Writing – Page 142 – Jean's Writing

Do you have a good memory trick?

Published on December 22, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

This is how mine goes at my house.

One night last week as I was drifting off to sleep a rhyme entered my head and refused to leave.

So instead of letting it go I did what any writer and wife would do. I woke my husband.

“Honey, you asleep?”

“Nah, not anymore. Anything wrong?”

“No, need to tell you something.”

Now I had his full attention. He was expecting a big revelation. Much to his surprise it was this little ditty that was running cycles in my head like a kid hyped up on sugar riding a brand new tricycle.

“Thanks for listening.” I said. “Now I won’t forget it. Good night.”

“Night.”

He didn’t think I heard the chuckle in his voice. But I did and I didn’t mind. Because he had listened to my rambling so that I would remember in the morning. Now that’s a good partner. Talking is the only way I can be halfway assured I will remember in the morning. Talking it out helps cement it in my thoughts.

I’m excited to announce I just sent it off to the editor and to the illustrator. Yay! First phase down.

Thanks Honey!

So how about you. Do you have a technique that helps you remember the ideas that pop into your head during the wee hours of the night?

Do tell!

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you want to switch or not?

Published on December 21, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

From or to a self-hosting website.

I’ve toyed with the idea of going the self-hosting route several times. But I always back away.

Why? Because for me WordPress.com is simpler and easier than learning an entire new system. Plus, I don’t want my writing to suffer nor do I want my website to suffer either. I fear that something would have to give one way or the other should I make a shift at this time.

For me, my website is a place to practice my storytelling, and to share what I learn, as I learn about writing. Do I want my blog to be successful? Of Course! But not at the expense of becoming a better writer.

The following is a good article about self-hosting.

18 Important Things You Should Know About Self-Hosting BY JANICE WALD

What about you guys?

Do you enjoy the blogging platform you have now?

Have you toyed with the idea of switching? If so which way?

I’d love to know your thoughts on this subject. Maybe I should rethink self-hosting.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

The New WordPress.com App for Windows Is Here

Do you give credit to the right person?

Published on December 18, 2015February 19, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

I checked a few books, ask a few writers and then made my own decision.

I acknowledged the talented lady who drew the illustrations for my first published children’s book. Ashley Bauer.

The following article confirmed I did the right thing. Sort of. I felt acknowledging Ashley was right because I’ve always believed in giving credit where credit was due. Without her, my book would have lacked color and spice.

Thanks to that added color and spice I received a glowing review from Readers’ Favorite. “… An engaging and entertaining story laced with humor…. The illustrations are adorable and they complement the author’s words nicely, breathing life into the scenes. “ 5 Stars from Readers’ Favorite

I’ll be the first to admit my book would’ve looked naked without suck adorable illustrations. I guess it’s true one picture is worth a thousand words.

Just as we want readers to love the words we write and the blogs we post, illustrators want recognition for the pictures they produce.

Writing and publishing Tryouts for Ben has been a major learning curve for me. Next book, I’ll add the illustrator’s name not only to the inside but also to the front cover.

Thank you, Debbie Young for bringing to my attention how and why recognizing illustrators is important. Especially the when and how to part. Learning is always helpful.

Head over and read her article: Why It’s Important to Credit Illustrators

Tell me, do you credit your illustrator and if so where? On the cover, inside or both?

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Is it just me?

Published on December 17, 2015December 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

Am I the only person going nuts with all the pop-up boxes on websites and blogs?

Enough already! It’s as bad as dealing with 20 commercials every 10 minutes during a television show!

Come on as frustrating as that is, I’m used to it and avoid the dreaded avalanche by recording and fast forwarding through the commercials.

But I just thought TV commercials were the most frustrating sales pitch. Right up there next to the telemarketing phone calls during dinner.

That is, until someone invented the website pop-up box!

This trend needs to fade away and soon.

I hate clicking on a new website, only to have my screen blocked by a huge square wanting me to either, a) buy something or b) subscribe for a newsletter.

We all want more readers and followers. We all want people to like our blogs, and buy our books. However, I’m not sure startling visitors with a gotcha is the way to do it.

So what do you guys out in cyberspace think? I’m I off my rocker here? Do you mind the pop-ups?

Let’s talk. Tell me what you think. Convince me I’m wrong. Pull me over to the dark side. LOL

I concede some of my readers might want to add a pop up box and I do aim to please. So I hope the following video helps.

How to add a pop up box to any website.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.