Before I tackle this month’s question and Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , I must give you my usual writing-health report.

Writing one-handed through pain and med-induced drowsiness, is now exacerbated by using the second arm/hand to massage or lift myself.

Hence snail progress… or, apologies, none. Thus, this post is delayed… and nearly missed the deadline.

Ukraine is still my priority – see yesterday’s post: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/01/31/wep-iwsg-challenge-resolve/

Plus. February’s WEP-IWSG’s Challenge entry will happen.

Slava Ukrayini

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Every month, IWSG 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. 

Remember, the question is optional!

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?

I’ve only has one publication requiring a cover, as shorts have a collection cover.

Spiral of Hooves was released as an e-book on Monday, December 9^th, 2013, by Spectacle Publishing. The cover was designed in-house. Although, I made some initial suggestions, the final product was not as expected. I had envisaged bloody hoofprints in snow, not hoofprints at night in sand or snow. Some say it works.

When I got the rights back, I corrected the text in a few places. I found Jonathan Temples, a cover designer in Northern Ireland, who did designs for one of my favourite thriller writers. He worked closely with me and a photographer friend. Jonathan produced a front & back cover I’m extremely pleased with… as well as matching bookmarks. So, I published this second edition with CreateSpace on Monday, August 7th, 2017, in paperback and on Kindle.

Whenever, if ever. Fevered Fuse, my police procedural set in Snowdonia, gets published I want to work with Jonathan Temples again. Of course, that depends on the publisher. At least, I can recommend him, and submit the initial drawing he did for the graphic novel concept.

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The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray,Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Gwen Gardner!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

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

Purpose: 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!