A Writer

Published on October 1, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

I’M A WRITER

Yes, I talk to myself.

Each day I start with a pep talk, reminding myself that I am a writer, not an aspiring (wannabe) writer, but a writer. SOURCE

However, truth be told, on certain days my conviction falters especially (popped up without warning-cliche followed by damn adverb) after receiving a rejection.

That’s when the muttering start, when my confidence wavers; so, I repeat my mantra over and over until the stain of negativity fades.

Good, bad, win or lose I keep writing because I am a writer.

Writing Prompt

Thanks to Lillie McFerrin Writes and Five Sentence Fiction for This week’s word: CONFUSION and photo

Trust Me

Published on September 29, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

It’s that time of year. Cooler weather and my thoughts run to things that go bump in the night. Enjoy.

Trust Me

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Yeah,” he said. Eyes staring out into the dark, looking for a place to pull off the road. The gravel crunched under the car as it eased along a side dirt road. He parked, cut the lights, and the engine sputtered then fell silent.

“Sure no one can see us?” She shifted nervously looking out the window.

“I’m sure,” glancing up at the moon he smiles, “unless a werewolf shows up, I think you’ll be fine.”

He kissed her lips before she could protest again. She melted against the pressure of his tight embrace. Her eyes grew wide when she felt the sharp prick against her neck.

She pulled away, “You said I’d be safe.”

“I’m not a werewolf.” He shrugged as blood dripped from his smiling lips.

More Housecleaning

Published on September 29, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

Let’s be honest, cleaning house is the worst.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve dreaded chores since Mom taught me to scrub that first toilet. Housekeeping never seem to end, unless you’re one of the lucky ten percent with live-in help.

When did you last cleanup your hard drive?

More often than not, I delay my digital chores until my computer begins to drag. Sunday I discovered another chore to add to my growing list.

Planning your digital afterlife.

In addition to laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, updating my software and defragging my computer, we must plan our digital afterlife.

What would happen to your on-line accounts, if God forbid, something happened to you?

Well, unless you take care of a few digital chores, you might not like the outcome. Ever thought about all your correspondence, photos and emails? Who would see them? Time to make sure the only people you trust can access your information.

If you don’t want to deal with this yourself, hire a service. Yes, like apps, there is a service for everything. Go figure, I never thought of offering such a service. Don’t believe me, Google it…

However, Google has a tool to get you started. Check out the Inactive Account Manager.

Facebook has a page on deleting or memorializing accounts.

Twitter will deactivate your account if contacted by your estate. That’s fine by me.

The website Modern Loss list the links to deactivate pages for family members such as PayPal, Instagram, and more.

You can read an in-depth article by Barbara Ortutay, The Associated Press.

That’s it for today. It’s Monday and the chores are piling up, need to get busy.

Inspiring Blogs for Writers

Published on September 13, 2014June 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Wow! Thanks so much Norah Colvin for thinking of me and my little ole blog. To say I’m surprised and delighted is an understatement. One of the wonderful things about blogging is connecting with other writers around the world. I humbly accept the award and pass on the prize to the 15 websites below.

Here are the rules of the award:

Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
List the rules and display the award.
Share seven facts about yourself.
Nominate 15 other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they have been nominated.
Optional: follow the blogger who nominated you, if you don’t already do so.

Seven facts about myself:

Last year, my oldest daughter with my 3 granddaughters move to Paris France.
I love vanilla ice cream. Prefer Blue Bell.
I have 5 grandchildren.
I love to travel but can’t travel a lot.
My mother died this year.
I have 5 siblings.
I married my high school sweetheart.

very-inspiring-blogger

Here, in no particular order are 15 amazing blogs. Selecting just 15, out of the many I read and follow, was not an easy task. However, I choose blogs that inspired me to be a better writer and in turn, I hope my readers find the information will inspire their muse and talent.

A to Z Challenge – Although, I haven’t taken the challenge, I do visit many of the blogs. I love the opportunity to visit so many people from all over the world with the click of my mouse.
Fiction University with Janice Hardy will take your writing to the next level with so much information many times I read a post twice.
Kill Zone – in 2013 and 2014 Writers Digest awarded the authors at this website the 101 Best Website for Writers Award. These amazing writers never fail to provide information or inspiration.
Fiction Notes with Darcy Pattison Tips and notes to help every writer is what you will find at Darcy’s website.
Kristen Lamb’s Blog, Warrior Writers, is one I re-blog and re-post more than any other blog.
Start Your Novel with John Bell has tips and story ideas to get your Muse juiced.
Kellie Elmore inspires with tips and her Free Write Friday prompts.
Lillie McFerrin Writes is one of my all time favorite blogs. I often participate in her Five Sentence Fiction. I find the FSF prompts jump-start my imagination and writing.
Jodie Llewellyn’s Blog is pure delight. Filled with writing tips, encouragement and reviews.
Copy Blogger is not the typical writers blog. Here I’ve learned how to reach my audience. This blog teaches how to create killer online content, which a writer can apply to any WIP.
Story Fix with Larry Brooks received the 2011 best Writers Digest 101 Best Website for Writers and 2011 Top Ten Blogs for Writers. Larry is a writer and coach who can help you get it written right.
Brainstorms & Bylines with Barbara A. Tyler provides information about contests, places to submit and various markets for writers. She also provides inspiration and prompts to help writers.
Julia’s Place and her 100 Word Challenge for Grown-Ups is another blog is love to participate in for quick inspiration.
One Wild Word with Carol Despeaux is where you can find a jolt of inspiration and a new way to practice your writing.
Story Dam is a community for writers come to for encouragement and support. At this blog writers will find weekly prompts and chat link.