Got It Covered by Mary Simonsen
Have you ever felt that everyone is more talented than you? I have lived in four states (NJ, TX, MD, and AZ), and in each of them, I had an uber talented friend. Their capabilities ranged from laying tile to sewing a ball gown that was prettier than Belle’s in The Beauty and the Beast.
When I was growing up in New Jersey, I lived in a two-bedroom apartment with seven other people. There was neither the money nor space to develop some latent talent. I guess I could have learned to play the flute, but my sisters would have probably ripped it out of my pudgy hands. When I married Paul, I found that my husband was handyman extraordinaire. In our 36 years together, we have had only one serviceman in our house, and that was to fix the refrigerator. When my girls were little, I once made birthday cupcakes that looked like carousels. I put four cut-up straws into the cupcake, topped it off with a chocolate chip cookie, and stuck a little horse into the center of the cake. When people admired my efforts, I was thrilled. This was actually a big deal for me.
Being surrounded by talented people can give you an inferiority complex. With the advent of the home computer, I noticed that I was getting more and more computer-generated birthday and Christmas cards, and they were all so darn clever (especially you Janeites—you make great Christmas cards). In recent years, people have started to self-publish their novels, and some of their covers were gorgeous. Because I was now self-publishing my own stories, I decided to give it a try. Ugh! The program was so difficult, and I had no sense of color or placement or fill in the blank. What emerged were some pretty basic covers. But then I said, “Listen, Mary, you can do this. Read the directions!” And so I spent hours learning the ins and outs of my cover program. Voila! I found that I could make a pretty decent cover. I was so pleased with Darcy Goes to War that I went back and redid a lot of my covers. My latest effort is for my upcoming novel, When They Fall in Love, a Pride and Prejudice re-imagining where Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Italy several years after his failed proposal at Hunsford. 
I hope you like the cover for When They Fall in Love. The novel should launch sometime in March. So what are your talents? Did they come easily or, like me, did you have to really go at it? I would love to hear from you.
Mary Simonsen
Mary Simonsen is the author of several Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen re-imaginings. She is also the author of two British police procedurals, A Killing in Kensington and Three's a Crowd.
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Nice cover
Talents..I have none :/ My friend once told me I read fast, but that is not a talent
I disagree. You are a talented blogger.
Mary, I am convinced I have no talent at all.
I cannot paint or draw, I have never mastered an instrument, though I tried as a child (I wish I could play the piano, but I’ve yet to afford lessons and certainly don’t have room at home for one of my own), I can’t sing or dance (though if I’ve had a glass a wine, my courage increases in both these; sadly, my ability does not improve in tandem!)
I was useless at every sport at school and therefore have little interest in it as an adult. My only active ‘hobby’ is to go walking (and I mean long walks – 12 miles or so at a time), but this can hardly be called a talent.
I can stitch a fallen hem or sew on a button, but could never make a dress from a pattern; I can cook moderately well, but entertaining always stresses me out so much that something invariably goes horribly wrong… I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture.
I am absolutely quivering with anxiety, as I am about to self publish my first novel later this month, so I totally empathise. More so than anywhere, in the Jane Austen community, one is so surrounded by the most amazing talent, it’s harder than ever to share your own efforts.
As for your covers, they are just gorgeous. Both of them are beautiful, the colours so rich – you should be proud of your talent, especially when you have worked so hard for it. That is a real achievement over something that comes naturally to you. Well done, and I wish you lots of luck with the new release! It sounds really interesting and I look forward to hearing more about it in the run up to it coming out in March.
Cassie
Cassie, If you can walk 12 miles, that is about eight miles more than I can walk, so kudos to you.
Mary, I think it’s so sad that you saw yourself like that-I think it’s pretty obvious to everyone else how talented you are. Not only are you a brilliant and prolific writer in several genres and a fabulous designer of wonderful book covers but you are a beautiful, generous person who always goes out of their way to make others feel talented. Separated as we are by great expanses of water, I wish I knew you better because those are only the talents I know about-I know you have many more.
I always look up to you-wishing I could write as well, connect with readers like you do, and produce such amazing work-yes, I totally understand that feeling that others are more talented, but I think you should know that you are indeed one incredible lady. Don’t ever forget that!!!
Jane, Thank you so much. If I ever need an ego boost, I’ll reread your post. In my family, I was known as the funny sister (one of six), but it wasn’t until I was in my 30s before I felt comfortable breaking out of my shell. When I started writing, I was out there on my own, and what a lonely feeling it was. So if I can help others, then I am happy to do so.
I think sometimes our talents are latent until we need them the most- and then that’s just sheer determination and necessity like when you created your covers. Other talents just need opportunity to develop.
When it comes to my talents, my parents bought me a piano and paid for music lessons and then they helped me pay for college to get my teaching degree. Any talent I have is because someone else gifted me the opportunity to develop it.
