Hi Reader,

A quick update on the Dead Strays book cover vote.

As I mentioned last time, Dead Strays is a crime-horror-thriller, based on my award-winning screenplay, about a group of casino robbers forced to hide out in a rural mansion, only to run afoul of two reclusive sisters and the demonic force that binds them to the house.

First, thank you to everyone who took the time to make their choice. The response has been great, and the race is really close.

Right now, Cover A has a slight lead over Cover B.

What has surprised me even more is how many of you have messaged me outside the poll to explain why you prefer one over the other.

That feedback has been incredibly helpful, but it's also made the decision harder (honestly, it's a good problem to have).

Both covers seem to be connecting with people for different reasons.

Some of the comments I've received are that A feels more atmospheric, that it evokes a feeling of horror, and that the carrion birds tie in well to the theme of "dead strays" - while B feels more cinematic, that it leans in more to the crime genre, and the men in the image give off a decidedly Reservoir Dogs vibe.

I heard this last comment several times, and take it as a real compliment, even if it was unintentional. Tarantino is one of my favorite storytellers, and I've had my work compared to him before, along with Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, Raymond Chandler, and a few other personal heroes. It's always an honor when it happens.

And honestly, your comments and messages are exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to get!

A book cover has to do a lot of work very quickly. It needs to grab attention, suggest tone, and give readers a sense of the story before they ever read the first page.

And when two different covers are both doing that well... it makes for a difficult decision.

So I’m going to let the votes sit a little longer before making the final call, and if you haven't cast a vote yet, please do! I want to hear from as many of you as I can.

Vote here:

Which cover do you prefer? Cover A Cover B

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to vote, comment, or send me a message.

I really appreciate being able to bring you into the process!

Need help with your story?

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Until next time - keep writing, and stay creative!

Neil

​

P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!

Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel​

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