Jean's Writing

Can you focus on more than one book at a time?

Published on March 2, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell39 Comments

Well, not literally. That would be impossible.

But, you can switch between books. Which is what I do.

At any given time, I’m reading at least three books. Always thought it was weird until I read a recent post. Now I know I’m not the only person who keeps several books in the air.

It’s quite a balancing act.

There is always at least one or two books about writing, a mystery, and a comedy/love story open on my Kindle. Which one I read when depends on my mood. And a really odd thing is, no matter how long it’s been since I started the book, it’s as if I began reading it yesterday. I have no problem picking up the story thread. No matter the genre.

But, from time to time, there are books I can’t put aside.

So, what will keep me read a book from cover to cover in one sitting?

A story that grabs me by the throat and I must find the answers.
A book on writing that is filled with real meat on the craft.

Why do I read several books?

Mood (sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t)
Need (help on research or craft)
Location (can read on phone app when waiting in line)
Time (often no time to sit and read for hours, but can read a snip-it or two)

Here are the books I’m reading now. Click on image to read about the book.

Tell me,

Do you read several books at once?

Can you pick up the thread in them?

Do you read different genres? Or stick to one?

Or do you prefer to finish one book before starting another?

There are many reasons to read more than one book at a time. Click links below and keep reading…

Reading More Than One Book At A Time Actually Has Some Pretty Incredible Benefits By SADIE TROMBETTA

5 TIPS FOR READING MULTIPLE BOOKS AT THE SAME TIME

THE MAGIC OF READING MORE THAN ONE BOOK AT A TIME BY LAURA SACKTON

Why You Should Read More Than One Book at a Time By Macy Griffin

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What is the difference in a Gravatar, Avatar or Favicon?

Published on February 28, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Answer: Not much.

Just different words for an icon that identifies you or your blog/website.

Gravatar stands for Globally Recognized Avatar. Using a Gravatar enables you to use the same recognizable icon/Avatar for all websites where you engage. How to Create and Use it?

Using a Gravatar promotes your brand.

An Avatar specifically refers to a character that represents an online user. Can be a profile picture, image of objects cartoon caricature, or 3D animated for gaming.

A favicon (pronounced “fave-icon”) is a small, iconic image that represents your website. Favicon Generator, 4 Easy Ways To Add A Favicon In WordPress.

I’ve written posts about using a Gravatar on blogs in the past. But some bloggers/writers still use a blank, the Gravatar Icon or other default icons. I don’t understand.

I use my picture as a Favicon, might change that one day, as well as for my Gravatar. These icons tell readers a little bit about you and your website. If you don’t want to use a picture of yourself, choose an object that gives readers a clue. Any picture can be a Gravatar or Favicon. Use your imagination and go wild. Use a Bitmoji character. But for the love of God, please don’t leave it blank.

An author? Use an icon of your book.

A writer? How about a writing tool? Or an image of a writer.

A parent? Kids. Even cartoon kids.

Home improvement website? Paintbrush, ladder?

A pet lover? A cute kitty or puppy.

Gamer? Design a cool 3D image of yourself or use an image from your favorite game.

Cooking? Food!

The ideas are endless. So why not find the right Gravatar for your website? Let the world know what your blog is all about.

So, I gotta ask.

Why haven’t you added a Gravatar or Favicon to your website?

Do you think a recognizable Gravatar helps with branding?

Has fear stopped you from creating a Gravatar?

Want to read more about icons?

Here you go…

How to change the default Gravatar on WordPress.

Avatar Marker

Favicons and Gravatars

GENERATE UNIQUE IMAGES FROM ANY TEXT

Favicon Generators

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This easy editing tip will blow your mind

Published on February 26, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Want to know what knocked my socks off this week?

An Excel Stylesheet.

Yep, good old Excel. Okay, maybe I’m impressed easier than you.

**A stylesheet can make your novel appear more professional.**

Why? Because writing a massive novel is hard and keeping track of names, places, hyphens and more can get confusing. This is where a stylesheet comes in handy. And most editors require one. Who knew? Well, turns out knowing about something and knowing how to put the information into practice is two different things.

I’ve written about stylesheets in the past but until recently I didn’t understand how to put into practice what I’d learned. But, turns out it’s not that difficult.

What you put add to a stylesheet is up to you. You can keep it simple or add a column for everything under the sun.

Stylesheet purpose?

To prevent mistakes that stand out like a pimple on your nose.

Ever read a book and a name changed midway? Cathy, Kathy, Kathie or Katy? Glaring mistakes like that will pull your reader out of the story in a flash.

I’m compiling my stylesheet as I write. This will help me find where an unusual word, phrase or name first appeared. When I’m ready to rewrite or edit, my stylesheet will help keep everything consistent.

No matter your genre, this can be an invaluable tool. Fantasy, keep those made up countries and goblin are spelled correctly. Historical, names and places may have been spelled different a hundred years ago.

Want to know how easy it is to mess up? Even in this short blog post, I wrote stylesheet as one word in some places and as two words in other. Good grief! Now imagine catching that mistake in a 70,000-word novel.

Here is a snapshot of my writing stylesheet.

When my book is finished, I’ll print out my spreadsheet and refer to as I edit. Easier than trying to remember, flipping back and forth through a document. At least I hope so.

Why compile a stylesheet as you write?

Connie Jasperson said it best in a terrific post.

“I learned this the hard way. Making a stylesheet for a book after it has been written is a daunting task, and most editors will ask you for one when they accept your submission. Some editors refer to this as the ‘bible’ for that manuscript because all editorial decisions regarding consistency will be based on the spellings and style treatments you have established for your work.” Click here to read the entire post.#amwriting: ensuring consistency: the stylesheet, 2/14/2018 BY Connie J. Jasperson

Want more? Check out this article. Stylesheets—The Setup and the Benefits, July 12, 2011 by Beth Hill

Want to get really geeky? Read Chicago Manual of Style, Chicago Manual Of Style Guidelines (Quick Study), or the Associated Press’s Stylebook (available on Kindle Unlimited.)

Okay now tell me, please…

Do you use stylesheets?

Have you used one in the past?

Do you think a stylesheet will help you avoid mistakes?

Had you heard about stylesheets before today?

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What is the focus of your website?

Published on February 23, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Why do you write what you write?

I’m not asking about writing a book, novel or short story. No, I’m curious about your blog posts. Do you write to share a laugh with friends, experience, knowledge, or…?

What is the purpose of your blog posts?

I don’t know about you but I spend a lot of time writing my blog posts, so understanding why I do that was important to me.

Just what are the reasons for my blog?

Well, there are several, in case you wanted to know.

It’s my Fact Book.
- A great way to keep a notebook of writing tips and tricks in one place.
- My memory isn’t what it used to be. Need all the help I can get.
- Who knows, one day I may turn all of these posts into a book.
It’s a way for me to share writing tips as I learn them.
- Old or new, each one is important.
It’s a way to connect.
- Making friends, meeting writers, and reading about their journey.
- To pass on the information garnered through these new acquaintances.
And of course, it’s a way to share books, and stories, I’ve written as well as books I’ve enjoyed reading.

Why am I sharing this with you?

It occurred to me that some of you may wonder why I share so many tips about writing and publishing books because I certainly NOT an expert. But, I share because I enjoy learning every little bit I can about writing.

So, I wondered…