there’s been a lot of discussion about
the Fury cover, and opinions do differ.
i think it just goes to show how challenging it
can be when creating book covers. i feel very
fortunate to have two gorgeous ones! for those
who worry that Fury may be construed as non-asian,
i do think the knife gives the hint. also, the jacket
will have asian details and of course, the blurb will
definitely clue the reader in that the novel is chinese
inspired fantasy.
and i’m happy to say there will be chapter decorations
painted by me (in chinese brush painting style) within
the novel–and i’m working on that along with the revisions
at the moment. Silver Phoenix included my own
calligraphy for the chapter headers.
i said it in a comment and i’ll say it here,
i’m totally behind my publisher, who’s trying to get
my story out there. and who chose to publish a
novel that is different. cover discussions aside, ai ling’s
story is published. this, i think, is amazing
and the most important thing.
i really do appreciate your passion and support for my
books. thank you!
some linky love :
i interview jennifer larson who helps coordinate YA
programs for the san diego county libraries over at
the enchanted inkpot.
the supernatural underground is officially one month
old. it’s comprised of young adult and adult authors
who write paranormal novels with harpercollins. check
it out!
and congrats to mindful musings for winning
Brightly Woven and Bleeding Violet. stayed tuned
for the next tgifbm!
24 Comments
now i want tofu. you know why, cindy.
As long as the covers get the books in the hands of readers then I am happy ^_^.
Yes, definitely. It was never in question that your publisher is trying their best to get ai ling’s story out there. Do I wish they did it a different way? Yes. But in the end the fact that it’s being published is awesome.
“i do think the knife gives the hint.”
Ok, I am glad about that. I couldn’t really tell from the picture, but maybe when the cover is fully finished, with all the extra details, the asian background of the books will be more obvious and less like whitewashing. I do find that a huge relief.
thank you yileen, i don’t want you to feel bad! i think the extra chinese elements inside and out will be fantastic.
moonie MAPO!!!
sandy, <3
I have to agree, it is great that you’ve got so much of the publisher’s support. Silver Phoenix is beautiful and sometimes I just stare at my copy :) because I think it’s amazing. But Fury’s cover is equally as beautiful, just in a different way. Even with the shift, at least the publisher seems to be taking some of your input to make this a smooth transition.
Ooo looking forward to seeing the chapter decorations! Yet another unique touch to the book :)
I am glad your publishers are sticking with you and trying to make this work. I’m trying to think of ways to spread the word…
thank you windy!!
and ari, simply put, you amaze me. =) virgos for the win!
i still can’t get over how boring my alien is compared to everyone else’s. *pout*
Brush paintings! Sweet! Glad to hear that there will be more asianness going on.
My alien looks like it’s pooping.
or perhaps jazzercise? =)
“and i’m happy to say there will be chapter decorations painted by me (in chinese brush painting style) within
the novel–and i’m working on that along with the revisions at the moment.
That’s *so* cool.
I want to make sure and say again I think your publisher is amazing for doing the repackage for the paperback release. It shows that they believe in your work, and they should.
I’m eager to see what the cover looks like after all the final detailing!
>>i’m totally behind my publisher, who’s trying to get my story out there. and who chose to publish a novel that is different. cover discussions aside, ai ling’s story is published. this, i think, is amazing and the most important thing.
Thank you for putting things in perspective. You’ve shown me the right attitude to have as a writer.
I stand by my concerns about the cover as a fangirl, but at the same time, your comments about the jacket details, the artwork inside, and especially your faith in your publisher make me feel a lot better. You work closely with your editor and the publisher while we’re just outside observers, so I must give them the respect due for taking on Phoenix and for continuing to push it and make perhaps some very hard decisions regarding the packaging.
I remember when someone made a disparaging comment about my cover and I rushed to defend it, not for my sake, but for the art department who had worked above and beyond to get the details right. That’s something only the writer knows about and not the public.
I’m super jazzed about the April release of Fury of the Phoenix and I’m really happy to see the saga continue.
clovia, it is very cool. chapter decorations is extra work (costs) for my publisher but my editor loves my art and asked for it from the get go. =DD of course, i’m thrilled!
jeannie, i know how upset you were over this, it hits so close to home. but it’s so easy to back my publisher because i know they back me and my books completely as well. everything they’ve done is for the good of Silver Phoenix. i know for a fact that my publisher actively acquires different, interesting and diverse books–many of which are my personal favorites to read. how could i not feel fortunate? and i’m super excited to buy and read Butterfly Swords in october! so close!! =D
and i’m happy to say there will be chapter decorations
painted by me (in chinese brush painting style) within
the novel–and i’m working on that along with the revisions
at the moment
That’s really amazing, it sounds like it’ll look fantastic. :)
I’m so glad Greenwillow believe in you and are doing their best to bring SP and Fury to a wider audience.
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the chapter decorations! I wish Fury of the Phoenix’s release date was closer :(
Just ordered the original hardback and can’t wait! I have been wanting to read your book for a long time and hadn’t gotten around to ordering it but now that the cover is changing, I feel like I’ve scored a rare gem :)
katie, aww, thanks! i do hope you enjoy Silver Phoenix!
I’m very sad that it came to this. I get why it happened, but it makes me want to cry. It’s so unfair.
anne! *hugs*!!
Me who is still fuming about the Last Airbender whitewashing just doesn’t see your beautiful cover as whitewashing. Why wouldn’t anyone assume looking at that cover, reading the title, seeing the knife, knowing who the author is, that the cover model who is half hidden is Asian? This is definitely one of those instances where people who are getting upset about this cover are being hypersensitive to the issue. I think Greenwillow did a fantastic, amazing and beautiful cover and I love it!
thank you for commenting
ello. youve been
such a great supporter of SP from
the start! xo
I’m so glad to know about the featured chapter artwork inside- it’s lovely of your publisher to take the extra effort to make sure that your novel will look as distinctive and representative of the story inside, as it can.
Though as per what ello says, I think some of us think the cover model isn’t representative enough of the book not because of her race (which, as you say, is quite possibly Asian) but mainly because she’s in a sparkly sleeveless top- not commonly worn by women in ancient China, I believe! I’ll remain optimistic about this, though, and look forward to the book.
dru, my story very much stays true in every way. when else will you have a eunuch as an anti-hero? in young adult or adult fantasy? =D i’m very excited about my sequel!
also for the chapter decorations too!