I too, have many multiple gifted friends and they have big enough hearts that share what they can do with the rest of us.
Look forward to the new book! Lovely cover!
I am in awe of people who master an instrument. I can barely play chopsticks.
Well, I think you are one heck of a talented person, Mary!
It is so easy to become caught up in one’s failures (real or perceived) and fail to see just how amazing we each are. But, alas, I guess that is the nature of the comparison game.
I think at times it is fear that keeps us from seeing our real talents and potential; however, we then become friends with such fabulous people who see that potential in us and help nurture and cultivate that!
Darcy Goes to War is one of my favorite covers you designed! That is one thing I enjoy about your books: how well your covers connect to your stories.
Hi Jakki. It’s true that it’s easier to see the potential in others. (I’m talking to you, Jakki.) The risk of failure or embarrassment has held me back, but that’s the beauty of getting older. You come to understand that all those people whom you thought were watching you, really aren’t, and that frees you up to do other things–that and a glass of wine.
I feel your pain but mine is a little different. I have limited to no talent but I married into a family of extremely handy/talented people. My husband can do everything from wire electrical (properly to code) to fixing a hybrid car( his technical career) to building an addition to our home (properly to code). Crazy.
My mom in law is McGyver with everything homemaker but also with everything money and tax related. I can barely balance my online bank acct, lol.
My dad in law, let’s just say I see where my husband got it all. Brilliance runs in the family and then here I am. I have no particular talent to astound and confound the masses. I have no skills to set the tables on a roar. It tends to put your life in rather harsh perspective. I would say that if I had any talent/gift it would be my natural exuberance and zest. such a sunny disposition is required to stay afloat in a family such as mine.
Dianna, I was in the same situation with an exceptionally gifted husband–mechanically, at least. Why is this handsome, talented person attracted to little ole’ me? And I realized that I bring out the best in him and vice versa. I often ask my husband why he fell in love with me, and he says because I make him laugh. If you are the sunshine in your family, that’s probably very welcomed.
they are beautiful covers……
sometimes we just have to “dig out” our talents. finding the times and patience is often a hurdle.
Sheila, Digging out talent – so true. I didn’t write a novel until I was 55!
I like the cover for your new novel. It’s very well done.
I’m not a very creative person so any talent that I have or used to have is the result of practice. I used to play the piano when I was young until I lost interest in it. I can sing a little if I put my mind to it. I did join my church’s caroling team for a year where we bring some cheer to shoppers, children and old folks alike. I’m quite good at cross-stitching but don’t have the time to pursue it now. I think I need to push myself a bit.
But you learned English! Not the easiest of languages. And you write a blog in English! I am in awe of your talent to do that.
Thank you, Mary. I’m not native speaker for English but my family mostly converse in English which makes it my first language. Living in a multicultural and multiracial society, I can speak Bahasa Malaysia (national language of Malaysia, that’s where I live), English (lingua franca of the world) and Cantonese (my mother tongue).
If you can keep 3 languages in your head, I’m very impressed.
Hmmm….Mary, I will argue that you are very talented. I have read every book you’ve written and will say you’re talented!! The covers are lovely too! As for me, from the time I was really small, I baked with my Gram and now I’m pretty fair at it and my retirement plan includes a bakery.
But that’s it. I can’t sew, paint, draw, I work really hard not to hurt myself when I have to do manual labor…etc. I usually just bake cookies or something and “pay” someone else to do that stuff. 
Stephanie, Thanks for your support of my work. Although I have never met you, I know that you are a sweet, kind-hearted person. I would love to meet you.
I grew up next to a brother that everything he touched turned to gold, so I definetly have a complex. I am to able do several things but I am not sure what I do really well. i have had my hand in a lot of different pots ex: piano, art, computer hardware and software, crochet the list goes on but i have not found that one thing yet. I was terrible at the first two. Computers I am handy but ehh.
Like the cover to your new book!
Hi Suze! Being able to do a lot of different things is really important. It’s what keeps the family going. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m convinced that the Furies are the only real gods from the Roman pantheon, & they live inside my head. Being gods, I imagine they live inside everyone’s heads.
Good thing we’ve got great friends to remind us that we have talents to share. Can’t wait for the new book – cover and all!
Angie, I am amazed by your creativity, but more than that, by your generous personality. I haven’t met you, but I bet you give everyone big hugs–and I mean big!
She does. I got one! And I’m no Mary Simonsen.
I knew it!
Dear Mary, your covers are beyond beautiful and you are definitely talented. You are being way harsh on yourself. Although I have never met you, I have a peculiar feeling that you are a warm, funny and really amazing person just by judging from your novels and personal musings. I am glad I found your blog.
Thanks, Aurora. That was very kind. I do consider myself to be warm and funny, but can only hope for amazing.
Oh Mary… I’m totally awed by your writing talent. As you are aware, I’ve enjoyed every book of yours that I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. You are amazing.
