A new fan for FAN-tastic illustrator

Being a clever social media user AND illustrator, Michelle Rene Goodhew contacted me recently.

Michelle Rene Goodhew

Michelle Rene designed a cover for Ben’ Brown’s latest book, Tykocin. Besides being a zombie expert, Ben writes amazing action sci-fiction novels which leave my heart racing. Much like those fast-paced movies that end and you (mistakenly) think you can be a hero too. You know—take anybody on—and win. At least until reality plummets you back to Earth …

Photo credit: Michelle Rene Goodhew

Here are some other samples of Michelle Rene’s artistic work:

Photo credit: Michelle Rene Goodhew

Photo credit: Michelle Rene Goodhew

Photo credit: Michelle Rene Goodhew

I was in need of a cover for my sequel, Arafura – Unfinished Business. Besides creating wonderful illustrations, Michelle Rene is a good listener, is very friendly to work with, and her art work comes at a reasonable price.

I gave Michelle Rene the following brief for the cover—a warship festooned with party lights and a sunset in the background. The tricky part is to make the destroyer look imposing, yet suggest a lighter romantic element in the image, to reflect the story-line.

That is a BIG ask.

I gave Michelle Rene this image of the USS Russell decked out in the festive spirit.

Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1hO5CII

Michelle Rene’s initial sketch is below, along with the background.

Photo credit: Michelle Rene Goodhew

Photo credit: Michelle Rene Goodhew

I’m looking forward to her next instalment!

Michelle Rene’s blog is at Write Here Write Now

Ben Brown’s books can be found here