My first job in publishing was at a very small press, then called TSAR Publications, where I did a little bit of everything, but discovered my interest in book design. I did several book covers while I was there, and others on a freelance basis after leaving. I am very happy to be designing again for a small but established press.

The cover is a bit literal, as the character takes a drug as red powder in her tea, but it works well. The gold is for wealth she both craves and resents. I probably looked at a million photos of teacups and spoons, but this one was perfect.

I did however want to complete the image by having the "red powder" itself - in this case a spoonful of paprika I photographed on a different spoon then carefully edited onto the image. Worked out pretty well.