IWSG: Warning! Graphic Creativity!

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Wednesday, February 06, 2019

IWSG: Warning! Graphic Creativity!

Now that I have your attention . . . This month’s Insecure Writers Support Group topic asks what creative outlets we enjoy other than writing.


Growing up with an occupational therapist for a mom, there was nothing crafty I didn’t know to do: sewing, knitting, crocheting. I loved to draw – horses, mainly when I was young. Those pictures led to making up stories to go along with the adventures I depicted on long rolls of paper my dad brought home from work. But those fun activities fell by the wayside when the 9-to-5 then children came along. By then, I was writing novels, and as newsletter editor (for life – I have a plaque from MMRWA that says so!) back in the days of cut, paste, photocopy and mail, I discovered an exciting new outlet – graphic art (okay, there was some teasingly graphic writing going on as well, but that’s another story!). Dinosaur computers had limited text and graphic resources, so I was thrilled when my then-hubby brought home an older version of PhotoShop from the graphic designer at their print shop. Mind blown! Mind you, this was very simplistic compared to what we have now but then . . . borders, arcing sentences, fonts galore! Graphics! COLOR and shading! The young, budding artist in me was reborn. 


That love affair continues now that promotional material is such a huge part of being an author. I adore combining book covers with Dreamstime/Deposit Photo stock art and quotes/promo info on Quotescover and Canva to create my own promo such as social media posts and bookmarks, and to assist in cover and book trailer creation. Just this past weekend while at a Write In, I learned about several more fun ways to play with that information. I’m still a novice who loves taking my words to a higher visual level. And I still have to remind myself, the writing comes first. But this side gig is a blast!


So, what’s your hidden talent?


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.The awesome co-hosts for the February 6th posting of the IWSG will be Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

24 comments

  1. You seem much more adept with graphic design software than me. :) I can't believe you have a series with 15 books! Congratulations!

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  2. Learned something new about you, Nancy. You'd think after--what?--twenty-plus years that wasn't possible. LOL Now, I understand how you write such visual descriptions in your stories. Good luck with your writing.

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    1. That's the writing like your watching a movie thing you and I share.

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  3. My mom does a lot of sewing, knitting, and crocheting, but I never could get the hang of any of them. I just don't have the fingers for them.

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    1. My problem was being ambidextrous. I'd knit with both hands instead of one. Drove her crazy!

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  4. Your graphic design passion goes perfectly with your writing. Wish I was talented like your or that my mom had been more creative when I grew up. But I love reading. That's my passion.

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  5. I never really thought about graphic designs as being an artistic outlet. I am artistic! Not to your caliber, but I have made promo stuff.

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    1. Oh, I am SUCH a novice! Those with mad skills are my idols.

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  6. Hi Nancy!
    Crochet is one of my stronger creative pursuits... and piano!
    Any creativity linked to drawing/illustrations is what I struggle with the most.

    Just a reminder that we also have a facebook group as well as a Twitter and Instagram page where you can network, and discover loads of ongoing writing-related activities to keep those writing muscles sharp!
    <a href="http://writer-in-transit.co.za/”>Writer In Transit</a> February Co-host

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  7. Cool! I had no idea you had another superpower (besides writing!) Thanks for sharing. Fascinating!

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    1. Thanks, Teresa. Sorry to be MIA on WWW this week. Waaaay under the weather, inside and out.

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  8. Terrific. Your group is remarkable. Thanks, Charmaine

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  9. I like to draw, but I'm not very good at it. I like to hand crochet and loom knit, but I'm not very good at that either. I have Photoshop from 2012 and as expensive as it was, I doubt it will ever be upgraded. I don't think I'm very good at that either. Come to think of it, I'm really not very good at much of anything.

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    1. Cara, the purpose is the enjoyment not the product! I love to sing . . . but can't carry a tune in bucket. It doesn't stop me, though!

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  10. I used to love drawing on my computer, back when we had a PC. My sister, cousin, and I used to do create fashion lines on those old pixel doll sites.

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  11. I like the graphics you made for your books. I'm definitely going to practise more on Canva!

    Ronel visiting for Feb's IWSG Day Being an Insecure Writer -- And Happy About It

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    1. I need to learn their new upgrade Ughhhh! Could they make things more complicated?

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  12. Hi, Nancy! I think your graphics are great! It's amazing what tools people have today. I can remember when cut, paste, photocopy and mail was empowering; but then I grew up with manual typewriters, carbon paper and whiteout. I think I could waste a whole lot of time (and have a whole lot of fun) playing with graphic tools like these. Your book covers are very sexy!

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    1. Thanks!!! I LOVE being able to design (or help!) my own covers. This from someone who has had her big strapping middle aged hero turned into a skinny barely out of high school boy by the publisher.

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