On the evening of the first friday of October, I decided to go ahead and publish The Officer’s Bride, but then, the question was: How would the cover of the book look like? I knew what I wanted: a woman who looked mysterious, but had pretty eyes…just like my protagonist, Nafisah. That same night, I sat in front of my computer and began to play with microsoft power point for a nursing-related project/presentation I was working on. Once done with that project, it suddenly occured to me that I could just go ahead and design the cover of my book instead of contracting it out to some pricey book cover artist. But how to do it? Anyway, before I knew it, I was on to something…something I could ( and I am ) proud of.
The first palatable creation, courtesy of my needs-a-replacement laptop was …
I was so proud of my work until hubby came home, gave it a doubtful look and mumbled “It’s okay.”
It’s okay?! I didn’t want okay. I wanted “Ah Lara D, you did a good job. Great cover! You’ll get book cover artist of the year!”
So that night, I said nite-nite to my ego and went on the I-need-to-get-this-right campaign, working harder until finally,(after several attempts) laptop and I got this:
I felt tres cool the next morning (never mind that by this time I was already sleepless in Seattle..ehrm Dallas) especially when hubby went, “Fantastic!” He still didn’t say I’ll get cover artist of the year, but that was actually okay with me. Unfortunately, my accomplished air took a slight downward dive when both my baby sis and my sis-in-law saw the cover and went, “It’s nice…but it lacks something.”
Lacks something? What the heck are they talking about? I’m a nurse people! For goodness sake give moi some credit! But then, the more I thought about it, the more I realized they were both right. And after some more tweaks, my groaning computer coughed out “A novella” as seen in the image below and also said, “No more designs, wanna-be-artist Lara Daniels.” 
And there you have it: The cover of The Officer’s Bride. This cover, I was really really proud of, and it felt good to hear baby sis, sis-in-law, hubby and every random stranger I chanced to ask on my way to the grocery store say that they liked it too. Okay, so maybe I still don’t get the award, but hey, I’m proud of this cover. The back cover was a bit tricky, but some days later, laptop and I finally got there.
P.S: The Officer’s Bride comes out November 1, 2012. 7 more days to go. One more week! Save the date. Tell your loved ones. But most importantly, make sure you get your copy! Maybe two…you know, for another loved one. It could be considered criminal if you didn’t…especially because I do know it’s a good book (even though I did write it :D) and also because I really do need another laptop so I can keep churning out the stories :), and if you really like my stories, then you really should get a copy!
I’m always interested in the “making-of” process. Well done, jare. 🙂
Thanks jare :). But seriously, thank you Tade, and even more importantly, it’s good to have you here!
well done dear.so proud of you.anxiously waiting for the release.
Thanks namesake.
My name is Sola Arowolo, and I approve this message!! You go Lara D!!!
You go Sola! Thanks for your input with the cover.
Deon’t worry. I’m giving you cover artist of the year. God bless you.
Ah…finally. Thank you 🙂
I like all 3 covers. Well done ma.
Thanks Eunice
Lara, enjoying your making of posts. The cover is nice. Not sure if you still need a book publicist service, let me know, I’m here to help.
Thanks Myrtle. Actually, I need all the help I can get with publicizing, so if you’re up for it, let me know as my hands are still pretty full. I’ve sent you an email.
They are not showing me how to follow……you know what I mean. I love the artwork and cover. It’s just the beginning of a BIG breakthrough! CONGRATULATIONS again dear.
Flora Daniels
Thanks for your visit ma! I really appreciate you coming over and your comments about the artwork. Very encouraging. Many many blessings!
wonderful issues altogether, you just received a
emblem new reader. What may you suggest in regards to your
put up that you made a few days in the past? Any sure?
Thanks Juliet. I’m not sure I understand your question though. Could you please clarify some more? Thank you
very good publish, i actually love this website,
carry on it