Monday, September 14, 2009

The Unexpected Rewards of Being Published


When I decided to publish the script for my play Without A Word in 2007, I asked my friend Robert Parker for the right to use his blue self portrait shown here, for the cover art.  His painting spoke to me, went straight to my heart the first time I saw it.  I knew, it was the right cover for this book.  He enthusiastically said yes and I was deeply grateful.
I could not have anticipated the reader response to this image, and it has been tremendous.  People are drawn to this image, as I was on first seeing it.  If all of my books are displayed, people will first approach this one, often needing to reach out and touch the picture, even if they don't open the book.   Recently, I received a package in the mail, elaborately engineered and masterfully wrapped.  It was this beautiful painting, which now hangs framed in my office directly in front of me, so that I can see it as I work.
Thank you, my friend, for this inspiring gift.  You are an artist of great talent, and I will treasure it always.
Artwork by Robert Parker  Many, many thanks.