When you first asked us about our own talents, my first thought was to say I don’t have any. But then I saw some of the other posts and thought… yeah, I’ve often been complimented on my voice. When I was young, I was even in choir but nowadays it’s just at church. I gave it up in high school. I always wanted to play an instrument so when my mom bought a flute for me at a garage sale I started playing it in high school (that’s why I wasn’t in choir — I only had room for one elective and had always wanted to play an instrument and read music). I’m not very good at playing the flute but whatever. Not certain looking back on it if that was the smartest move to give up something I did pretty well for something I didn’t do well at all but I wanted to learn so I did. I wouldn’t call myself musically ‘talented’ but I’ve studied and understand it. LOL!
Hmmm…. yeah, I don’t know. Right now I guess I’m just trying to be the best mom and wife I can be. No particular talent there either but I do try. I guess I’m like all those other mom’s out there, just trying to give my kids all those things I never had growing up. You know what I mean.
I do know what you mean. Being a mother is the most important and hardest job in the world. If you don’t get that right, then there’s a good chance that anything that comes after will not be right either. When I was home with my girls, I had low self esteem, but now that they are grown, and I see how well they have turned out, I can honestly give myself a pat on the back and say “well done.”
Mary! You are such a talented writer!! And I LOVE your new cover! Gorgeous! I’m sure you have talents I don’t even know about – ha, and maybe you don’t know you possess them either!
Can’t wait for your new book! It sounds delightful!
Hey Candy! Good to hear from Sunny SoCal. You’re living the life.
Beautiful blog. Beautiful nook cover. Beautiful author
I meant book cover… shows what kind of proof reading talent I have
Thanks, Amy, for your kind words.
I am prodigiously talented at sarcasm and procrastination. That’s it! Lol I used to play an instrument and that came somewhat easy to me, along with academics. I wish I was more creative and crafty and artistic.
I love the new cover and am excited you have a new book coming out soon. I’m so curious how they both ended up in Italy and how they spent their time apart. You are so prolific and I love the sense of humor that comes through in your writing.
Thanks, Monica, for your kind words. I, too, have a talent for sarcasm. I know that you’re a great JA fan and a wonderful aunt.
Hey Mary! You are awesome! I love all of your books and your self-publishing is an inspiration to so many. Music has always come easy for me, but I am by no means up there with the greats. I love what I do and if I can help someone else through my teaching or inspire someone with a song, then I am happy. As for writing. . . well I love my plot for “Darcy’s Melody,” but I am no Mozart when it comes to putting it down in print. Still, I have been having a wonderful time working on that story and after I finish a few more re-writes (LOL) I’ll probably post it on the D&L forum. Just chipping away at my story gives me the greatest respect for all of you who put your work out their for all of us to read. Thanks as always. Jen Red
You have a lovely voice, and I appreciate you sharing your talent with me.
Well, I guess it sort of depends how you define talent… as a big fan of your writing/books (can I call my being a fan of JAFF, a “talent?”) I would argue you definitely have an amazing talent, and I personally think that anyone who does something so creative (writing and designing book covers) has a certain sort of bravery — that’s putting part of your self really out there. Looking forward to your new book!
Thank you, Kathy. Your love of JAFF shows you have excellent taste.
Mary, I think you did a lovely job on your book cover, and I have no doubt the story inside will be just as wonderful
.
Thanks, Marilyn.
You’re a very talented writer and now a cover designer! Love the new cover. Here is was thinking I’d caught up in buying your Austenesque books with my Xmas gift cards and you already have another coming out! I’m excited about D&E in Italy!
Thanks, Anna. This story is really coming slow. I have the first draft, but it requires more editing and additions than I’m used to. But I’ll keep at it.
You are a great writer, which is more than I can say for myself. I’ve tried it and it takes a lot of imagination to come up with names and plots, and not to forget research so you can be historically correct. I am, though, pretty good with needle and thread. I always liked lady-like pursuits so I made it a goal to become good at hand embroidery (not machine mind you), which led to hand quilting, and then beadweaving. I am now trying to get my mom to teach me how to knit which has been my nemesis for years.
Thanks, Karana. I can’t do needlework. I can’t do anything “tiny.” I had to drop out of a bookkeeping class in h.s. b/c of the little boxes. I can knit scarves!
not sure if it’s considered a talent, but when i become interested in something, i’m like a dog with a bone……i try to learn all i can about it, which can lead to quite an obsession!!! LOL!!!!!
Mary, I do like your cover – very nice job! (You already know I love your books.) Your new mastery is impressive.
I hate struggling with computer programs, too. While graphics are a pleasure to me, HTML is quite the opposite. My husband (who is a brilliant VP of an IT department) once tried to teach me to code. Four years later, neither of us have recovered from the ordeal. Needless to say, I have a very simple website hosted by weebly.com, and far fewer headaches to boot.
Your tale is why I pay Rebecca Young to do my covers. Great job, Mary!