Masque of Deceptions

So, for those who asked, here is a brief outline of how they were done - but since the basic process was the same for both books, I’ll concentrate on The Shadow Earl with occasional references to Masque of Deceptions.

Larry Rostant

Fire & Blood

The first step was for me to think about cover-art differently.

The second was a lengthy telephone conversation with UK photographer and book cover designer, Larry Rostant.

Larry has designed the covers of many books you may have read– most famously, perhaps, George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.

Needless to say, I was thrilled when he said that he’d be delighted to work with me on my (then) forthcoming title,

The Shadow Earl.

Basic details of what was entailed, along with costs and an estimated time-frame, were largely sorted out over the telephone and we also agreed that the cover would feature the title character; so the first job was find our Christian Selwyn, alias the Shadow Earl.

This began with Larry sending me portfolio photos of possible models from various agencies. (Studying photos of good-looking young men is gruelling work but I persevered!)

I realised early on that most male models these days have facial hair – something an 18th century gentleman would absolutely not have – which meant ensuring that the guy we chose would be willing to shave, if necessary!

We eventually settled on Michael. 

Next step? Dressing him like an earl!

For this, Larry regularly uses Angels (costumiers to film and TV) in London.

I sent images and descriptions of 1780s male fashion to him so he knew what to ask for. 

Costume examples to help Larry brief Angels

Then a zoom call was set up between Angels and ourselves in order that final choices could be made.

Once the costume had been booked and a suitable wig ordered, we were ready for the actual shoot. 

Angels Costumiers, London

Finally, the great day arrived. Larry collected the costume from Angels on his way to the Camera Club studio; I took the wig which had  been sent to me by carrier a few days earlier; and Michael, who would be travelling down from Manchester, was scheduled to meet us at the Camera Club. 

The Camera Club – Kennington, South London

Everything was set. Curtain up.

Terry and I drove to London rather than taking the train. On the top floor of the Camera Club, we met and got to know Larry whilst waiting for Lord Hazelmere, alias Michael, to arrive. 

Michael photo shoot May 2023

And, when he did, his first words, whilst shaking my hand, were, ‘Look! I’ve had a shave!’

Michael, I should say, is extremely good at his job - and an absolute sweetie!

At this stage, it’s worth mentioning that this particular photo-shoot was a ‘first’ for all three of us. 

I’d never had a cover created this way.

Larry usually works with publishers and had therefore never previously had an author attend one of his shoots.

And Michael, having never modelled for a book cover, found the whole thing exciting.

However, returning to the day of the shoot … our first task was to get Michael into costume. And certain parts of 18th century male clothing are notoriously tricky – most notably, the cravat. 

But with Terry’s help (and although poor Michael was nearly strangled in the process!) Lord Hazelmere emerged looking very different to the way he had when he’d walked in an hour ago. 

Meanwhile, here are the ‘team photos’ from both Shadow and Masque – with me looking (and feeling!) like a hobbit.

The Shadow Earl team photo May 2023

Masque of Deceptions team photo May 2024

The Shadow Earl minus typography

The final book cover - Welcome Kit