Book Cover Junkie Interviews Historical Fantasy Author Kenneth A. Baldwin

Kenneth A. Baldwin writes stories that blur the lines between history, magic, dreams, and reality. He loves finding oddities in history books with unbelievable tales or unexplained phenomena. His first series, The Luella Winthrop Trilogy, takes place during just such a time when late 19th-century Victorians struggled to balance a surge of occultism and never-before-seen scientific advancements.

Before he started writing novels, Kenny paid his way through law school by writing, performing, and teaching humor. You can still catch him on stage or in corners of the Internet that feature sketch and improv comedy. Now, he lives nestled under the Wasatch Mountains with his wonderful wife, sons, and Golden Retriever.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ www.kennethabaldwin.com 

X ➜ http://www.x.com/kennethabaldwin 

Facebook ➜ www.facebook.com/kennethabaldwin 

Goodreads ➜ www.goodreads.com/kennethabaldwin  

Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it?

My book is a love letter to historical fantasy and WW1 aviation. During COVID, I got my hands on the diary of the captain of a volunteer American fighter squadron that called themselves the Lafayette Escadrille. They flew missions for France before the United States entered the war, and I became

obsessed. That fighter squadron was this insane blend of celebrity, courage, and crazy during a time period that shaped modern civilization as we know it. I wanted to write a story that celebrated the camaraderie of groups like that one and built a magic system off the courage of WW1 pilots.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

The title of the series, The Shards of Lafayette, is a nod to the squadron I just mentioned. The series is all about tracking down magical devices left behind by pilots, like shards that have broken off from them as they defied death in those faulty airplanes they flew. Drops of Glass refers to a pair of marbles that the protagonist has made to protect her and her best friend. They come to symbolize their relationship.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?

Cover design is so hard. You have to pay homage to the genre, but you also want to stand out. It has to be professional and beautiful so that it catches the eye and readers trust that the story will deliver. For historical fantasy, I needed to portray all of the exciting aspects of WW1 air combat, as well as give off a feeling of fantasy so that people wouldn’t be surprised when magic popped up all the sudden. Dasol, my designer, did a great job at striking that balance. 

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

I took a less conventional approach and contacted a graphic designer I’d worked with at another job. Dasol Jeong is an incredible designer generally, I knew we worked well together, and I was confident that she could adapt to the principles of book cover design without too much trouble. She’s doing the cover for the sequel right now. I’ve designed my own covers, done low-grade contractors, high-grade contractors, and I have to say that working with someone you have confidence in and confidence that you can talk back and forth over feedback is a game changer. 

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

This is important to me because usually my opinion of the cover is different than readers. I send cover options of my books out to my newsletter and let them vote. I’m surprised almost every time by the feedback that comes in. But usually, the mass vote is a better way to gauge how the cover will be received in the wild. Everybody like the color scheme the most, for Drops of Glass. 

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

Keep an open mind. As authors, seeing your creations come to life is exciting. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get attached to certain designs. If you’ve spent a lot on the design, you become even more attached. But if it’s not working, go back to the drawing board. 

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

Just that I’m happy the book cover gives off a cinematic impression because that’s how the story is designed. Everyone talks about great cover design to get a sale, but I also consider the match between the cover and the story of great importance. It’s all part of a journey. With Drops of Glass, I think the cover lets you know pretty well what you’re getting into. I hope that readers find the story just as compelling as Dasol’s art.

The Shards of Lafayette: Drops of Glass Book 1 is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Drops-Glass-Magic-Shards-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B0C42B144X .