Jackets Optional

Not that it’s happened in my area yet, but doesn’t the very name, September make you think of cooler days?  That alone is something to write about, don’t you think? In whatever form the stimulant arises, be it anticipation, longing, or absolute awe, seasonal colors uniquely present invaluable license to fill your heart and thoughts with restorative outlooks of uncomplicated change.  I tend to write a lot of poems – or move the furniture around, this time of year. How about you?

Now that I’m halfway through the revisit, revise, rewrite and rejoice segment of the project I told you about last month, my thoughts have wandered toward the cover. Perhaps it’s too soon to be concerned with what should be the last concern. However, it is the first glimpse readers have into the world of words you’ve created for their enjoyment.

And cover options are apparently endless: Graphics or illustrations, color glossy or black and white (I rather like the combination of both). Conversely, in one entire section of the family library (maybe a 1000 books), very few had covers as we know them today – let alone graphics. The title and the author’s name were neatly embossed on paper-covered cardboard, and thanks to Lewis Carroll, sometimes on the spine. A room full of mysteries, right? Trial and often shocking error led my young self to realize I shouldn’t always read a book without a cover. And then, beginning with children’s books (rightly so, I say), dust jackets became more than just for book protection. Indeed, they became so popular that nowadays an original jacket of a first edition of “The Great Gatsby” can sell for 20k while the original book itself might only garner a thousand dollars. So, are jackets still optional? Decisions, decisions.

But, hey! It’s Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month and if you haven’t yet finished writing that epic novel, you can sharpen your writing skills with any of the many great resources offered by the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by Alex Cavanaugh, right here and right now on this first Wednesday of the month, when IWSG members convene through blogging, Facebook, and Twitter to talk about whatever is on our writing minds and agendas. See what we’re all talking about here.

As to the Optional IWSG Question of the Month, ‘‘Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing?’’ Oh, absolutely! I’ve giggled myself silly after slipping off a snowflake, followed a homeless hero on the way to make a bank deposit for a ghost, and cried myself to sleep after killing off (Earl had to die) the only fictional hunk I ever truly loved. No regrets, just writing ;-)

Happy Writing!