Hi Karl,
Are you open to having your image used?, I saw your facebook page and loved your arms outstretched shot, I can see it in my head zany colourful relevant backgrounds with you on cover; arms outstretched, and thought it a logical first book shot...like an introduction to 'The Karl' type thing.... If so, do you have a high resolution shot of yourself with arms outstretched? And is it possible to add link if open to it please?
I googled lode, as I wasn't sure if it was a typo, then understood it's meaning, which made me think, 'I wonder how many readers would assume it's a typo' type thing too!...
Also, are you wanting clean lines and simplicity impact or busy psychedelic warped out there type thing filling whole cover with art?
When you say shades, do you mean colours you wear or shades as in sunglasses?
Ps you're right in assuming females would be interested, I really dig your style and vibe.
Thank you, Regards Peta Duggan.

Yes, I would be open to my image being used - although a little reluctantly. I don't know, I would feel - I don't know....a little self conscious and self centered and maybe look a little egotistical, but the book IS based on my life, so...yes, maybe. I saw your vision for a sec when you described "zany colorful relevant backgrounds."

I applaud your intelligence for gathering intelligence by looking me up. Did you read any of the "Excerpts?"
The original shot is a high res shot as it was taken with my Cannon 7D camera. Shot in Dodge City Kansas.

The "Lode," again I see your a very astute person and you are smart and I like the way you are approaching this. This work is so important to me. Everything I am doing and have done to get this to print has been done in my Mothers name. So, anyway I digress...I at first was spelling it "Load." "Lode" refers to a mineral, and usually a large deposit of gold or silver and the general accepted social term could mean a large quantity of just about anything..."Hitting the Mother Lode" could mean winning the lottery etc. so I will stay with this spelling as I have learned long ago to not try and please everyone. Those who get it - get it..those who don't - don't. Then there are a handful of persons like yourself that will look it up and gain new knowledge... YOU are my fan base. lol

Lettering, hell I just picked 2 styles from the suggestions, I stated in the brief that I rely on the artist to determine colors and fonts etc. If I have to pick all the art and fonts and basically lay it out then I might as well do it myself. I'm looking for a maverick...a wild mustang, some one that can think outside the box and run with this project.. I NEED THE WOW FACTOR!

The cover has to match the passion of the inner works - the words of the book that are my blood sweat and tears.
I do not know how to "link" the picture. I can e-mail it or you could tell me how to do it. Also if you wanted to read my work I would be happy to let you sneak preview it....I would love some feed back from someone who absolutely does not know me.

Show me what you got.

Hi Karl,
Yes, I read the excerpts and the way you describe events is so expressive...you can visualise the emotions, if that makes sense!.
I would feel honoured to read your work, and it would give greater insight into the tone of the cover...I sense a quirky humour and introspection that could possibly be portrayed as well...I am also thinking a particular event that occurred, which also draws the consumer to be more curious to see what's inside...
Jeez , I really hope I can finish this piece by the deadline! So many life events to portray in several days work is tricky!
I would also like to ask if you perhaps had a photo, or photos of the beast, as I feel it most relevant as an anchor point in the piece.
I would really appreciate also any high res photos of yourself, which may or may not be incorporated...
My email is padduggan@live.com , I hope I'm not overwhelming you...
Regards Peta Duggan

Good morning....I just woke up and getting ready to roll. I sent you an email. No photo of the "beast" lol That was 100 years ago...lmao but what you picture is prob pretty close to what it looked like. Did you "Like" my fb author page? cant wait to hear from you. Kman

I checked you out on FB. Sent a friend request and I want you to be my artist.

WELL I HOPE I DID NOT OVERWHELM YOU...

Okey I am rereading the brief expect some great art soon :)

My hearty congrats to midnightmaiden and you, Karl. This was quite a fun challenge. Karl, good luck with your book, and life. I can't wait to see the book in the stores. I will certainly buy a copy!!!