Art is a huge part of what draws me to science fiction and fantasy. I still have the Hildebrant LOTR calendars I got back in the early eighties.
On the web you can browse awesome work on DeviantArt.com and CGHub.com. But something that’s been around for much longer is Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art. It’s an art annual released each year that highlights the best art produced that year in Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, and the Surreal.
This year will mark the 21st year of publication. Spectrum has become the broadest distributed art annual in the world. Having art included in Spectrum is top honors for artists around the globe.
So why am I telling you this?
Well, Devon Dorrity, the guy who helped me pull together my covers, not only had his sculpture “Queen of the Seas” included in a past annual, but he’s just won a spot in this year’s annual with the cover he created for his wife’s book, Awakening. It’s a big honor.
Here’s the description of how he put it together.
For the book cover for Awakening by Christy Dorrity, Devon Dorrity selected the cover model, Shelbilee Lee, from hundreds of local models. Jason Morrison, a photographer friend, was hired to do the photoshoot. Devon purchased the wig, fingernails, and props from Amazon. Then Dennis Dorrity, Devon’s brother, did an illustration of the photo selected from the photoshoot. Devon then composited the illustration and the photo together blending the two to emphasize the best of both pieces. After applying various effects and custom color, the piece was finished.
After the book’s publication, Devon submitted the cover to Spectrum with Dennis Dorrity listed as the Artist. Dennis did the illustration that plays such a heavy role in the finished piece. Devon was listed as the Art Director/Designer. Spectrum announced in the end of March that the Awakening book cover was selected for inclusion in The annual. Spectrum 21 will be released in November 2014.
Awakening: Book One of The Geis is itself a clean young adult fantasy filled with Celtic mythology, magic, romance, and mystery. And it’s been getting great reviews.
“Dorrity invites her readers to a céilí that will quicken the pulse of anyone with Ireland in their blood! AWAKENING will draw you deep into the mysteries of the Celtic worldview—and leave you wanting more of McKayla and her fascinating Aunt Avril!”
– KERSTEN HAMILTON, author of Tyger Tyger and the Goblin Wars books“I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance.”
– CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.5 Stars! “AWAKENING is an exciting mashup of fantasy, action-adventure, and mystery, with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure.”
– KATE MCCURRY, top 100 Amazon reviewer
How many authors do you know who have unlocked the achievement of having someone from Riverdance plug your book? Awakening right now is free. If you like YA fantasy with a bit of romance, this is the perfect time to give this new author a go.
