Soul's Innocence Dust Jacket

This was the concept for the dust jacket to what was planned to be my first fantasy novel - Soul's Innocence.

The dust jacket was a little different in that it does not form a loose sleeve but rather folds into a clinging glove around the hard cover book, while still using about the same size glossy paper it is usually printed and trimmed from (I knew people who was in the printing industry while growing up).

So what happened?

Short version. Things fell through. Life happened. Nuff said.

Longer version. Where to start? How do these cautionary tales usually start?

Oh, yes...

Once upon a time, I was a younger lad than I am now, filled with glimmering optimism and drive. I've always loved books. I've always loved literature along with the visual arts. I've always wanted to create something worthy of my dedication... I wanted to be a writer.

Genre wise, I've always loved Fantasy (though I can work with other genres with more research on subjects to tackle).

I started writing a novel. While the first draft is still in production, I started writing book proposals and forming plans. At the recommendation of someone I know who worked in publishing (albeit different genre), I got myself a Literary agent.

Long story short, I had a very big argument with my agent who wanted me not just to rework my draft but start from scratch and I quote, "Write stuff kids will like so we can have a success like Harry Potter". She wanted an easy sell, a cheap travesty. I fired her. Then life came by to drop new priorities and responsibilities upon me. I put this project back into the cauldron to simmer and cook a little more. I promised I'd visit this when the time is right. We'll see.