As you may know, I have been writing a series of contemporary romances set in historic Rhode Island. When I started the first one, I was interested by the notion of “modern monogamy”—the new ways in which men and women are defining their exclusive relationships. In some cases, individuals will be in a series of monogamous relationships, some lasting several years or longer. I found this new pattern compelling and decided I would explore that theme in the romance between my Kate McIntosh and Gabriel Longwood, two attorneys working at a boutique family law practice in Providence.
Kate and Gabriel share many experiences as they work their way through “the list”—both seeking to live mindfully and intentionally. Because one of the items on their wish list is to do more cycling, I asked ChatGPT to create a cover for me.
This is was the first pass. The cover included the rocky shoreline, the bicycles in the foreground, the lovers at the center.
It seemed to hit all the right notes. But a friend suggested it was a bit blah.
This attempt has some of the same elements, but the couple are closer, the ocean more vivid, and the entire composition more visually striking.
My daughter, who was excited about my more contemporary look, still didn’t love the title. She didn’t think it would hook readers.
Since the novel takes place in Providence and its environs, I decided to focus on the iconic Providence skyline as the backdrop for the cover.
I like the cinematic look of this cover; it seemed to reflect more closely the feel and heart of my novel as I was writing it.
I browsed some of the best selling romances on Amazon Kindle. Many of them use photos of handsome men in various states of undress on the cover to grab the reader’s attention. While my characters still explore the contours of a committed relationship in contemporary times, they fall in love sharing a list of adventures and experiences they believe will make them grow as individuals.
So the elements are there—shared adventures, the community and rootedness of living intentionally in a small city in New England, and the sense of possibility in this young man’s expression.
Of course I know that only my writing will hook readers and interest them (hopefully) in following the adventures of the close circle of friends featured in The List. But sometimes, it takes a good cover to entice the reader to pick up the book, glance at the back matter, and perhaps read the opening passage. So, no apologies, just hope!
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