The Empty City Cover

As part of my interview exchange with Berit, she asked me to pick out one of my photos/images that I would have used as the cover for The Empty City. I am honoured by this request. Though it was very tough as the original cover is ideal for Berit's story. I also have few very photos of cities, preferring landscapes. So I thought about the idea of silence and have chosen two covers. My first cover reflects a space where one may connect with silence and begin that journey of being unpicked by it. My second cover represents a city at night.

The original cover by Michele Pandini and Wandeclayt M., design: Tom Brierley:

I like this cover a lot, the crisp clinical futuristic buildings and sharp colours and reflections appear serene on the outside, whilst hiding the internal noise. The font is also ideal, with the disconnected Es. I would buy The Empty City on the strength of this cover alone.

My first cover:

I have removed the city and replaced it with a space for reflecting, a place to unpick that internal noise. The steps represents this courageous journey.

My Second Cover:

At night the business district of cities often remain lit despite being empty, they can appear beautiful, but are also an ugly waste of energy; it is the perspective we create that influences how we connect with that space, allowing or blocking the surrounding silence.

It has been enjoyable to engage with a fellow writer's work and offer my perspective.

I highly recommend the The Empty City to you, it fascinates me. You can read the beginning chapters at The Empty City, where you can also buy a copy.