All the time. I like to use the experiences I've had (in some cases - not everything I write about is from first hand, especially most of the dangerously bad scene my heroines encounter) in traveling around this country and visiting places.
I believe that a book cover should be about something that's in the story. I try to depict a scene from the book. And I strongly believe that your book should stand out from others in your genre, not be the same old run-of-the-mill cover.
On occasional I'll go through the reviews in order to pick some out for use in my advertising. I don't dwell on them though. I believe the reviews are more for the readers than for me. Although, if I find something that someone didn't care for in my story and made mention of it (hasn't happened so far), I would take that point seriously, not get made at the reviewer, as is the case with some authors. I determine if what was said is true. If so, I'd address it with my writing in the future. If not true, I'd dismiss it as the reader having a bad day.
I believe the most important element is knowing that God wants you to write. After that, making sure you do the best possible job of it for God and the reader.
