Thursday, February 8, 2018

My Love Affair with Cover Art

If you know anything about me it’s that I’m an art whore. I ADORE art. Cover art is amazing because if you work with the right artist they pull your characters right out of your head and into the world. It’s nothing short of a miracle!

Secured and Free’s characters (Orion, Hunter and Marcus) captured my heart even before I wrote about them. As they revealed themselves to me, I desperately wanted to see them!

About three years ago, I found K-Koji’s work via Deviant Art. I stalked his page and couldn’t help, but gush at his talent. I begged and he took my commission to do Lock and Key’s cover, and more recently Secured and Free’s cover art. Each piece took him about a year to complete. Whenever possible, I never rush an artist. Time crunches don’t assist in making loveliness.

Countless e-mails went back and forth between K-Koji and me not only about the characters, but the scene I was trying to capture on the cover. He’s super understanding, very patient, and asks great clarifying questions that helped me give him the details he needed to get the visual onto the page.

Secured and Free’s cover captures a scene that happens later in the book. Marcus, Hunter and Orion are at Entwined (their BDSM club). In this scene, Hunter is returning from visiting the lockers since phones with cameras aren’t allowed in Entwined’s main space, and he needed to text a friend. Orion has just made a declaration that has thrilled and terrified Marcus.

The scene takes place in the Albany New York Entwined. Entwined is a network of club and each club décor is a bit different. This club has a Medieval Renaissance flair. The main space is stonework, chandeliers, gilded tables and chests, scattered among sofas and chairs cushioned in lush fabrics.

The first book in the Entwined Dreams series: Lock and Key the cover shows you a view of the stage where BDSM demonstrations as well as the Are You Dom Enough to be a sub auction takes place.

Secured and Free’s cover, allows us to view stonework of the landing. The landing is the place where the members are able to let to rest of the world drop away and can melt into their BDSM fantasies. The landing is a place where one is able to see the entire main space of the club and one can be seen by all. Coming down the stone staircase alone or as part of a couple, trio or moresome sends a clear message to all.


Exclusive Excerpt of Secured and Free:
Marcus froze at the stone landing and scrutinized the shadowed main space of Entwined. The tables and chairs were filled with members and friends, both new and old. Light scenes played out in the room as other couples and groups made their way to the back rooms.
He inhaled the scent of sex and leather. Ah, the perfume of freedom. Entwined’s air threatened to make descending the stairs a difficult task.
“You good, Orion?” Maybe Marcus was a bit protective if he were to judge Hunt’s expression of “let the man be a sub,” which was hard to miss, even if one attempted to ignore it.
“Yes, Marcus.” A rod of steel seemed to straighten Orion’s core.
Hunter stepped over to Marcus’s right, stirring the scent of leather and man as he moved. He’d gotten Hunter that tailored vest for Christmas last year. It was worth every extra tattoo he’d had to give to afford the sexy creation. The way it stretched across Hunter’s muscles made Marcus want to rub his face on Hunter’s pecs.
People downstairs started to notice them. Entrance made. He grabbed Orion’s hand and Hunter’s. They glided down the stairs in a way that announced they were a trio.



Secured and Free Blurb:
An abusive Dom robbed Orion Gordon of his love of BDSM, destroying his confidence and leaving him unsure he’ll ever find peace through submission to another. Still, deep inside, his longing continues. 

Marcus Sadir loves Hunter Dixon, yet can’t be the one thing Hunter truly desires: a sub to control. And Hunter can’t find satisfaction in the sadistic aspects of the BDSM lifestyle, while Marcus thrives on inflicting and sharing pain. When Marcus convinces Hunter they should find a third on a permanent basis, they discover Orion might be the key to bridging their differences and joining them on a deeper level. 

But they must help Orion move past his trauma enough for him to enjoy new facets of BDSM and kink again. Their journey toward becoming whole—together—won’t be without challenges. Can Orion trust enough to try again?

BUY LINKS:


BIO:
Z. Allora believes in happily ever afters for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her the opportunity to open hearts and change minds.
To contact Z. Allora:
E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com
FACEBOOK:   Z Allora Allora

No comments:

Post a Comment