Posts

Your book won an award, now what?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

Other than celebrate.

Celebrating

Click this link and read 13 suggestions on how to share your excitement with the world.

13 Ways to Use a Book Award for Marketing

1-2-3 place award metalsDid this get your imagination pumping?

Which of the 13 did you find most enlightening?

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW. AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON. 

 

kids reading books

Do you struggle with a little reader?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Want to turn your little one into a book lover?

Everyone struggles with getting a kid to read. But once you get them hooked, they are hooked for life.

My daughter is a third-grade teacher and she says the students who struggle the most, in all subjects, are the ones who struggle with reading.

Everyone agrees how important it is to get a kid to not only read, but enjoy what they are reading.

Reading is the gateway to success.

Although summer is almost over, it’s not too late to inspire your kiddo.

Dr. Seuss quote, The more that you read...
Dr. Seuss

Here are a few tips to help turn your kid into an avid reader:

  • Kids love to imitate, so let them witness you reading.
  • Find out what type of books their classmates or playmates enjoy.
  • Gear the books you choose with your kid’s interest.
  • Read to them every night.
  • Introduce early reader chapter books around age 6. Reading a few pages a night will add anticipation for the next night.
  • Let your kid know reading is not an option. Do whatever necessary to get your kid to read just 15 minutes a day. (I’m not above a bribe.)
  • Get your kid their own library card. (Makes them feel important.) And yes even toddlers.
  • Search Amazon for books on things they like to play with or ask your local librarian for suggestions.
  • Let them pick out a book, even if it’s not your cup of tea. What they read is not as important as getting them to read. One may prefer funny books such as Diary of a Whimpy Kid, your other kid might prefer mysteries, letting them explore the library or local bookstore empowers them.
  • If your kid picks a book you think is too hard for them to read, read it together. You’ll be surprised at how much they will learn.
  • Don’t give up! Eventually, reading will click if you don’t quit.

For the gamer in your house try Minecraft Books: Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of a Dare by Zack Zombie. There are 18 books in the series. That should keep them busy for a while. Or how about Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady 

Have a little princess in the family? Then you’re very lucky because there are dozens of books to choose from, click here to get started. Books for a Princess.

Budding sports star? How about Goodnight Baseball by Michael Dahl or any of the other many books from baseball, soccer, football, or hockey. 

Everyone wants their kid to succeed, so remember…

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

 

Do you have a tip for turning a reluctant reader into a bookworm?

How important do you think reading is for a kid?

What age did you start reading to your kids?

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW. AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON. 

For more reading tips, click on the links below.

 

12 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers by Laura Candler

How can I encourage a reluctant reader?

 

 

Yes you can complete a children’s book

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell19 Comments

My fourth children’s picture book to the editor so thought I’d share with you a bit about my process.  kid reading a picture book

Writing a children’s picture book isn’t easy, but it doesn’t need to be daunting.

As with all stories, it begins with an idea.

ideas scribbled on paper

Here is how my new idea began. A friend’s grandson gave me the spark of an idea when she shared his reaction to A Reluctant Little Prince. Apparently, he was fascinated with the firefighter page.

flame in handA nugget of an idea began to form in the back of my mind. As the days and weeks passed, I played with several versions of what to do with my flickering flame.

Eventually, the story came together.

Now I must decide whether to attempt the illustrations myself or find an affordable illustrator.

Hope to have the new book released in the fall. Wish me luck.

If you have an idea swirling around in your mind, go for it. Here are some tips that might help.

Josh Funk’s Guide to Writing Picture Books

Check out the other posts I’ve written in the past about writing picture books.

Do you think writing a picture book is easy?

What you need to know about writing a children’s book?

I love reading your comments, so tell me… 

Have you written a children’s book? Leave a link in the comments section. I’d love to pass on the info.

Are you thinking about writing a children’s picture book?

Are you an illustrator? I hope you’ll reach out to me. I’d like to see your work. 

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Do you need encouragement to overcome Summertime blahs?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Time for me to review an oldie but goodie.

Sheet music

I’ve had the post-holiday blues. After returning from Europe and spending time with my daughter and granddaughters, I have no motivation.

Yet, my editor is waiting for my next picture book manuscript and I’m sitting here staring at my half-finished novel.

Sigh, so much to do and so little desire. Although my characters keep me awake every night. Instead of encouraging me, I feel as though these characters are little devils on my shoulder. LOLDevil on my shoulders

So, time to put action to words and take my own advice. Wish me luck.

Hope this review helps you too.

Do you need to overcome Summertime writer’s block?

How about, not 10, but 33 tips to jumpstart your writing?

The long, hot days make me lethargic. I want to play, putter around with my roses, or read a good book. Even my muse, complains it’s too damn hot to sit at a computer. Now, who am I to argue with inspiration?

Summer time fun bitmoji

But, writers must write.

So if you’re searching for something to help, keep reading.

I found a great answer on Quora. Who knows? After you read the article, even during these dog-days of summer, maybe you will find one that suits you.

Here’s my take on his 33 tips. The ones I think will help me are in red.

  1. Not me, I’m a start at the beginning kinda gal.
  2. Jot down the facts, just the facts. Cool idea.
  3. Now take a fact from #2 and turn it on its head. What if it’s a lie.
  4. Prompts? I love prompts.
  5. Free write, hmm might just work. Gonna give it a try. With #4 of course.
  6. Break? Took too many already this Summer.
  7. Get moving. But remember to come back to WIP.
  8. Meditate. Nah, not for me.
  9. Ditto. I don’t like confrontations. Even pleasant ones.
  10. Yay! Learned something new.  Oblique Strategies 
  11. I like it quiet when I write. But I’ll consider it.
  12. This I do, sometimes moving to my back porch.
  13. Write 10 ideas a day? Yikes. Too much pressure.
  14.  Outlandish ideas? Might work.
  15. Swipe File is a great idea. Setting up some today.
  16. Book is a cousin to #15, don’t like to duplicate work.
  17. Journal about feeling blocked. Too whiny.
  18. Timed writing? No, I’ve enough pressure see #13.
  19. Unplugging is something I should do more often.
  20. Pen & Paper, tried and true.
  21. Set a deadline and broadcast it. Geese more pressure.
  22. Make a brag list.
  23. Make a to-do list. I like lists. 
  24. Reread one of your favorites and rewrite for practice. I’ve done this to get juices flowing. Works.
  25. Write down how you feel about your WIP. Nope, see #17.
  26. Which parts of WIP is best and strongest?
  27. Look at which parts are weakest.
  28. Consider different POV. I’ve done this and it does help.
  29. Review annotations in books you’ve enjoyed for inspiration.
  30. Decide on what you’re trying to accomplish.
  31. Lists of single words to identify key themes.
  32. Stop editing. This is my hardest thing to overcome.
  33. Recite the prayer of the Muse? Not into that much Zen, see #8.

For more detailed descriptions and explanations, click and read:

How can an aspiring writer get around writer’s block? by Bryan Collins

Now your turn. Tell me…

Which one of the 33 tips did you relate to?

Is there one that caught your interest?

Are you ready to try something new?

Give me your thoughts on these ideas.

Don’t let the Summertime blues stall your creativity. Get writing!

I love reading your comments. 

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