Do you need to start over?

Or maybe you need a jump-start?

Here lately, my writing resembled a stalled car with a dead battery.

After finishing a couple of projects, I can’t seem to revive a WIP I’d put on a back burner. Seems as if the life support I’ve had this particular WIP is failing. So, I’m toying with pulling the plug, and starting something new.

But where to start?

How do I begin?

Rereading books on structure and outline can’t seem to get my engine revved and going.

I recently read an article about Mind Mapping for writers.

Now for many of you this is not a new concept. However, I’ve been so focused on outlining that I hadn’t given much thought to Mind Mapping. Until now.

Google images

How to Use a Mind Map to Start Your Book BY

Ms. Amir refers to Mind Mapping as “The Brain Dump” method. I think that may be part of my problem. There is so much swirling around in my mind that I need to clean house. A brain dump might be the thing for me.

My first go at Mind Mapping, I used a large sheet of paper and wrote thoughts down in small squares. However, I like the idea of Post-It Notes. The small notes are flexible and easier to move around to the right location.

There are several ways to Mind Map and several programs for you Techies. In this article, Ms. Amir gives links to software programs if you want to give mapping with your computer a try.

Questions:

  • Do you think Mind Mapping might jump-start your writing?
  • Have you ever used Mind Mapping?
  • Which technique did you use?
  • Did you like the process?

You’ve made it this far, let me know what you think and two more seconds to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

 

Do you have a monster holding you back?

Okay, I’ll fess up!

Number two is my biggest issue.

I’m so bad at having a dozen tabs open.

After checking my emails, I leap from article to article and before I know it the morning is gone. One glance at the clock and I want to kick myself.

There are so many great tips with which I can enhance my blog or WIP, I want to read them all. But I’ve got to learn to wrangle in those dang monsters of distraction.

One suggestion is to switch up your location. For me, moving from my desk to the back porch, in good weather, does seem to jog my creative juices.

Which one is your nemesis?

6 Monsters Killing Your Writing Ability by Adam Davis

So get going and slay a monster or two.

Now time for me to stop playing with all these tabs and get back to writing.

dragon paper

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

 

Please give me your input!

I’m getting close.

But I sure could use some feedback.

Should I pick one of these or find someone to do a professional cover. Think I’m about ready to do the self-publish route.

Please give me your thought! I need some input.

BookCoverPreview

BookCoverPreview (1)

BookCoverPreview (3)

As ever, thanks so much for your help.

You can find me on Twitter and Facebook.

Do you need new ideas?

Sometimes I think we all get stuck for an idea to move us on to a new project or power through a WIP.

We all have favorite books. No matter the genre. Books that speak to us and stay with us long after the words “the end.”

Read, grab an ideaand Write

This is one of the best posts I’ve read in a long time about writing prompts.

9 Writing Prompts From Harry Potter To Get You Started On Your Novel by 

We’ve all exclaimed, on occasion, “What a great line.”

See what you think. Can you use one of these prompts or perhaps pull a good one from a favorite book?

No need to limit ideas to books. What about a favorite movie, or TV show?

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!