Monday, November 20, 2006

RESTORER Cover!



The wonderful artists and designers at NavPress have been hard at work on the cover for the first book in my fantasy series. I'm delighted with their final art. It captures the protagonist's uncertainty as well as determination. It hints at the juxtaposition of a contemporary suburban mom in a fantastical setting. And of course, swords are cool. :-)

One of the challenges was to attract readers of CBA fantasy, but also appeal to a broader audience. This is a book about one woman's faith journey, and has hit a chord with my test readers who are normally scared to try sci-fi or fantasy novels. Three cheers for NavPress for being willing to try this strange genre-blending-break-the-rules series, and also for producing such a beautiful cover.

Another cool aspect of this series - the manuscripts were completed before being contracted, so NavPress is able to release them in quick successsion. The Restorer is due out in May, 2007. Restorer's Son in September, 2007, and Restorer's Journey in December 2007.

I began this story about four years ago, answering a stirring in my heart to write. Although I studied writing in grad school, and had published in magazines and book compilations, I still felt like pursuing the dream to write and publish a novel was akin to "fly to Jupiter" or "star in a Broadway show."

I wrote because God asked me to. I wrote because the characters came to life and needed their story told. I wrote knowing full well the odds of anyone ever reading it were astronomical. When I see a real-live cover for this book, I'm filled with awe at the ability God has to bring about impossible things through flawed and ordinary people. I thank Him for who He is - a God of wonders.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon Hinck

17 comments:

Mary DeMuth said...

It's beautiful, Sharon. Hooray! Congratulations.

Anonymous said...

the cover looks awesome. looking forward to reading it when it comes out!

Rhonda Gibson said...

That cover is soooo cool! Congrats on a beautiful cover that will attract people of all ages, Sharon!

Sheryl said...

Excellent cover Sharon :-) Isn't it amazing what God can accomplish?!

Congrats!

Lynette Sowell said...

What a great cover! I'm going to pick it up for sure. After all, I'm a SuperMom too. :)

Anonymous said...

oh, wow ... that is SO gorgeous! And I have tears in my eyes for this dream of yours coming to life ... may we all have the courage and stamina to wait however long it takes ...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!

Camy Tang said...

Great cover, babe!
Camy

Sharon Hinck said...

Thanks, everyone.
It just gives me goosebumps to think about God's hand in this journey.
Now I'm praying the story will bless readers when it comes out.

Cara Putman said...

Sharon, It's beautiful. And it would get me to pick up the book and I'm not a fantasy reader. Congrats on a great cover!

Valerie Comer said...

Beautiful cover, Sharon! And thanks for sharing a bit of the journey. Can't WAIT to read it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Katie Hart - Pinterest Manager said...

Wow, I love the cover! Beautiful. Can't wait to read the book!

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Sharon! The cover is awesome. It does all the right things.

Ruth said...

Hi Sharon,
I've been a HORRIBLE commenter, just a lurker lately, but I had to say I LOVE THIS COVER!!! Fantastic job from the folks @ Navpress...can't wait to read the book!
Ruth

MrsMama said...

The artwork tells a story on it own. I would definitely want to read it to find out what happens. In fact, I want to read it *right now*! :) Can't wait for it to be released...

Sharon Hinck said...

Hi, again everyone!
I got my galleys yesterday in the mail. The chapter headings are beautiful, too--just like the cover. I spent six hours proofing today (got about half-way through) and continue to marvel that this story will be in people's hands by May!!!

Yea!!!

John said...

That is a really cool cover! Can't wait to have it on my shelf. ;)

Rebecca LuElla Miller said...

Well, at last, I got to see Restorer's cover. It is so perfect--beautiful, enticing. Makes you ask questions right away. Obviously a 20- or 30-something contemporary woman. What's she doin' with that SWORD? And where's she goin'?

I can't wait!

Becky