Jean M. Cogdell

Do you know what to say?

Published on August 24, 2015August 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

How do you write a good bio without sounding like a politician?

As a woman who grew up in the South, I was instructed to be modest and not brag about myself. That boasting was vulgar.

So how in the hell can I write a good bio that will not seem either vulgar, boasting or worse come across as fake.

To make it worse each publication wants a different type of bio. Some want 50 words, others want to know everything about you. Sometimes the bio needs to be in first person, other times it needs to be written in third person. Sigh.

So I want to give a big shout out to Rachelle Gardner: Literary Agent, Editor & Publishing Coach, for her post on how to write a terrific bio.

No publishing credits?

You still need a bio and Rachel has suggestions to get you started.

Head over to her blog and read How to Write a Terrific Author Bio for some great tips. I don’t know about you, but I needed every one of them.

Please share my post with your Facebook and Twitter friends.

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 use an editor?

Published on August 21, 2015August 21, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Have you ever used an editor?

I have a great critique partner, whose help is invaluable. However, after reading the story behind Go Set a Watchman, I finally grasp the importance of a good editor.

Selecting an editor that specializes in the correct genre is important too.

I can’t think Editor Margaret Welwood enough for showing me how good a story can be with the right editor.

I found Margaret though a referral from Tom Blubaugh, on Linked In, so a big thanks to Tom for sending me to the right person.

Margaret not only found grammar issues, wrong comma here etc., but she helped be see flaws within the story and fix them. The end result was a polished product I could be proud of.

You’ll hear more about my children’s book, which I hope to have out in 2016.

For more information on editing head over and read a good Q&A with editor John Hudspith. On Why Every Writer Needs An Editor, with Lousie Wise.

Have you used an editor yet?

What was your experience, and how did you find the right one for your project?

Share! Tell us everything, we’d like to know!

Please forward my post to your Facebook and Twitter friends.

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 want to make a video?

Published on August 20, 2015August 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Well, you’re in luck.

Read how you too can make a video.

Don’t let fear hold you back.

A while back, I made my first video for YouTube. In this video I shared the two programs I use for my videos. Everyone was so kind regarding the endeavor by this newbie.

Easy and simple are my motto.

But for those of you who would like to learn a lot more about making your own videos, check out the following post, and video, by Marlene Hielema.

I think you will find it very informative and helpful.

7 ways to create video content for your blog

Whichever method you choose, don’t let making a video for your blog, Facebook, or YouTube stress you out.

It may not always be easy, but make it fun. For those that missed my video, enjoy.

Please share my post with your Facebook and Twitter friends.
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

In the comments section let me know if this helped and share your latest video. I’d love to see it!

Do you ever need to vent?

Published on August 19, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell19 Comments

Well, today is my day.

I’m not a big complainer, but sometimes a good venting helps.

A few weeks ago, I developed more floaters in my eyes. I’m sure many of you out there know what I’m talking about, but for those who don’t here is the Mayo Clinic’s definition.

Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs that drift about when you move your eyes and appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly. Read more….(here)

Floaters are common and as we age, most people will experience this on occasion. However, they often dissolve or fade into the background are of no consequence.