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Clichés to the contrary, we do judge books by their covers. Recently, I found myself wondering whether anyone ever decided not to read a book because they didn’t like the way the author looked. (As if we writers aren’t insecure enough!)
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Headshot History
My first author photo was more of a ‘glamour’ shot. In the next I looked like the ‘mom’ I was (and still am.) I love my most recent photo but I’ve been using it for a while, and I’ve started to worry that when I show up for a book event no one will recognize me. (Unfortunately, professional hair, makeup, and airbrushing aren’t a part of my daily routine.)
The Beach Beckons
Given what I write, a more casual photo felt like a good idea. A beach photo felt even better. It didn’t take me long to choose St. Pete Beach, where I grew up and where a number of my Ten Beach Road novels are set. Life intervened. Years went by. Then my editor told me that if I wanted a new photo on the cover of my April novel, One Good Thing, I’d better get on it.
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If there’s anything a writer understands it’s a deadline. So, I found a photographer, scheduled the shoot, and drove down to Florida watching my weather app for eight plus hours and trying not to panic. The day we decided not to shoot was gorgeous. The day we chose was not.
Nonetheless, the makeup artist arrived at 6:00am. We were on location in time for a 7:25am sunrise that was a little short on sun. Despite dark clouds and several small but determined rain showers the photo shoot went on.
You can see the shoot slideshow here.
 I Can't Decide!
The crazy thing is, I liked so many of the photos that I’m having a hard time choosing which one to put on the cover. In fact, I could really use your help. Vote for your favorite photo here and you could win one of 10 advance reading copies of One Good Thing hot off the press! Contest ends at midnight on November 18, 2017.
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