Boy or Girl? That is what people want to know when you are pregnant. When you are publishing a book, people want to know – what is the cover going to be like?
Being published by a small press like Odyssey Books meant I was perhaps more often consulted on potential covers than if I were published by a ‘big house’. We played with a number of ideas. Odyssey takes great pride in their covers, and mine is designed by Rachel Roberts, whose work can be seen at Pencil Pusher, which is a great name for an artist’s site, right? It makes me think of someone intent on addicting people to art supplies.
I read somewhere that American readers prefer a photo of a person on their book covers, while Australian readers do not. I can’t say where, so maybe it is not true. Book covers are the start of the story.. They are the first words before we even open the book and turn to the first page. Here is the first word for Cassandra.

Finalist Best Fantasy Novel 2017 Aurealis Awards
Is the future set like concrete or a piece of clay we can mould and change?
On a remote farm in Queensland, Cassie Shultz feels useless. Her perfect brother Alex has an uncanny ability to predict the weather, and the fortunes of the entire family hinge on his forecasts. However, her gift for prophecy remains frustratingly obscure. Attempts to help her family usually fail.
After meeting with her new genius neighbour Athena, Cassie thinks she has unlocked the secret of her powers. But as her visions grow more vivid, she learns that the cost of honing her gift may be her sanity.
With her family breaking apart, the future hurtles towards Cassie faster than she can comprehend it.
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wow! the cover looks amazing Kathryn. congrats. by the way, what is the address of the launch? i couldn’t see it on one of your previous posts. i live in Sydney. i think you live far away, although 24 Feb is the beginning of my birthday weekend celebrations. that’s the launch date isn’t it? fingers crossed all goes well for you. don’t forget to share the pics on WordPress.
Thanks Libby, the launch is in Brisbane which is a bit far to come but I would shout you a birthday dinner if you did!
that’s so kind of you Kathryn. much appreciated. yes, i thought you were far away. i’m having a birthday weekend away with my family that weekend to Raffertys Resort at Cam’s Wharf. we book a few cabins for all of us and it’s become a yearly family holiday (just two nights, but better than no nights). i look forward to hearing how your launch goes. who is the MC or launcher of your book?
My good friend and writer Flo Bridger is going to launch me. Have a great weekend away
Really great cover art. Very cool.
I hope you have a great time at your book launch!
Thank you!
Starting to all come together and feel very real now. Cover looks fab…
Sorry, that was me not realising it wouldn’t post my name, social media twerp that I am,
Flo
Thanks Anon/Flo. It is both feeling real and like every other day. Funny how when we get the things we want life just goes on as always.