As a cover artist and even as an author who creates my own cover art, the most difficult task of seeking just the right image in the piles of fabulous stock photos is finding that one that jumps out. I love drama, creative use of light and perspective, but most of all, I have to find that one special picture that, through the magic of coincidence, a photographer has somehow managed to capture my or another author's muse.

I don't know how this happens. It must be fate. There's no other way to describe it. Sometimes I have the cover image in my head, all planned out. This is a terrible twist of fate because this is when O just can't find the exact photo I need. The best covers come from a general idea and creative splicing or recolorization.

I'm thankful for the photos ...