This was my watercolor sketch as I worked out the concept for the cover art. While I usually reserve watercolor for my sketchbooks, I thought its spontaneity suited the whimsical nature of the illustration. Hopefully, it conveys fun and laughter ahead, balancing some of the more serious reflections in the book.
Still, I’ve wondered—does this cover make people think it’s a lighthearted children’s book? Choosing a new book to read can be tricky, often dictated by mood or quick first impressions. I know I’ve skipped over countless titles and covers, convinced they weren’t for me. But how many stories have I missed that I might have actually loved?
Not to mislead—there are sad places in Sea Horses in the Olive Jar. At its heart, it’s about longing, loss, and all the absurd things we do to survive them. But don’t worry—Dervish won’t let anyone get too sentimental without throwing in a well-timed insult or an ill-advised business venture.
