Cover by Misha Van Tol
Midnight. Pillow. Bedside. Slumberous words. Soft, comfy linen in calm, neutral colors. What could be more sleep inducing? Even the author’s name is, well, gray. But there are some culprits here that mess up the somnolent mood. One is the word “tales,” which suggests intrigue, mystery, suspense, especially since it involves a bed—at midnight. Another is the pillow’s rakish angle, which is extremely active and suggestive, too, in a Hitchcock kind of way. And Mr. Graye? His bland countenance is betrayed by that rogue, ending e, which suggests, if not an exotic lineage, at least a British one, á la Sherlock Holmes.
Midnight. Pillow. Bedside. Slumberous words. Soft, comfy linen in calm, neutral colors. What could be more sleep inducing? Even the author’s name is, well, gray. But there are some culprits here that mess up the somnolent mood. One is the word “tales,” which suggests intrigue, mystery, suspense, especially since it involves a bed—at midnight. Another is the pillow’s rakish angle, which is extremely active and suggestive, too, in a Hitchcock kind of way. And Mr. Graye? His bland countenance is betrayed by that rogue, ending e, which suggests, if not an exotic lineage, at least a British one, á la Sherlock Holmes.
Watch those lines
The pillow’s not moving, but your eye sure is! All lines create motion. Angled lines create fast motion, which is great for skateboarding but not for sleeping. It does, however, bring up a useful technique . . .
The pillow’s not moving, but your eye sure is! All lines create motion. Angled lines create fast motion, which is great for skateboarding but not for sleeping. It does, however, bring up a useful technique . . .
Angles are active . . .
To generate tension, followed by excitement, all you have to do is make an angle. It’s unsteady — will it tip? — and all those triangles create converging lines, which move the eye rapidly from wide to narrow. Need more excitement? Add more angles!
Neutral colors
Neutral palette is all soft edges and quiet colors, beautiful without being arousing. An A for this part. Watch those lines Angles are active Neutral colors
Neutral palette is all soft edges and quiet colors, beautiful without being arousing. An A for this part. Watch those lines Angles are active Neutral colors
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