What’s your writing process and what do you find to be the mostĀ difficult part?
I’m a pantser. With the exception of the book I’m currently writing, IĀ didn’t know how they were going to end until the ending. LOL. I tryĀ to let my stories write themselves rather than following a structureĀ or an outline for them to fit into. For me, I think it flows better
that way. Because Iām a pantser, I have to go back through theĀ story a couple of times to layer and connect the dots. Sometimes thatĀ can be tedious.
3. Which writers inspire you and which aspect of their writing do youĀ find most impressive?
I really like Lara Adrian‘s Midnight Breed Series. What appeals to meĀ about her writing style is that she has great characterization. Each of herĀ characters have strong personalities that come through in each story. It pulls me inĀ and I can bond with her characters. I think that’s one of the greatest challenges for a writer, to diversify your characters andĀ create them in a way that the reader can bond to them.
4. What is the most challenging aspect of writing for you (ex. plot,Ā characterization, pacing, grammar, etc.) and how do you overcome this?
By far, writing the ending is the toughest for me. I find itĀ difficult to end a story in a way that doesn’t feel cut off, rushed,Ā or leave trailing loose ends. I try to be very cautious not to do this,Ā but it takes a conscious effort and it doesn’t come easy for me.
5. Everyone has that one BIG lesson they learned the hard way, do you mindĀ sharing yours? How has it influenced your writing?
Learning to write a query letter that doesn’t scream “I don’t knowwhat I’m doing!” There are a lot of newbie errors to be made inĀ drafting a query letter, and at one time or another, Iāve probably made them all.
I could probably paper my walls with the rejection letters.
I studied a lot of query letters and the art ofwriting them. I knew I’d finally gotten it right when I startedĀ getting manuscript requests. One of the things I’m working on is
developing a page on my website called “writing tips.” I’m includingĀ examples of synopsis and query letters as well as links to some goodĀ websites I found to be very helpful. Hopefully, other writers will find this useful.
6. If you could nominate two characters for best Hero and heroine, whoĀ would you choose?
Hmmā¦thatās hard to say, but Midnight Rising was one of my favorite books.Ā Iād have say Tegan and Elise would be good nominees for best hero/heroine.Ā Theyāre two dynamic characters with great chemistry that really hooked me.
7. Now, to get on to your novel, Until Darkness Comes. Choose three wordsĀ that you believe best represent it.
Deception, Temptation, Romance.
8. I know all authors hate this question, but I think it’s really importantĀ for readers who are unfamiliar with an author–Which two previouslyĀ published books do you feel Until Darkness Comes is most like. And includeĀ which aspects are similar (pacing, tone, atmosphere, romance, characterĀ types).
Wow, this is a very hard question. I’ve been told Until Darkness ComesĀ has a certain Twilight appeal. Like Twilight, it’s a series thatĀ follows that same two main characters, and it’s a book that appeals toĀ a YA and adult audience. I guess the other book would be Hush, Hush.Ā Although the story lines have nothing in common, they’re both aĀ romance about an angel and a mortal woman. This, too, is a series thatĀ follows the same two characters. I think people who enjoyed readingĀ those books will like Until Darkness Comes.
9. For readers interested in keeping up with you and your work, can youĀ list all places you can be found?
Anyone who’s interested in following me can do so through my blog,Ā www.melyndaprice.com. My email and contact links for facebook and twitter are listedĀ on my website. I post excerpts from my WIP’s every week, and am currently doing aĀ Bonded in Exile excerpt.
Thank you so much, Hallie, for hosting me on your blog, and to everyone whoĀ stopped by today. I’m giving away a copy of Until Darkness Comes.Ā Enter to win by going to my website, www.melyndaprice.com, “follow me” and leave a message that you’d like to be entered to win in a comment. Good luck!
I would like to thank Melynda Price for stopping by, and encourage you all to swing by a grab a copy of Until Darkness Comes, or enter to a copy at her blog.
Freebie Friday #7
A Wanton’sĀ ThiefĀ (Thieves and Lovers, Book One) – Titania Ladley
Taking InstructionĀ – Cheyenne McCray
Sojourner (Sojourner, Book One) – Maria Rachel Hooley
Samson’s Lovely Mortal (Scanguards Vampires, Book One) – Tina Folsom
Shattered (Dream’s Realm Trilogy, Book One) – Sophia Sharp
In Heat (In Heat, Book One) – Felicity Heaton
In Heat: Mating Call (In Heat, Book Two) – Felicity Heaton
Promise (Soulsavers, Book One) – Kristie Cook
Zola’s Pride (Ā SouthernĀ Arcana, Book 2.5) – Moira Rogers
Bewitching the Werewolf – Caroline Hanson
The Mystic Wolves (The Mystic Wolves Series, Book One) – Belinda Boring
Six Sentence Sunday #7
Another Six Sentences from Deception.
Looks very military. This is a guy who could kick my ass half asleep with both hands tied behind his back.
I can tell heās giving me the same thorough assessment, although I canāt tell by his expression what he thinks. I hope itās not, This chick looks like a vampire. That will majorly fuck up the rest of my life.
āWhat are you doing out so late at night kid?ā
To Learn more about Six Sentence Sunday, click here.
Freebie Friday #6
Can’t Resist Covers: Soul Mate Publishing
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Show Me Your Hook
I would like to host another Show Me Your Hook Showcase, so If you’re interested click here for instructions, and then just fill out the form below.
Six Sentence Sunday #6
This week’s Six Sentence Sunday is from Deception, formerly titled Let Me Lie.
Her voice is real sweet. Not seductive, but completely feminine. Thereās a small pang of jealousy at hearing the way he speaks so tenderly to her.Ā This is his woman, his partner, andĀ I want what they have. That trust and intimacy. That someone toĀ call when I need to get rid of a body.
Freebie Friday #5
I usually only showcase 1 to 3 free novels on Friday, but today when I was searching I found so many that looked good that I decided to post them all. Below is a list of titles andĀ theirĀ links.
Beauty Dominates the Beast –Ā Hannah Hale
Once Bitten, Forever Burned –Ā Eve Langlais, Stacey Kennedy
The Princess’ Dragon Lord –Ā Mandy Rosko
She’s Gotta be MineĀ (Cottonmouth Series, Book 1) –Ā Jennifer Skully
Once BittenĀ (Alexa O’Brien Huntress, Book 1) –Ā Trina M. Lee
Sunrise at Sunset (Sunset Vampire Series, Book 1) – Jaz Primo
Wereslave (Were Legends, Book 1)Ā – Lia Slater
Initiation (Xylon Warriors, Book 1) – Ruth D. Kerce
Vampire Cursed (Vampires Destined, Book 1) – Rachel Carrington
Ties That Bind is Now Available
Everyone please slide on over to T.A. Grey’s blog andĀ congratulateĀ her on the release of her third Bellum Sister’s novel, Ties That Bind. It’sĀ availableĀ now at Amazon, and other retailers I’m sure.
Freebie Friday #4
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Heavenly Designs & Photography 