March IWSG Post and Author Envy

 

I started my second adult novel on 1^st January 2023. So far, I have written just 21,011 words in two months. Not much, but I’m consoling myself that I had several functions to attend in the past two months. I was also invited to be the Chief Guest for the Annual Primary Day Celebrations of New Horizon Public School. What had made me anxious was that I had to give a speech to 1000 parents and 500 students who would be performing in the various acts. I managed to give my speech. Once I started talking, my nervousness went out of the window. The show was spectacular, the dances wonderful and the costumes beautiful. I felt so pampered with all the attention showered on me.

The third IWSG of the year has rolled into view. IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) writers post on the first Wednesday of every month. IWSG is the brainchild of Amazon best-selling author Alex J Cavanaugh. Do drop in to the IWSG website to read some amazing posts.

The awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of IWSG are Dierdre Knight, Tonya Drecker, Bish Denham, Olga Godim and JQ Rose!

 

March 1 question - Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?

In fact every time I read an award winning book, I have a serious case of author envy. Quite a few books I read in the last few months have made me sigh at the clever plot twists. Last week I read Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas. I loved the book, especially Maverick Carter’s character. I hope someday someone will envy me for my writing and books.

Do you all have author envy?

 

IWSG Post and Book Covers

 

I have a lot of plans for 2023. Both personal and professional, and luckily for me I’ve started putting the plans into action. I did a 21- day Yoga challenge from January 2^nd to 22^nd and trust me, it was wonderful. I feel fitter and more flexible. I feel it’s time for me to explore and do many different things in life. I’m excited about all the things I want to do.

I can’t believe that we are already in the second month of the year. It’s time for another IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG was started by Alex J Cavanaugh, the author of amazing books :  CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. He has also been instrumental in building the wonderful IWSG website.

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

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?

So far, I have been traditionally published and all my publishers have taken my inputs into consideration regarding my book covers. In fact last year I wasn’t happy with two of my book covers, the publishers obliged by getting a different cover done. A cover is the first thing a reader sees, and a bad cover will never attract a reader. I’m lucky that my publishers/editors take my opinion regarding my book covers and that we are on the same page regarding book covers.

What about you all?

 

 

My January IWSG Post and Words of the Year

 

Welcome 2023. I have big plans for you. Happy New Year to all of you.

I’m excited to see what 2023 has in store for me. 2022 was super in many ways. I had four books released last year and I signed contracts for a few more. I’m hoping this year will be even better.

Its time for the first IWSG of the new year. I thank Alex J Cavanaugh for starting IWSG and providing us writers with a platform and a place to hang out online. A man of many talents, a warm and extremely helpful human, Alex is a rockstar in many ways. He has authored some amazing bestsellers:  CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. He has also been instrumental in building the wonderful IWSG website.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aquirre and T. Powell Coltrin.

January 4 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 finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year was 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 have two words for 2023. Conquer and Explore. Conquer my fears. And Explore new terrain, both personally and professionally. I already put the process for both in motion, in the last month of last year. Looking forward to seeing where this takes me.

What about you all? What’s your word for 2023. Or like me do you have two words?