Jean M. Cogdell

Whac-A-Mole Writing

Published on April 4, 2014April 4, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Writing Contest: Overcoming Writer’s Doubt held by Positive Writer

Well, if I tell the truth, I’ve yet to overcome writers doubt. It’s like playing Whac-A-Mole. Slaying this particular demon is a constant battle. Doubt slips in when I’m tired, frustrated, aggravated, hungry, sleepy, oh, never mind the list is too long. You understand; any excuse works in a storm of procrastination.

Believe me, there are lots of excuses. For instance, Doubt reminds me time and again, I’m old. As my husband, an obsessive golfer might say I’m on the back nine of life. To dream big at my age is plain nuts. Plus, the fast paced tech world is brutal and ever changing.

At this point, should’ve, would’ve, and could’ve join the choir and sing along reminding me of things I don’t know and all I’ve forgotten. I’m out of touch, out of sync, not twittering enough, and who in their right mind wants to read anything I might write. The weather’s too cold, or it’s too hot. The laundry is piling up, and the house is dirty. See lots of excuses. I’m glad the Queen’s not coming this week.

Some days I’m a writer working on a novel, some days I’m a writer working on a blog, other days I’m busy writing short stories or flash fiction. The rest of my days I spend picking apart my writing. With all the rewrites and editing I often feel like Sisyphus, and each chapter an immense boulder that must be pushed up a hill.

I refuse to let Doubt rule. I work every day at pushing him and his cronies back into the dark hole where they belong. I reach out for encouragement wherever I can find it, from my husband, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and critique partners. Their support is like sunshine that brightens the dark days. When the rejections pile up they remind me I’m a remarkable writer and lie saying the judges are not. They celebrate my every success no matter how small, and never point out the size of the prize or the lack of one.

To write, and create gives meaning to my life. One word at a time pushes back the doubts and fears. With a little help from my family and friends, I overcome Writers Doubt one day at a time.

Oh, one more thing. A little red wine and chocolate help too.

Are you ready to reach for the stars?

Published on April 1, 2014April 1, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

Well, maybe the stars are a bit high, but how about a place to stretch your talents? Sometimes it’s good to take a leap and jump off in the deep end. Yes, I know putting your writing out for someone to judge is scary. Make that downright terrifying. Pee your pants, bite your nails, sick to your stomach terrifying. But the rewards are so worth the effort.

No, you won’t win every time. In fact the odds are not in your favor. However, so often the judges are kind enough to send a brief critique with their rejection. That is a win too. Just remember that even for the non-cash prize, ezine publications, there are thousands of writers entering each contest. I’m not saying that to discourage you, but to put things in perspective.

Not all of the contests pay cash prizes or any prize at all, but that shouldn’t stop you from entering, nor should the fact your entry is but one of many. The experience helps us grow as writers.

So, if you’re interested, here are a few contests to get you started. Remember, read and follow the rules. Check and recheck for typos. I know that sounds elementary, but everyone makes mistakes. Believe me, I know.

American Short Story Fiction

Hint Fiction

Flash Fiction Chronicles

Raymond Carver Short Story Contest at Carve Magazine

New Pages (a source for submissions)

Nano Fiction

Press 53

Glimmer Train

WOW Women on Writing (love this contest, get great feedback from judges)

Maybe, you’re looking for a market place to sell your work check out Brainstorms & Bylines

Or WOW Women on Writing job board.

Also Check out Story Dam or Julia’s Place for writing prompts to get your juices flowing.

If you have a favorite contest or website, let us know.

Keep that first thrill alive

Published on March 27, 2014March 27, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

You love, obsess, and write. With a little luck, a lot of sweat, blood and tears, maybe, just maybe, others will read and love your precious manuscript too.

I love to write. My husband loves the game of golf. Writing and golf have nothing in common, unless you take a peak at the inbox on our computers. As any crazy person does, we both obsess over ways to improve our craft. The result, our cup runneth over in the form of more information than either of us can process.

The running joke around our house is, did you delete or read?

This got me to thinking how these “tips” seem to run in trends, following the same subject. Which leads me delete more than I read. I mean, how many emails can I read on comma splices. See my point? Then came my ah-ha moment. Why do I pick one particular email, click open to a blog and read amid a sea of others on the same subject? What makes it different?

It’s the author’s tag or hook line.

Now I can see all y’all seasoned writers shaking your heads. Big deal you’re thinking. Everyone knows about tag lines. You like me have read everything there is to know concerning how to hook the reader. But sometimes we all need reminders. Tag lines are important for our blogs, books and emails.

Tag lines, and first lines matter. Hell, firsts of everything matter. Think of all the firsts your and the weight of importance they held your life. Your first love, kiss, date, dance, job, sex, car, roller coaster, high dive, beer, well you get the idea.

Firsts are important and my ah-ha moment came in realizing that first encounters with my readers must, be a good first for them. No make that a great first for them. Not sure my writing can compete with sex and beer, but I’m gonna try to step up my game and keep the thrill alive. I can’t think of anything scarier than putting myself out there to publish or perish. Yikes!

Here are some links to a few tips I opened. Enjoy, I did.

Choose Wise Guides

Put Passion in Your Writing

Danger of Premature Editing

Just the Right Word

Use a Magazine to Improve

Should You Enter Contests?

Winter of Discontent

Published on February 20, 2014February 20, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

The Winter of Our Discontent popped in my mind last night as I tossed and turned, trying to fall asleep. I think, now that I’m older I might appreciate John Steinbeck more. While the story didn’t fit my situation, the title spoke volumes. I won’t bother you with the details. I’m sure you’ve had your share of troubles where life was put on hold by circumstances. Things happen and all anyone can do is hold on, going with the flow, hoping not to drown before reaching the end of the rapids. Writing goes to the bottom of your list, once more its in the realm of your dreams.

Everyday my Inbox has been filled with how- to overcome writer’s block in one form or another. Most of them said, just do it. I didn’t have writer’s block. I had life circumstances block. The only fix for that is time. I hit the delete button.

Well, Spring is almost here. My mind is clicking again, and once more, the characters I love are visiting me. Although, I do wish they wouldn’t pick so late at night to visit. I do need my sleep. For the last few days, just as I’m drifting off, they slip into my mind and whisper they want to come out and play. Too bad they’re gone in the morning. But at least with the coming of spring, and the calming of circumstances, they are tiptoeing back into the forefront of my life. It’s good to be back in the groove.

Has life ever pushed you in a ditch?

How did you get your writing groove back?