I have a question that’s been in my mind for some
time. A while ago, an author who I admire led me to believe that it was
perfectly okay to change the cover on a book that was first brought out as a
Christmas story.
time. A while ago, an author who I admire led me to believe that it was
perfectly okay to change the cover on a book that was first brought out as a
Christmas story.
Because of this advice, I went ahead and wrote my book,
making sure that I wove the beauty of the holiday throughout to give the theme
a richer feel. But I knew that I had
full intentions of making the changeover of the covers in January once
Christmas sales had waned. It seemed to be a good merchandising idea.
making sure that I wove the beauty of the holiday throughout to give the theme
a richer feel. But I knew that I had
full intentions of making the changeover of the covers in January once
Christmas sales had waned. It seemed to be a good merchandising idea.
Sometimes
when a person sees a specific cover noting a special time of the year, they
somehow equate the inner tale with the holiday and pass it by. I don’t feel that this book
fits in these circumstances.
Now that the time has come, I’m questioning my
decision.
decision.
I know this switch won’t hurt my readers since
#Amazon always alerts their buyers that they have previously bought a certain
book. Therefore, if they get mixed up due to a different cover from a favorite
author, Amazon will warn them.
#Amazon always alerts their buyers that they have previously bought a certain
book. Therefore, if they get mixed up due to a different cover from a favorite
author, Amazon will warn them.
Once that worry was cleared away, I tried to think
if there were other principles that would be broken by this choice.
if there were other principles that would be broken by this choice.
Since the novel is basically a contemporary and based on the beautiful words of an old #Elvis song, and
though Christmas is featured as part of the story, it isn’t the crucial reason
for the romance. Knowing this, I’m able to relax over tricking a reader in this
way. The two main characters falling in love is the true theme. If this book had
been written at any other time of the year, it wouldn’t be very different. The
settings might not have had the same lush descriptions of Christmas trees,
ornaments and lights, but I feel that the reader only benefits from these
wonderful scenes no matter what time of the year it’s being read.
though Christmas is featured as part of the story, it isn’t the crucial reason
for the romance. Knowing this, I’m able to relax over tricking a reader in this
way. The two main characters falling in love is the true theme. If this book had
been written at any other time of the year, it wouldn’t be very different. The
settings might not have had the same lush descriptions of Christmas trees,
ornaments and lights, but I feel that the reader only benefits from these
wonderful scenes no matter what time of the year it’s being read.
So – it’s true that the holiday season does add
to the rich fabric of “She’s Not You” but then it really doesn’t matter to the goal,
motivation and conflict for the characters which is what this story should be
noted for.
to the rich fabric of “She’s Not You” but then it really doesn’t matter to the goal,
motivation and conflict for the characters which is what this story should be
noted for.
–
A hero, who can’t let go of the young
man’s crush on his first love.
A hero, who can’t let go of the young
man’s crush on his first love.
–
A woman, sick and alone with a
three-year-old daughter depending on her strength.
A woman, sick and alone with a
three-year-old daughter depending on her strength.
–
A hunger that catches these two unaware
and turns their worlds upside down.
A hunger that catches these two unaware
and turns their worlds upside down.
–
And heartbreak that occurs when they don’t
trust in these feelings.
And heartbreak that occurs when they don’t
trust in these feelings.
These are the features that would make this romance
a great read for anyone at any time no matter what cover it wears.
a great read for anyone at any time no matter what cover it wears.
Do you agree? Do you disagree?
