All authors need a lifelong friend who scours garage sales for action figures to customize to help visualize your books’ main characters.
A Gun Always Knows Its True Love
New Commons art!
My friend Michael Visnov wanted to experiment with a new pen he bought, so he worked up this ink beauty of Rain with one of her best friends.
At this point, maybe I’ll start mailing him pens just to keep him on a roll.
Some Fancy Pencil Pushing
Artist Michael Visnov has outdone himself with this model sheet of Commons characters. From left: Truitt, Brill, Po, Rain, Ken, Paul, Zach, Annie, and Porter.
Some 50 years after we met, this guy and I are still making stuff up and putting it on paper—me with a keyboard and Mike with a pencil.
It’s an absolute pleasure to work with a friend.
Fun with Commons Art
Fun with Commons art, courtesy of Photofunia. (And here’s the larger version for those who like the big picture.)
See the originals in the Commons Art category.
Concept Art: Ken the Mummy
My friend Mike Visnov has once again outdone himself with another concept sketch of Ken, our philosophical mummy friend with the sledgehammer fists and the bigger-than-big heart. There isn’t much I can say to add to the visual, but you can check out Mr. Visnov’s past takes on Ken, Po, and more in the Commons Art category.
Concept Art: The Shade
It’s been far too long since I last posted a contribution from artist extraordinaire and Commoners pal Michael Visnov, who’s blessed us with character concept sketches for The Commons: Book One: The Journeyman numerous times now. (See Ken the mummy and Po the Shaolin monk. And while you’re at it, take a look at James Barnett’s Annie work, too. Or peruse the Commons Art category to soak everything in.) Keep in mind that several of these are just to establish underlying details that would be much more subtle when the monster’s properly portrayed as a true shadow.
I have a tough time making up my mind, but I think I’m slightly partial to a combo of 2 and 4. (Hover over each image to see its assigned number or click on one to cycle through the gallery in close-up.)
You?
The Journeyman Goes Postal
Until the Post Office sees fit to issue Commons stamps, I suppose I’ll have to make my own.
So I did. (And they’re legal, too!)
Such is the beauty of Dan Fernandez‘s cover design. I can turn it into just about anything.
Journeyman Art, Print Version, and More
Just a few random updates.
First off, I’m very excited to finally have the print version of The Commons: Book 1: The Journeyman available. It’s currently on offer domestically from Amazon, but an international paper version is hot on its heels and should be ready in a week or two. Already, those who’ve seen it are asking about the little band of mysterious icons on the back cover, which are tossed in without any explanation.
Those are the handiwork of cover artist and designer Dan Fernandez, who’s done a beautiful job on the full book package. Each icon represents a different character, item, or aspect of the novel. Dan’s created some wondrous abstract art based on those, the first of which plays up the peacock (at the top of this post, full version here). I couldn’t be happier with Dan’s work, and I look forward to unveiling more of it in future posts.
Meanwhile, last week found me signing my first-ever autographed copy. A colleague of mine, Sheneen Landry, asked for it. Another colleague, Susan Hardy, captured the moment for posterity.
Having a print version in hand also allowed me to start peppering my neighborhood Little Free Libraries with copies, the first of which got dropped into a local box this past Saturday night. (I left a note on the inside cover asking my reader neighbors to keep it circulating and to drop me a line if they enjoyed it (and even if they didn’t).
Last, but not least, are a few recognition and review highlights. I’m proud to have received an indieBRAG medallion for The Journeyman, and I’m just as happy to see a couple of generous reviews from the links of blogger Jordan Binkerd and fellow fantasy author Kyra Dune. Reviews are the lifeblood of any authorial effort, so I freely admit I can’t get enough of them.
That is all, friends. Take care, and, as always, thank you for your support and attention.
Concept Photos: Annie and the Pinkies
Another day, another offering of treats-for-the-eyes Commons character artwork, this time from pal and lens ninja James Barnett (along with model Enrika Newbury). If you need a wedding or portrait photographer in Phoenix, Tempe, or Scottsdale, James is your man.
An interesting presentation of the addictive pinkies and the fugue state they put Annie in, says I.
You?
Concept Art: Po the Shaolin Monk
Artist extraordinaire and Commoners pal Michael Visnov has been at it again, putting together more character concept sketches for The Commons: Book One: The Journeyman. After whipping up some beautiful renderings of Ken the mummy, he’s back with his take on Po. A couple are an experiment with a full-on David Carradine/Kwai Chang Caine/Kung Fu look (7 and 8), while others give Po a look all his own.
I’m partial to 3, 4, and 9. You?