Making time to write this monthly post for Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day ties in with this month’s optional question?
July 5 Question: What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started writing?
Don’t rush any stage of the writing process. Make time and take time.
It took me thirteen years to write my debut novel, Spiral of Hooves, which was published in 2013. Republishing the novel in a revised edition – with minor changes to address reviewers’ comments – is taking time. I’m not rushing the process as I’ve learnt that rushing leads to ‘misteaks’.
A part of learning that lesson has been realising why publishers take time releasing a book – editing in all its stages, design including the cover, and setting a publication date etcetera.
Which leads me to the crucial date for the re-release of ‘Spiral of Hooves’ in Kindle and paperback– August 7th – which also happens to be my birthday, taking me further into my 60s.
Cover design by Jonathan Temples. Cover photo by Nick Perry
A note about the new cover. My friends Jane & Nick Perry found and supplied his photo of my other friend Sarah-Jane Brown of Shoestring Eventing which my cover designer Jonathan Temples turned into this great image. There is a great reverse for the paperback as well and this is, in fact, the first paperback edition.
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Purpose of IWSG: 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 to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
The awesome co-hosts for the July 5 posting of the IWSG are Tamara Narayan, Pat Hatt, Patricia Lynne, Juneta Key, and Doreen McGettigan!
Writing Wings 
Congrats on your release date and early Happy Birthday. That must be good luck! Remind me on your release day and I’ll help promote the book!
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Many thanks, Kristina, that will be brilliant.
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Can’t wait to see the final version.
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I think it’s a cool cover.
I got to go back and edit my first book and wow – it’s amazing how much we grow as writers, isn’t it?
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It is amazing, Alex – although I haven’t gone as far as you on the publishing road. Good luck with the editing.
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I think the thing we have both learned is the same patience! Good luck with your book x
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Thanks. Patience is a virtue and a necessity – yes.
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Awesome cover design! I’m looking forward to the release 🙂
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Many thanks, Tony. The date is looming larger.
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Woot for setting a release date! And taking time to make things right is really worth it.
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Thanks, Loni. Glad you agree with ‘taking time’.
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That is a great cove, Roland.
And I completely agree with you. I don’t rush the process either (even if sometimes I feel like I should) because I’ve learned that – especially with novels – every layer of meanign needs to be found, and that doesn’t happen in one pass 😉
But sometimes I wonder: what about us slow writers int his time of rush? We’re supposed to publish several novels a year in order to keep our ‘career’ alive, especially if we are indie. But what if we’re not that kind of writer? If we are not able to churn out a novel every few months?
It’s something that bothers me… though I know I can’t really do anythign about it.
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Agree, Sarah – I am slower than the proverbial tortoise and it could be another 13 years before I get my second novel published = far too slow by modern standards. But I think that is a pace shared with a few authors. We aren’t alone and have some famous names there I think.
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“Don’t rush any stage of the writing process. Make time and take time.” Love that! The cover for your novel is gorgeous 🙂
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Thanks, Ronel, just hoping the cover draws in readers.
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That’s a fantastic cover! I love that your re-release is timed with your birthday. It will definitely be a great day of celebrations 🙂
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Thanks, Ellen. It will be great and frantic – hopefully rewarding too.
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