Today’s the day for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) where, on the first Wednesday of every month, writers get together to share their insecurities and offer encouragement. The IWSG was created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, and you can learn all about it and sign up for it here. 
I had hoped to be celebrating my book release at this point in February, but unfortunately, things are not working out as planned. Between the communication issues and the variety of problems my cover designer is having, the cover still isn’t done.
I feel bad for her, as it’s been one thing after another — things breaking down, computer crashes, kids getting sick. Dealing with life’s snarls is obviously more important than publishing a book, but, man, it is frustrating to be so close and not be able to get there.
So for now, I’m sending positive thoughts and energy her way in hopes that it might help smooth things out on her end. After all that’s happened, she deserves a break! And it’s a great lesson in patience for me.
Is anybody else out there playing the waiting game?
© Lori L. MacLaughlin and Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams, 2015. All rights reserved.
Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams 
I am waiting on myself to get it together, so I get done what needs to be done, before the end of the month. Congrats on the book release and sorry about the delay on your cover. Wishing much luck and clear skies,
Juneta at Writer’s Gambit
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Thanks! Ha, yes, sometimes I have that problem, too.
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The waiting really is the hardest part!
Play off the Page
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I so agree!
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I’m waiting on a response for a full. Uh…but in between I can imagine good things. =)
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Oh, that really keeps you on pins and needles. Seems like forever. Good luck with it!
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I’ll add my positive thoughts her way for you. Hope it helps and you have a smashing cover soon. I think most of writing is a waiting game once the writing itself is done. I always put my WIP aside for 3-4 weeks after I write the last word. Then, I do my own edit. Then, I wait for beta comments and critique partner thoughts. Then, I go through editing and wait for those (at least twice through). Then cover design… and on and on. But it’s all so worth it!
My IWSG Post
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Thank you! You’re right, that’s so true. There is a lot of waiting involved in so many aspects of writing and publishing. Wouldn’t it be great if we could turn all that waiting into profit? 🙂
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Hope everything smoothes out and that your cover is brilliant!
Publishing is definitely a waiting game. Next to perseverance, patience is the number one requirement for any writer. My novel went to my publisher in April 2013. It will be published in June 2015. To be honest, I can barely remember the book.
VR Barkowski
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Thank you! Wow, if I had to wait that long for my book to be published, I think I’d go nuts. You definitely have more patience than I do.
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Sorry to hear about that Lori. Hope things look up for your designer soon and you can get that book out. Good luck!
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I hope so, too. Thanks!
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I’ve played the waiting game. I hope your designer’s life regains some order and you get your cover!
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Thanks, Loni. I’m hoping it will be sooner, rather than later.
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No, not waiting just now. I’m not sure what I prefer waiting or rejections. Now those I have. Good luck with the cover. I’m sure it will work out just fine in the end. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
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That would be a tough choice. Neither are any fun. Thanks! I’m sure it will, too. I just need to give it a little more time.
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That definitely sounds frustrating. You’re being more patient than I might be able to! Good luck with everything.
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Thanks! I’m hopeful that it won’t be too much longer.
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I’m sorry! I hope she is able to finish it soon.
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Thanks, Alex. Me, too!
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I’m not good at patience, even though I know it is in my best interest. And I always fell like I’m waiting for something – everything.
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Patience is one of those things that’s learned the hard way. I just wish it didn’t have to be practiced so often.
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I’ve been exactly where you are, Lori. Last year, I kept waiting and waiting for my cover. I felt like I let my readers down. I’m not very good at waiting.
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It feels like you’ve been building up to a grand finale and then everything falls flat because you don’t have that last piece. I’d just like to get it done.
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Oh that must be tough. Waiting is so hard, but thing will work out soon (I hope). Good luck getting it out soon!
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Thank you! I know I’ll get there.
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Ah, the waiting game… We all hate it. Hope things turn around for you pretty soon!
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Thank you, and thanks for stopping by!
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I really hate the waiting game. I’d get impatient sometimes and eventually start stalking submittable for replies (did that already today). I realize that there’s usually the 2-3 months or more waiting submission period but I just can’t help it… Hoping everything works out for you and your cover designer.
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Thanks! I agree, 2-3 months seems like an impossibly long time to be patient.
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Send her our best! I’m KIND OF in the waiting game, but not the big one. Think of it more as you’re just on PAUSE, instead of not reaching the finish. 🙂
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Ha, yes, that’s a good way to think of it. Thanks!
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Every time I’ve been forced to wait for something, the end result turned out much better than I expected. Don’t worry, you’re going to do terrific!
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Thanks, Lexa! That’s an encouraging thought.
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I’m always playing the waiting game to some extent…waiting to hear back from agents and editors, waiting for my book to be published in May…
I think the only cure is throwing ourselves into another project! Hope your cover designer is feeling better soon.
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Yes, it seems like there’s always something to keep us waiting. Best of luck with your upcoming book release!
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The only way I survive those times is to try and do something else while waiting! Good luck, Lori. 🙂
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Thanks, Sue! I’m glad that I have a lot of other things to do. Otherwise, I’d be going nuts. 🙂
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I hope the designer is feeling better. I’m waiting to hear back on submissions.
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That always seems to take forever, too. Hope you hear back soon!
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