Thursday, December 5, 2013

WAVES OF EMOTION CRASH LIKE THUNDER AGAINST A SHORE THAT TRANSCENDS TIME …

The flash of a wing in flight graces the rocky coast as a seagull’s cry pierces the awakening dawn. High over the cliffs a crescent moon shines, casting subtle beams of light on soft, rolling waves, puddling onto the sandy shores of Martha’s Vineyard.

Coral streaks the sky as if an artist’s hand brushes the horizon. The receding waves mirror the aurora , doubling its beauty. Blinding the senses. As each new splash of color blends with the indigo, shadowed clouds define themselves, taking on a more dominant form. 

The wind sighs as a new day begins, just as it has for millennia. Generations have come and gone, yet these visions transcend time.

The peaceful lap of waves ripple as a hooded figure glides silently toward the cliffs and fades away. Not a trace of a footprint is left behind. 

For over a century this mysterious figure haunts the peaceful shores of Aquinnah. 

But, who is she?

What tragic tears mingle with the never-ending salty waves?

Surely someone knows her story?


*      *      *      *      *


A young woman stares into the face of the mysterious cloaked figure. Their eyes lock, and an unspoken conversation erupts between them. 

Hannah jumps back from her computer screen the moment the woman fades into the lingering mist. She closes the webcam. I understand now. I must go to Aquinnah. 

She arrives on the island and soon discovers her identity. The mystical woman is Stella Winslow. Her story as turbulent and crushing as a nor’easter storm. Hannah abandons her current research on lighthouses and unravels the truth about this woman trapped in time.

It’s a story of true love.

A story of sheer determination.

A story with an unfinished ending 





The Ghosts of Aquinnah 



Thank you all for joining in on the launch of Julie Flanders' newest book, The Ghosts of Aquinnah. I hope you all enjoyed the intro and plan on reading the story. Julie has created such an amazing tale of a powerful love that transcends time. Please help spread the word and remember to drop by Julie's blog to wish her well.

I was honored to be chosen by Julie to create the cover, blurb, and intro. It somehow all fell into place so effortlessly. Both of us on the same page. Here's to all the success in the world, Julie! 

During this special time of year, I wish to thank all of you for your love, caring, and support of our wonderful community. We ALL truly created a utopia to spread our wings and soar on our writerly journeys.

Have a special day everyone ...

36 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You did an amazing job, Michael. It's a complete package, front to back.
And congratulations, Julie. Picking this one up today!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael .. it's a wonderful looking cover for Julie's book -released today - congratulations to Julie. I've loved the sound of the read of this .. so I'll popping on over to pick up my copy.

What a lovely time to come back to blogging after Columbia and to help Julie in her promotion ...

Exactly as you say .. this is a great group .. and I agree with all the support, care and love we get via the connections we've made. Cheers Hilary

Kim Van Sickler said...

Great job collaborating on Julie's book! The ovals on the front and back of the book with it opened, remind me of an old-fashioned locket, with the lighthouse and the blurb as pictures nestled inside. Awesome.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Alex…

I really enjoyed working with Julie.

Michael Di Gesu said...

So, true, Hilary. We are a very special community.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thank you, Kim. But I chose the ellipticals for another reason… to create a telescope effect or binocular effect. As in looking through a "spy" glass.

Dana said...

It's absolutely beautiful, Michael. Your love of words and art definitely shows through!

Julie Flanders said...

Thanks so much again for this, Michael! And for all your amazing work. I couldn't be happier with the cover, blurb, and intro!!
And thank you Alex, Hilary, Kim, Shelly, and Dana!

Julie Dao said...

What a lovely introduction! I've seen Julie's book on many other blogs and it sounds like a wonderful one. Love that cover.

Sherry Ellis said...

Great job on the cover and blurb! You have quite a talent for that!

Nicki Elson said...

I'm so excited for Julie! Very cool that you and she worked together so seamlessly - you make a great team.

River Fairchild said...

Julie's book sounds like a great story and your cover, blurb, and intro all rock, Michael! Fabulous job. :)

Cathrina Constantine said...

Michael, it's an awesome cover and a remarkable blurb. You definitely have a gift! Have a Blessed Christmas.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

You and Julie make a fantastic duo. Great blurb. Heading over for my copy now. :-)

Unknown said...

I love the tragic tears/salty waves line. I also love Julie's cover - you did a spectacular job with everything, and I know she's so pleased. Thanks for stopping by my blog. :-)

Jai Joshi said...

Great work on this cover, Michael. I love the picture, with the coral streaking the sky just like in the blurb. You've inspired me to check out this book. Best wishes to Julie on her release!

Also, I saw your comment on Michael Offutt's blog today. Thanks so much for the support!

Jai

PK HREZO said...

Michael how was Columbia?? Hope you're doing well! Let me know when you get back to FLA so we can meet up! :) ((hugs))

Yolanda Renée said...

So glad you're feeling better, and again, nice introduction, this is a great way to showcase your talents - you and Julie work well together - that cover is beyond words!

LD Masterson said...

As always, your intros are superb.

Pat Hatt said...

Great cover indeed at your feed and a wonderful intro too

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Julie said you wrote her an amazing intro and she was right! So sweet to put so much effort into helping people!

Cherie Reich said...

Woot! Congrats to Julie! :)

Crystal Collier said...

Lovely intro. I'm so excited for Julie and her awesome book. Yay!

kimlajevardi.com said...

Great cover!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I didn't know that beautiful cover is to your credit. Great job on that and the book blurb, Michael.

Yes, I don't know where I'd be - spiritually - without this utopia. It's a huge blessing.

Enjoy the weekend.
xoRobyn

Anonymous said...

The cover is really intriguing! It looks almost snow-globefish...very very pretty.

Michael! How've you been? Hope you're back in Chicago and staying warm. Can't wait to hear more about your trip to Bogota. That sounds so awesome!! What an adventure.

Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2014 to you! xo

Old Kitty said...

Such haunting words full of longing, sorrow and mystery! All the best to Julie!! Take care
x

Anonymous said...

Dang, Michael, you've sure got a way with words -- great intro. And congratulations to Julie!

mshatch said...

I'm so glad you were able to go on your trip to South America, fabulous pics! And I'm so happy for Julie and her new book - great cover :)

Kimberly Gabriel said...

What a beautiful and gripping intro! Are you in South America right now? I assumed Florida. How wonderful Michael! I hope you're having an amazing vacation! It snowed this weekend. I wouldn't blame you if you decided to extend your trip. ;)

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Congratulations to Julie! I've seen her all over cyber space, this past weekend. I love the beauty of her blurb and the premise of the story!

Maurice Mitchell said...

That is an amazing cover Michael. I'm sure she's very happy.

Morgan said...

Michael, I'm speechless. So, so, SO LOVELY. You do it again. Love the mood and picture you painted. :) Huge congrats to Julie--such an accomplishment!

Susan Oloier said...

Michael, your intro and book cover are phenomenal! But I wouldn't expect anything less from you. I am just beginning Julie's book this week. So looking forward to really delving in.

Denise Covey said...

Michael you are genius. I bought Julie's book yesterday and after reading your intro and blurb i can't wait to read it. Love the cover. it was the first thing that caught my eye.

Hello from Paris! Off to Prague tomorrow.

Denise

Misha Gerrick said...

Awesome cover!

If I ever self publish, you're definitely on my short list for the cover. ;-)