IWSG: Covers, Decisions, and More . . .

We're driving south from Spokane, all the way to Las Cruces, New Mexico, the car loaded with all we will need for the next two months. I can report that in the last week, I have survived the freeways of Los Angeles and Phoenix (7 lanes in one direction). Are you surprised that not much writing got done? We're one day away from peace and quiet in our temporary home. 

Meanwhile, that first Weds brings IWSG's challenge question:

February 1 question:  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? As a frugal indie writer, I can only report that I've experimented with making my own and purchasing them. I really do prefer making my own! Book Brush is currently my favorite and a very useful resource in making covers and marketing images. 

I began by studying best selling authors of historical fiction. For example, Edward Rutherfurd uses primarily landscapes in his best sellers. But, what truly appeals to readers? 

My current thinking is that even historical fiction is character driven. Despite the when and where, we want to find out what happens to those characters we fall in love with. So, as you can see from the header above, my historical fiction series features the faces of intrepid women.

I'm still undecided about which cover to use for that relatively new art crime mystery series. Should I use a cover that shows the main characters or one that links to the setting? 

The Seventh Tapestry begins with the discovery of a seventh tapestry that belongs to that very famous lady and the unicorn set of tapestries currently displayed at the Cluny Museum in Paris. Yet, once the tapestry goes missing, the story is about art crime and the two investigators who try to track down what's behind art thefts and a murder. 

So, currently, I'm undecided. Which book would you pick up in a bookstore or click on if you were online? And why? 

IWSG's question this month should lead to some interesting reading!

The purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link your name to this page and display the IWSG badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

With special thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting IWSG and to the awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Gwen Gardner! 

Why not visit our hosts to see what they're up to this month!

And may February bring you many new words!