I’ve said many times that I hate making decisions. I blame it on having a Libra sun sign—you know, that being able to see both sides thing? Of course, the real cause of indecision is fear. I fear making the WRONG choice. And the basis of that fear is vanity, but let’s not go into that today.
My current indecisiveness concerns the cover for my next novel. I have two of them, now. I like each for different reasons. I’ve curbed what I usually do in these situations—seek a zillion other opinions. I’ve only sought two opinions for the first cover and one, so far, for the second.
I’d like to just go with my gut, but my gut doesn’t have the eye of an experienced designer. Then again, I don’t always think the covers on some best-sellers from the big New York publishers are all that hot. See those scales tipping this way and that?
These cover choices will soon be followed by choices in editing when I receive notes from my beta readers. I’ll have to decide whether to follow or ignore each of their suggestions. Some of those decisions will be no-brainers, but others will twist my brain in knots.
My goal for this book was to be more self-reliant, to trust my gut more. To know my own mind. And I do, but I still don’t trust it enough. The need for approval is crippling, isn’t it? Do you struggle with that?
Always! I used to have trouble making decisons (and still do at times) But I met an old fellow named Charlie Tremendous Jones and he said, “there is no right or wrong decisons. You make the decison and then you make it the right.” That has helped me a lot over the years. But I have found no cure for the need for approval.
I’m such a wimp, aren’t I, Darlene? I do make decisions, obviously, but always wonder what if I’d made a different one. In any case, I’ve made my decision on the cover. I suppose, if I truly believed there are no right or wrong decisions, then I wouldn’t need approval either.
I really love what Darlene said about right and wrong decisions, and I’ve become a big fan of trusting one’s gut.
As for acceptance blah-blah-blah! I don’t buy into that kind of machine thinking. See the post going up in a few minutes. Besides, It’s love one can’t live without and you get plenty of that from all of us!
I’m a fan too, K. I admire those who seem not to need the approval of others. I’m just not there, and at my age, I doubt I ever will be. But decisions have to be made, so I make them. Obviously, I need to get better at moving on afterward.
And what happened to your post? The preview in my reader, wasn’t at all what’s on your blog.
I realized I was babbling AGAIN and so shortened the post for the sake of making my point without wasting a lot of words. I suppose you can tell by my actions that I’m currently editing the fat out of my first serial installment to make room for the required additions.
The need for brevity is becoming oh-so-apparent in the rest of my writing endeavors. My reader followers are (from time to time) subject to a lot of unnecessary rambling – unfortunately. 
I guess I should congratulate you on your distillation talent.
Some decisions come easily, you know the gut speaking. Others? God, I toss and turn, and agonise. Then comes the time when you have to let go. Best wishes
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one, Elle. This book seems to have had more than it’s share of agonizing decisions. I hope that means the next book will be a breeze.
If I have 90% of the information, then I go with my gut and don’t look back. Never can get to 100% certainty.
I agree you can’t get to 100%, Mary Jean. I guess I’m just not good at knowing when I have 90% of the information.
The cover must please you above all else. I’m worried my feedback to you a little while ago has scared you off from seeking out my opinion once more. I’m sorry.
No need to apologize, Michelle. You didn’t scare me off. You can always be honest with me. I’ve been tinkering still, but I just sent you an email.
Since you’re down to two choices, flip a coin? Or, you can do the snowflake option – toss the images into the air and whichever image lands nearest to a designated point becomes the cover.
David fivecats? If so, where did you go? Actually, I do know which cover I like best, but I just wish I knew if I’m making the right choice.
Sorry, no.
Well then, welcome new David.
Aw! You’re such a tease! We haven’t seen these yet, have we? I’m sorry, my friend, I just climbed out of writer’s cave and can barely recall what I had for lunch today! Lol! Well, good luck with your decision-making. I’ve gone thru a bunch of stuff, too, and can’t wait to chat about them. Take your time and finish your book and everything. I’ll just wait here…
-Jimmy
Congratulations on your second book publishing, Jimmy!
No, you haven’t seen the cover choices. I’ve made my decision now, but I’m still modifying the cover, so it will be a while before I reveal it. I’m back to revisions anyway.
I trust my gut, usually, but questions of design always take longer for me, too.
Thanks, Karen. I’m just ridiculously slow making decisions. I did decide which of these two I want to use, but now I’m modifying it.
Linda, am very glad for some one like you…. Yeah imagination is more important than knowledge, knowledge is limited while imagination encircles the world…. yOur imagination can also lead you to a nice cover of Novel.. Thanks____ love u all:*D
Thank you.
I’m assuming (hoping) you are working like crazy to get your next book out and that’s why you’re not posting as much as usual. I hope you’re all right!
Thanks for your concern, Natasha. I’ll be back soon.