Hey Winona Forever Original Fans!
I sure hope you’ve been well.
Me? I’m good. I’ve been working on a number of writing related projects, and I can finally emerge from the underground to share a couple things. The first?
It’s the cover of Van Gogh, Van Gone!
After the story and art, the next most important aspect of a graphic novel is the cover, and we put a lot of thinking into this one.
I’ve said it before, but to me, the cover is the billboard that tells a potential reader 1.) What the book is about and 2.) If the book is for them.
With this cover, I worked with book designer Walker Crane and illustrator Elijah Henry. The goal was to to tell readers the following:
There’s an art heist.
Our heroes are young people. They’re fun. They’re funny.
There are villains. They’re dark. They’re mysterious.
I think it’s successful in telling that story—and in looking really beautiful—but let me know what you think!
The back cover completes the impression.
You can’t do it all on the front, so you have to use the back cover to fill in more details for the reader. Here’s what we’ve got so far for the back of Van Gogh, Van Gone.
The challenge is to provide just enough—but never too much—to aid the reader in their decision about the book. I think we’re getting there, but let me know if you see an opportunity. (Incidentally, the book has 136 pages and will be $19.99.)
I’m considering a Kickstarter in September to get the book to you.
More details to come on that, of course. YOU will be the first to know! If you’re new to Winona Forever, you can get the first book in the series now.
Something to read in the meantime
Elijah Henry and I created an 8-page story for Boom! Studios’ anthology Hello Darkness. The first issue drops in late July. Having just read a preview copy, I can say that it’s a delightfully dark, horror variety show from some of the best in comics. I loved it.
I don’t have a publish date for our story yet, but I should know soon. In the meantime, check out issue 1 of Hello Darkness at your local comic shop on 7/24.
Finally, Ireland!
My wife and I planned on going to Ireland for our honeymoon. Ten years later, we made the trip.
As time passes, I know that what I absorbed on the trip (beauty, history, magic, terrifyingly narrow country roads with infintite blind curves…) will make its way inevitably into a story or two. For now, here’s a photo from Giant’s Causeway, a geologic wonder in Northern Ireland.
I hope all of you are well. I’m thankful for you!
Shawn
P.S. My wife’s song “I Can See for Miles” was mentioned by Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan as an inspiration for a scene in his excellent, latest book, Lies and Weddings. Read about it. Listen to the song.
P.P.S. Winona Forever illustrator Elijah Henry released a summery set of songs. I’ve found it perfect to work to. Well done, Elijah! Listen to Joy now.