In my continuing journey as an Indie author, I thought about the creation of the trade paperback for ERO, and asked Lon Kirschner, my Cover Guy, if we could create a “fake imprint” to round out the cover…something instead of “Create Space” that would communicate the kind of writing I do. Basically, “finish” off the whole cover process. Lon enthusiastically said, “sure!” So, I (pardon the pun) floated a couple ideas by him I’d been thinking about, one involved a black lab (in honor of our long-gone dog, MacTavish du Lac) and the other involved a loon. Lon gave some great advice, one of which was that in doing this I should be different, think of something unique, cause “everyone” does a dog. Sage advice, because I did want something unique…something I could brand all my work with, not just ERO. Well, yesterday Lon presented me with his offerings, and, I must say, once again, I am blown away by his work! What he has created is so classy, so professional, it simply belongs on the spine of books!
I chose the loon, because I’ve always loved them…loved their haunting tones…and the way they always bring me back to the Adirondacks of upstate New York, where I grew up. When I hear them, I’m transported to dark and mysterious places…the calm, dark waters of the Adirondacks, also replete with mystery. The Adirondacks are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The image of the loon also lends a calming, end-of-day relaxation, gliding over the glass-like evening-into-night waters…of places largely unfrequented by the masses…causing many to give pause and introspection to not just one’s day, but one’s life.
And then there’s the red eyes.
They’re just such a different bird…that I’ve come to love their symbology so much, I’ve decided to use them as my Indie imprint. Mysterious, haunting, subtle. Stark. Different. All things I hope my work embodies.
So, I hope you enjoy my new brand…and I hope you enjoy my work. The creation of the physical trade paperback (in 6 x 9 format) is coming along nicely, and I hope to have it out soon! But, until then, sit back and enjoy…the haunting wail of the loon….
Related articles
- The Wail of the Loon (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
- Going Indie – What I’ve Learned (So Far) (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
- Going Indie – What I’ve Learned (So Far) – Part 2 (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
- Going Indie – What I’ve Learned (So Far) – Part 3 (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
- Going Indie – What I’ve Learned (So Far) – Part 4 (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
- Going Indie – What I’ve Learned (So Far) – Part 5 (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
- ERO—On Sale Now (fpdorchak.wordpress.com)
Nice job with the logo. My writer friends here have taken the same path with our self-pub books. Woodward Press looks a heck of a lot better on the spine than CS. But we’re still working on the perfect logo.
Thanks, I just suggested having, you know, the LOON, part. Lon took care of the rest! :-] But, yeah, will look much more professional and polished with this, now!
Frank,
Thanks for all of the kind words!
Lon, you deserve it, sir! Thanks for all your incredible work! Can’t wait for the final cover!
A perfect brand for you – very sharp & unique!
What a great name – MacTavish du Lac!
Thanks, Mandy. It’s sooo dang, COOL!
I think Mac’s paperwork actually had “Lord MacTavish du Lac” on it. He was such a great buddy. Still miss him, and it’s been over ten years. In my other blog (Reality Check), I posted a post about having seen his ghost a couple years ago (http://fpdorchakrealitycheck.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/dog-gone/)….
BTW, additional loon characteristics I find similar to what I’m doing are: 1) they put up a fight when cornered/captured (apparently you need some real muscle to immobilize them), and 2) they have serrated bills and tear into anything they clamp down on. So, there you go. :-]