Upon the Wings of Greater Things

The creative endeavours of Starla Huchton

Milestones and Reflections

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Two of my minions had checkups today, and as I was chatting with the doctor amidst her typing in medical things, she asked what it is I do. I gave my usual answer of freelance graphic designer and author, as that’s become my knee-jerk reaction rather than stuttering, self-conscious response, at which point she asked me if I’d published anything.

This is what gave me pause, not because I was asking myself if I should give the “self-published disclaimer” (this is not a post about that because I am OVER that discussion), but I couldn’t remember what number to fill in for the “I’ve published ____ books” part.

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#TeaserTuesday Cover Reveal: Cursed Hearts!

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SAHFantasy

It’s about that time again. One month from now, on November 1st, 2016, the second book in the Hearts of Valentia saga drops! I was all set to share a teaser on social media today, but it occurred to me I haven’t shown anyone the cover yet. Seeing as we’re so close to release day, I should probably remedy that, eh? :) [Read more…]

Guest Post: KT Bryski – Jazzing Up Fairy Tales

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I am absolutely honored to have a superiorly talented individual on the blog today. I’ve known KT Bryski for a few years now, and she never fails to impress me with her amazing ideas and turns of phrase. She recently contacted me for some artwork, and I really wanted to set the perfect tone for the project she proposed. That project is one I think everyone should give a listen to, first because it’s FREE, and second because KT’s writing is really just that good. No matter the subject, KT enthralls, excites, and paints marvelous imagery for her audience. She’s a true storyteller, and it’s nothing short of joy to experience her tales.

In today’s guest post, KT offers up some thoughts that are quite relevant to my interests and audience. I think you’ll find her words both educational and insightful. Definitely check out her new project, Six Stories, Told at Night!

Six Stories, Told at Night (Click me!)
Click the pic to find the feed!

 

Jazzing Up Fairy Tales [Read more…]

Cover Design: Some Quick Tips

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helpful tips

So, I often see people posting on social media asking for feedback on their book covers. More often than not, I don’t respond to these publicly for a variety of different reasons. You never can tell who is receptive to honest feedback and constructive criticism, and typically I err on the side of caution and stay silent to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings or looking snobbish. My rule of thumb for all public postings is to keep it positive. I don’t want drama, but I do give feedback if asked privately. Not everyone appreciates my honesty, but… Anyway, I digress.

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Cover Reveal: Dust in the Desert

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SAHFantasySo this went out to my email newsletter subscribers on Wednesday evening, and now it’s time to tell the rest of the world!

As you know from my last post, Dust in the Desert is a retelling of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, and I talked a bit about the issues I had with it already. So here’s my question:

i8ld5

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Problematic Hero? I Can Fix That.

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You guys, we gotta talk about Aladdin.

For real. This definitely needs discussing.

I don’t mean the dewey-eyed Disney-fied Aladdin with catchy songs and a hilarious genie and hidden adult humor. When I say Aladdin, I mean ALADDIN. The original one. The one that I’ve spent a LOT of time with over the past few months.

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Cover Reveal! The Ghost Rebellion by Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine

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You guys, this is something pretty awesome. It’s not often that I do cover reveals for other people on this blog, but today I get to share something I’m really excited about!

Last year, I was approached by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine asking if I’d be up to the challenge of creating a cover for the next book in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. The first four books were all traditionally published, but book 5 was going to be funded by a Kickstarter. It took me all of two seconds to answer with a resounding YES, but I knew going in the bar was set very high. Could I create a cover on par with Big 5 resources? Just little ole me sitting here in my house by myself? Was it a thing I could actually do, and do successfully?

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