When we read, we form pictures in our heads. I think that’s one reason it’s sometimes hard to see movies of our favorite books. They have the potential to interfere with the beloved images generated by our imagination.
Still, I love the idea of illustrating my books (or seeing them on the small/big screen). When I’m writing, I often save photos of actors/models who I think look like my characters. You can see some of these inspirations on my Pinterest site, where these cards will probably end up, too.
Lately I’ve been obsessed with my ongoing series, the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, and I love playing with Wombo Dream AI app, trying to achieve something close to how I picture the characters in my head. I end up with dozens or hundreds of iterations and pick and choose. I must have hundreds of versions of Pepper by now; you can see a few in the image up top.
I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the best, so I mocked up virtual trading cards, touching them up a bit with Photoshop. (Man, AI “art” loves adding extra fingers and arms. You might still spot oddities.) What do you think? I may do more as inspiration hits me. (And as inspiration hits the machine.)
By the way, I write my books myself. I just thought you should know that. I talk about some of the issues surrounding AI on my alter ego’s blog if you want to check it out.
I’m working on Shocked by Champagne, Book 6. In case you missed it, Beguiled by Bourbon is the latest book in the series, and I also recently published the Bohemia Bartenders Cocktail Coloring Book.
And now … Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries virtual trading cards! Click on a gallery image to see it at a larger size or view them as a slide show (the captions are not part of the virtual card).
Do they come close to how you pictured any of the characters? Whose card should I do next?
Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries cast of characters
