Intrigue Guide Or How To Book Cover Design (Featuring light, shadow, and figure)

Visuals: A shadowy figure standing with their back to the viewer on a narrow, cobbled street under a dimly lit street lamp. The scene is enveloped in a dark blue hue, with subtle fog adding a sense of mystery and depth. The focus is on the tension between light and shadow, drawing the viewer into the suspenseful setting.

Typography: Elegant serif font for the title, "The Art of Writing Suspense," in stark white, giving it prominence against the dark background. The author’s name, DiAnn Mills, is in a complementary, understated sans-serif font in a lighter blue at the bottom.

Layout: Title at the top center, visually balanced against the shadowy figure below. The author’s name is positioned at the bottom to maintain symmetry and focus. The image of the street scene forms the entire background, creating an immersive atmosphere.

Explanation: This cover concept draws readers in by creating an atmospheric scene that captures the essence of suspense and curiosity. The dark, fog-ensconced street engages readers visually, while the play of light and shadow extends this intrigue. The choice of fonts aids in solidifying the tone; the classic serif for the title evokes a sense of timelessness and seriousness, while the sans-serif for the author’s name ensures readability and modern appeal. The smooth matte finish material enriches the visual experience, reducing glare and allowing the subtle colors to stand out, reflective of suspense's depth and complexity conveyed in DiAnn Mills's guide.