As I mentioned in my last post, I haven’t been blogging much recently. Instead, I’ve been focusing my efforts on writing my next book, Incarnation of the Myndarym. It is the first of a four-volume series that will set the stage for the continuation of The Awakened. I’ve finished the first draft and, after a brief intermission for additional research, I’m several scenes into the second. And while I’m focused almost entirely on writing at the moment, I can’t help but think of the cover artwork that will become my next challenge when my manuscript is being edited.

I certainly have ideas about the look and feel that I’m going for, but I also want to be open-minded about what draws the reader’s eye. I’ve read articles about the changing perceptions of book covers with the recent explosion of ebooks. There are many people out there throwing around opinions about what covers should look like, but I find it difficult to take any advice when it’s tied to marketing of someone’s graphic art skills.

Instead, I thought I’d ask you what you think.

What are your favorite book covers—in ebook or print? What is it that draws your attention? Are they typical for their genre, or do they defy conventions? Does the cover art help set the tone of the book before you ever read a single word? Or do you even care what the cover looks like? If you do care…why?

I’d like to hear from you. Send me a link or an image—either through my blog or email—and let me know your opinion. My philosophy is that it’s more efficient to learn from the best. So, let me know who has done it right—who has captured your attention and touched you through their art? After all, if you’re reading this blog, it’s probably because you read The Awakened. And if that’s the case, then it’s your opinion that I care about.

And…it’s also just fun to discuss art!