#IWSG How Are You (Book) Covered?

 

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group day! If you'd like to join, GO HERE. 

A million thanks to our host Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts,  Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and me, Gwen Gardner!

This month's optional question is: If you are an indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover? 

I'm primarily an indie author, and there is no way that I make my own covers. I have no talent in that direction. I have a long time relationship with my illustrator, Corona,  who has done all of my covers. She is extremely talented and open to my input. Plus she can make other marketing materials, such as post cards and bookmarks. She illustrated my blog and website headers as well. 

Do you make your own covers? 

Or have input on your traditionally published covers?

#IWSG: 2023 Word of the Year

It's the first posting of the year for Insecure Writer's Support Group. It you'd like to join, go HERE. 

Thanks to our host, Alex Cavanaugh, and this month's co-hosts for keeping this event ongoing: Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and T. Powell Coltrin!

January 4 optional question - Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finish my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

I was texting with a friend on New Year's Day and she asked me about my "word" and shared that her word for 2023 is "release". I replied that that had been my word for the last fifteen years and that I was ready to let it go. *groans at my own joke*

Anyhoo, upon further thought, I chose the word "patience". Until recently I would have said that I am a very patient person. And I am...or I was. But I've found that age-related issues have provided me with new ways to test my patience in a different way. So thank you for that, Universe! *shakes fist*

I'm glad my friend prompted me to choose a word for 2023. I can use it as a way to be more mindful about being patient. 

Did you choose a word this year?

If so, please share! 

Happy New Year, everyone!