Category: Writing

Do you love creepy, unusual, and odd subjects?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell20 Comments

The creepier the better to write my dear.

Am I right?

Well, I’ve stumbled on a couple of terrific ways to expand your imagination. Hang on to your hats.

I love writing prompts. Give me an odd word combos, a challenging word count or subject matter and my mind goes nuts. So I really went bonkers when I stumbled across not one but two totally unique ideas!

Have you ever thought about using mug shots for character development? Not me! Not until now.

Go to Arrests.org and pick a state, any state, you won’t be disappointed. The visual is worth a thousand words.

The mug shots are tagged and categorized for you. Need to describe someone who has had the shit beat out of them? Click on “beat up.”

Or what about locking up your character? Hmm, keep reading.

These great ideas are from Paul M.M. Cooper.

He suggests you put your character in a locked room without windows or furniture. I imagined the room like a padded cell.

What happens? Is the person confused, scared, claustrophobic, or are they calm as they wait for someone to find them?

Want to know more?

Click on these links and read how to write great characters!

Writing mug shots – how a reprehensible website could make you a better writer by Paul M.M. Cooper

The creepiest (and best) creative writing exercise for character-development by Paul M.M. Cooper

Leave me a comment. I love talking to Y’all.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

Are you confident, do you know what to say?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Do you find it difficult to emerge from your writing world?

Confession time. sometimes I’m as tongue-tied as a teenager on her first date. I don’t have a clue what I should say.

Hello, my name is Jean and I’m an introvert.  

More times than not, I prefer to stay home and talk to my imaginary friends. Meeting strangers leave me as tongue-tied as a teenager on her first date. I don’t have a clue what to say. And it seems that with each passing year, I find it more and more difficult.

And Lordy, don’t get me started on promoting my books. I’m a nervous wreck when it comes to that. I rather sit at my computer writing than convince people to buy something I’ve written.

So, just how does an introvert such as myself, have meaningful conversations with strangers?

Prepare.

Prepare for a meet and greet as if we were preparing to write. Because for people like me, networking is hard.

Here is a great article on conversation starters.

10 Handy Conversation Starters for Introverted Writers by

Here’s what I gleaned from Ms. Rowan’s article.

  1. Memorize that elevator pitch. (yuck) But, don’t start off with the pitch.
  2. Remember your manners. Show interest in the other person and listen. Most times, they’ll lead you right into the “pitch.”
  3. Smile, no one wants to talk to a “resting bitch face.”
  4. Break the ice with questions about the event.
  5. Don’t make the entire conversation a sales pitch. (see #2)
  6. Memorize some basic questions so you won’t be tongue-tied. Ms. Rowan gives a good list of icebreakers.

What do you think?

Do you have trouble in these situations?

Do you enjoy seminars, book festivals or book signings?

Is it easy for you to promote your books?

What is your secret to overcoming those butterflies?

Tell me in the comments section. I love hearing from Y’all.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

 

Related articles

Is it important for a writer to blog?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Personally, I think it’s up to the individual writer.

So why do it? Why blog? 

Believe me, there are weeks when I consider stopping. And I guess when I no longer enjoy meeting so many talented and informed writers, I’ll stop. But, I’ve learned a lot from each and every one of Y’all.

I also, blog about my learning process. Not an expert, I’m learning as I go and sharing helps me too. Sometimes I think it not only takes a village to raise a child but to develop a good writer. At least in my case. So, for now, I’ll carry on.

Head over to A Writer’s Path and read this article about why blogging important.

Why Blogging is Important for Writers by Shelley Widhalm

Now tell me,

Why do you blog?

Does blogging help or hurt your writing?

I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

Related articles

How to write a blurb that sells

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

When I find a good post I love reposting and sharing.

Sit back read and enjoy. Who knows this might be just the information that will help you launch your next best-selling book. 

As a beginner, I tried to get to know more about book blurbs since I needed to write my own. To make sure it will be appropriate and professional, I did some research, asked some experienced…

Source: Me and my book blurb by

Tell me what you think – I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on.