A couple of weeks ago I posted about a competition to find a title for my collection of romantic suspense stories. Thank you so much to everyone who commented or who contacted me afterwards. I was really touched and excited by the ideas you came up with, and the imagination and creativity behind all of them. I found your answers inspiring, they made me dig deep into my own stories, and they have sparked off some new ideas – so thank you very much!
I’m very excited to say that I have my new title, and a new cover, and my book is now available on pre-order. Hooray!
As I mentioned in my original post, I was struggling to find a title suitable for all three romantic suspense books in the collection. The stories are set in very different locations. They run from summer in the Mediterranean, to autumn in the streets of Edinburgh, to an icy Hogmanay procession at midnight.
People came up with some really inventive ideas. Some of the titles focused on the mystery and the heroine, Lizzie. Some of them mentioned the idea of deception, which I thought was great, as the stories revolve around trickery. The most popular comments dealt with the contrasting settings – “Ice and Fire”, for example, which I loved (it’s a shame George R.R. Martin has already taken that one!) – and with the concept of the diamond.
There was one suggestion I loved that encompassed all of these ideas of contrast, mystery, deception, and the fact that the stories take place through the seasons. And here it is, in my beautiful cover designed by Charlotte Volnek:
What do you think? I was really excited by this title, and I love that Charlotte has played with the idea of having the shadows of the hero and heroine against the backdrop of the palace. It’s perfect!
Many thanks to Carol Sherrard, who follows my newsletter and who replied to my call-out. I’m so glad I set my newsletter up! (If you haven’t already subscribed, I fill my newsletter with more personal news than on my blog here – photos, news of events I’ve been attending, useful websites, plus books I’ve been reading and loved, etc. You can subscribe here and receive the first story in the anthology free. If you want to subscribe and you’ve already read Palace of Deception, let me know and I’ll send you another story from my collection. I don’t send the newsletter out very often, so you certainly won’t be spammed!)
Thanks very much again to everyone who got in touch. I really appreciate the help.
A Year of Light and Shadows is now available on pre-order on Amazon, and on Kobo, and will shortly be in all the other major e-tailers, with a print version due very soon!
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What do you think of my new title? And do you like Charlotte Volnek’s artwork? Do you think they are appealing and give a good indication of what the reader can find inside the anthology?
If you have any comments at all, I’d love to hear from you!
Helena Fairfax 
What an absolutely great title and great cover, Helena! It is perfect. You must be so happy! I wish you lots and lots of success with your box set.
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Hi Marie, I was really excited about the title, and the way Charlotte used the idea of the shadows. It’s perfect, you’re right! I’m so glad I asked for some help in coming up with a title. This is far better than everything I’d thought of!
Thanks so much for dropping in!
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What a great idea to ask for help, Helena – your title and cover look wonderful.
I usually find mine quite quickly until this new book that’s coming out very soon and it was a friend who helped by talking it through with me until one stuck!
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Hi Rosemary, it’s great to have someone to talk over your writing with when you get completely stuck. I was struggling with this title for a while – so much so, it put me off releasing the collection, because I couldn’t think how to title it. I was so excited when everything came together. I’m glad you like it. Thank you so much for dropping in!
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This looks great, I love the heart shape between the shadows of the lovers! The title is good too, I’m glad you got a suggestion you like.
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Thank you, Allison! This is my favourite cover that Charlotte has done for me. I’m so glad you like it!
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This came out beautifully. The title and the design have all of the best elements the go along with the stories…the light and shadows, the palace, the h/h in shadow with the heart in the middle…Perfect!
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Thank you so much, Kimberly! I was over the moon when Charlotte sent me her design. I love it. I’m so glad everyone else likes it, too. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
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Looks fantastic! Best of luck!
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Thanks very much, Jacquie!
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Outstanding book cover for outstandingly engaging stories. The title and artwork would make me pick up the book. Congratulations!!
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Thank you so much, JQ!! I love all Charlie’s covers but I think of all of them this is my favourite. I was so excited when she sent it through. Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
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Helena, this is a wonderful title – encompassing your book and memorable from the first glance! Also fantastic cover and love the cover, the main photo with play of light and also great font and colouring. Well done and best of luck! 😀
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Thank you so much, Annika! I was really touched by the response to my competition. There was so many thoughtful suggestions. This one is perfect, and the cover is lovely. I’m so happy with all of it! Thanks so much for dropping in, and for your comment and good wishes!
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Hey, Helena. I un-followed and followed again, so hopefully, you’ll start popping into my emails again. I’ll see you on FB, but can’t comment there. ???Some techno thing. LOL
This cover is so beautiful!! Love Charlie’s work. Think you were smart to put all three smaller books togethter like this. Best to you with this endeavor. I FBed and Tweeted.
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Hi Marsha, how strange that you are having problems following my blog. I do hope other people aren’t experiencing the same. Thanks for taking the time to re-follow.
Charlie’s covers are wonderful. We are so lucky to have her! Thanks so much for your support with the promo. I appreciate it!
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Congratulations, Helena on a beautiful cover and great title! Best wishes to you on A Year of Light and Shadows!
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Thanks so much, Susan. Have a lovely weekend!
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