GIP

[desertvixen]

 After playing with my editing program (and my newer scanner, and figuring out how to get rid of the grainy look of some images), I've updated one of my most commonly used icons.  The newer version is brighter and crisper, and I like it.

 As originally stated, the adjectives in the icon are meant to apply to the couple, and have nothing to do with which half of the couple they're over.  Because then the icon would say "Sexy and Smart".

 For comparison, here is the original:



DV

Comments

[lilytree.livejournal.com]

*sheepish* Who is the couple? I think it's Nancy, is that Ned with her?

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

Nancy and Frank Hardy.

It's the cover of one of the SuperMysteries.

Stay tuned for the next updated one.

I guess this would be the part where I admit I write ND/HB fanfic...

DV

[lilytree.livejournal.com]

pssst. You've admitted that before. ;)

I've never really read any of the hardy boys....but now you're going to force me to read your stuff in ND ;) *shakes fist* like I need another fandom!

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

:: cue evil laugh ::

My work is done.

Like *I* needed another fandom...

DV

[lilytree.livejournal.com]

Ok. So say I wanted to read a few books that went along with your first story. What would you suggest and are they hard to find? *LOL*

No, I am not writing a thesis on this subject...

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

Depending on which source you use, not too hard.

Local UBS might have some, or there's always Amazon. A lot of the SuperMystery titles go for under $5 plus shipping.

The one that the bathing suit icon comes from is Shock Waves (takes place on Padre Island during Spring Break) and is pretty good. A couple others that aren't too expensive and good are: A Crime for Christmas (really good), High Survival (not so much on the shippy aspect, but a fun read), The Last Resort has the one of the most-referred to scenes in N/F ships (the we're-about-to-die-probably kiss), Hits and Misses is fairly good, Dangerous Games is one of the better early ones, IMO, and seems to be pretty available. A Question of Guilt is good, but on the expensive side. Secrets of the Nile is also on the expensive side, but is the source of any Egypt refs. Exhibition of Evil is one of the later ones, and it feels like they're messing with the N/F crowd because they're very friendly and touchy-feely.

The big basic you need to take away is: Nancy and Frank would make a great couple, if it weren't for that whole dating-other-people thing. There's a fair amount of what you could call UST and they're mostly from Nancy's POV because they were more aimed at the girls.

DV

Re: No, I am not writing a thesis on this subject...

[lilytree.livejournal.com]

hmmmm. Yeah, I will have to reread some books to decide whether I like the NN or FH thing. Of course I like your story featuring N/F, but previously, all the ND I'd read was strictly ND, no hardy boys.

I'll have to check out the local UBS....

[norabombay.livejournal.com]

I like-

If you ever feel lazy, ase has an icon making problem. She'd be happy to make them if you give her the text and the base picture.

Does great stuff too.

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

I have some of her work, actually, the Bujold stuff.

It is pretty spiffy - thanks for the tip.

DV

[norabombay.livejournal.com]

I've done many a late night icon run with her- ase! I need a icon. Of xyz.

This is the advantage of RL friends :)

[darksakura.livejournal.com]

The touched up icons are looking quite a bit better!

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

Yes, my newer (Canon LIDE 90) has a magazine setting which works much better for the book covers. Also playing around with PhotoStudio and increasing the saturation a little to brighten them.

The only thing is, to do text in different colors to make it pop a little more, I'd have to do separate layers. And that seems like a bit much hassle.

DV