Jean's Writing

Do you need time to recharge and find new inspiration?

Published on September 15, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

I did.

Setting up my blog to continue without me for a few weeks was time-consuming but worth it. Automation is a wonder thing. Knowing my blog could continue, even in my absence, made letting go easier.

I want to thank everyone for sticking with me during my break. The time with my family was precious, and I can’t wait for our next visit to Paris.

My daughter is a great hostess although she almost walked us to death. She filled our days with seeing the best of the city, good food, and great wines. There is so much to see and do we needed another couple of weeks to see it all.

chateau_de_vincennes_13a-jpg — Chateau_De_Vincennes Photo by JM Cogdell

chateau-de-vaux-le-vicomte-15 — Dancing Horses at Chateau De Vaux-le-Vicomte Photo by JM Cogdell

Want to see more lovely Paris pictures, you should check out my daughter’s blog, A Francophile in France.

After a few days, my husband and I gave her a break and took a quick hop, on Eurostar, over to London.

london-regents-prk-train-station-2 — St Pancras International Train Station Photo by JM Cogdell

I’d never been and loved every minute of it. London is a lot bigger than I expected and as we wandered the city had a tendency to get lost. But that only made the adventure more fun.

Powering down for three weeks is not easy for this type A writer. Internet access was spotty at best, and I must admit to feeling a bit of withdrawal the first few days.

But letting go and just being in the moment with family was wonderful. Plus filling my time with reading books instead of writing sparked inspiration. I recommend everyone take a bit of time to recharge and enjoy life.

So how did you recharge this summer?

Did you take time away from writing and blogging to enjoy life?

Do you find it hard to let go and unplug?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

31 Black and White Photos Show King’s Cross-an inner city area of London in the 1950s

Have you found a home for that story?

Published on September 14, 2016August 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Or need the inspiration to submit?

aware-1353780_640 A story that is! Geesh, get your head out of the gutter guys. We’re talking writing here. LOL

Keep reading and maybe one of these markets will be a perfect fit.

Writing Magazine are holding another of their popular annual writing competitions. Their Adult Fairytale Competition is open for entries for stories of between 1500-1700 words. The closing date is …

Source: Markets For Writers

The fairytale one perked my interest.

Okay, did you find anything to your liking?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

What do you think about crossing genres?

Published on September 12, 2016August 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell21 Comments

Are you for or against the idea?

Me, I’m in the “for” column.

Why? because I love all types of books! I’ve written two books for children and another children’s picture book just returned from the editor. Fingers crossed it will be out in October 2017.

But… I am also writing an adult mystery and a YA book.

I’d hate to think I couldn’t spread my wings and write across genres.

Marcy Kennedy makes some very good points and gives thoughts on the pros and cons to writing in multiple genres.

I write because I enjoy writing, in the same way, I enjoy reading. A good story is a good story no matter the genre.

Click and read what Ms. Kennedy has to say and then tell me, do you think it’s a good or bad idea?

Indie Choices: Writing in Multiple Genres or Specializing

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you want something to give you pure enjoyment?

Published on September 9, 2016August 23, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell

**Then try reading a complex, witty and Flat-Out lovely book.**

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park is tagged YA but I flat-out loved this book. Her writing style is funny, quirky and pure enjoyment.

Imagine what might happen if your daughter left for college in Boston and due to one mistake after another finds herself homeless. No dorm room, no apartment.

But like all Mom’s, you’d ride to the rescue as did Julie’s mother. Lucky an old college friend agrees to put Julie up until an apartment becomes available. Well, best-laid plans went out the window as Julie settles in and falls in love. Oddities pile up and wounds open but Ms. Park reminds us that all it takes to set things back to normal (whatever that entails) is Flat-Out-Love.

If you are a member of KindleUnlimited it is available to read for free.

I give this lovely book 5 Stars

Click image to read a sample