Jean's Writing

Have some of your favorites disappeared?

Published on August 1, 2016July 31, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Those blogs you looked forward to reading?

Mine had!

Time for a little blog management.

So, thanks to Sue Vincent, that’s how I’m starting my week. With a fresh slate. Can’t wait to read what I’ve missed all these weeks.

Sue explains that for some mysterious reason, WordPress apparently on occasion turns off the email notifications. frog-wow

I must admit to feeling a little relieved. At least this means I’m not completely crazy and that the gremlin inside my computer hasn’t totally taken control. Whew!

Below you’ll find a little self-help video I made that shows how easy it is to check and see if some of your favorite blogs have been turned off.

Now hop over to Sue’s blog post and read her post.

Here we go again… the wonderful Happiness Engineers have been playing. I thought it had gone very quiet… and while I realise that it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the great o… Source: The empty inbox… by Sue Vincent

Okay, clear as mud right?

Did you find any of your favorites turned off?

Do you check this feature regularly?

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.

Do you want something light, fun and romantic?

Published on July 29, 2016July 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Temps here in Dallas hit the century mark last weekend. Bursting_Thermometer__Arvin61r58-300px

Weekends I decompress and reload my brain cells. Often I read one or two books just for fun. No studying how to be a better blogger or writer. I read just read for the sake of reading.

Last weekend was like one the perfect time to curl up with a light, fun book. No one wants a heavy meal when the heat index is 105.

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, or like light, romance you might enjoy My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White.

I can’t imagine many of us who didn’t get all mushy over Pride and Prejudice during our high school years. Ms. White lets us relive those feelings but also takes it a step further when her main character becomes obsessed with finding her real-life Mr. Darcy.

I debated back and forth between 4-5 stars but settled on 4 because of how Amazon defines 5 (loved it.) I really, really enjoyed My Mister Darcy. It was perfect for a hot, sunny summer afternoon.This romantic, nostalgic book will thrill Bridget Jones fans. It’s light, fun, and a quick read.

Karey White did Jane Austen proud with this well-written story about a naive, romantic young woman who refuses to give up on her dreams of happily ever after. Sigh…

When do you find time to read for pleasure?

Read any good books lately? Do tell.

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Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Reviews

Published on July 28, 2016July 28, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I loved, loved, loved the information posted over at comfyreading this morning!

I’ve written a lot about writing book reviews. How to write a good review, who to ask and what should be included in a review. But, I failed you, my friends, when I left out this very important information.

Thank you, Kerrie, for giving us 7 important Do’s and Don’ts.

I especially loved her very first two Do’s:

Do know what the reviewer enjoys reading.

Think about it folks, if the person you are asking to review your book reads historical romance and you ask them to review your latest medical thriller, you lower the odds of a favorable review. Just logical. So do a little homework. Research their website before you ask. Spend a little time getting to know them.

Second, Do send a synopsis of the book.

It helps if they know what your book is about. Also, if your book is already published, send an e-sample through Amazon. By sharing a free book preview or embedding it on a website, anyone can read a sample of this book with just one click – no need for them to sign in or install an app.

I’d like to add one more to her list.

# 8: Don’t be offended if they decline.

On her list was don’t get upset if the reviewer doesn’t like your book. I add, don’t get upset if they decline to review the book. As Kerrie mentioned it might not be their genre. Or there may be other issues such as time. Everyone is busier than ever these days. Deadlines, kids, jobs, and their own stories to write. So be gracious if the person you ask says no. They don’t owe you an explanation.

I hope you will click on the link below and head over to comfyreading and read the entire post. It’s great!

Hello my lovely bookworms! I spend a lot of time talking about what to do in order to GET books to review, but today I wanted to switch gears a little and address authors that want to get their BOO…

Source: Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Reviews

Can you add another “Do or Don’t” to the list?

What is one of your pet peeves for getting or giving reviews?

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 will you do when you grow up?

Published on July 27, 2016July 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

I’m gonna write epic books!

Books like Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter, that take kids on great voyages through time and space on to complete dangerous quests.

Thanks to friend and blogger, Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog for sending me a terrific post by Bryn Donovan.

Bryn lists 15 Great Plots from European Mythology and Ancient Literature and suggests we consider making them our own. To rewrite them with a modern twist, with a different time and place. It’s been done many times, think Romeo and Juliet. And I can’t begin to count how many times Cinderella has been rewritten. glasshighheel-300px