Jean's Writing

Writing and need help? Check out this terrific list

Published on November 17, 2017November 28, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Thanks to Erica Verrillo over at Publishing… and Other Forms of Insanity, for providing us with such an extensive list of websites.

There is something here for every writer. There is information on queries, marketing, publishing as well as how to write a good book. So get ready because if you’re like me, down the rabbit hole, you’ll go, once you begin to click.

Which of the 27 websites is new to me?

Agent Query. Although I’m nowhere ready to send out queries, this will definitely go on my “hope to need” list.
Free Writing Events. Yay! Who doesn’t want to submit without the added cost of submission fees? Oh yeah, this one is a definite must-read.
The Grinder. Like Erica, I once used Durotrope until they became a paid service. I can’t wait to check out this one.
Jae Writer. Now this one sounds like the perfect website to learn more about the craft of writing. Count me as a new follower.
Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL). Whoa! What writer wouldn’t want to get inside the mind of agents and editors?
The Passive Voice. Again, a great blog to learn what agents think. Plus, a bit of legalese from an attorney.
Pub Crawl. Here you can find an insider’s perspective from authors and publishing professionals. Cool!
Savvy Writers. Almost a million followers! Doris-Maria Heilmann blogs cover everything you ever wanted to know about publishing your book.
Susan Dennard. Her blog is filled with writing and publishing resources for aspiring authors. Everything from story-telling to the finished book.
Women Writers, Women’s Books. All things about women authors. Well, I definitely qualify.
Writing Career. Provides places that actually pay writers. Alright!

Not bad! I’m familiar with 16 of the 27! Now I can’t wait to dive into the other 11 websites. I just love learning new stuff! Gonna be a busy weekend of reading. See you on the other side of that rabbit hole. LOL

Want to know more!

Click and read about all of the great links on Erica’s website.

27 Great Websites for Writers by Erica Verrillo

Did you discover a new website?

Are any of the 27 a favorite?

Do you use any of these websites? Which ones?

Leave me a comment. I can’t wait to read your thoughts or suggestions.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

Do you know the best app for writing?

Published on November 15, 2017November 13, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell21 Comments

Whether you are a planner or pantser, all writers need good tools of the trade.

Sometimes I get bogged down in trying new apps. I waste too much time learning the ins and outs of an app I hope will help, but often I’m disappointed. Not because the app doesn’t work, but because it doesn’t work for me.

So, instead of spinning your wheels, like a car stuck in a ditch, read reviews before you try a new writing app.

What writing apps do I use?

Scrivener
- I love this program now, but there was a big learning curve for me. And although I’ve gotten the gist of it now, I still learn something new almost every day.
Grammarly Premium
- This app is one of my favorites. The free app is good too, but I upgraded to premium because I love the extras. The app is easy, and the learning curve short. Oh, one other thing about this app. It automatically checks my posts and emails.
Ginger
- A free app, Ginger is easy to load and easy to use. You can listen to your story, the app also suggests rephrasing of sentences (you can accept or reject suggestions.)
Canva
- This is a terrific app to design covers, promo material, and illustrations for blog posts. Easy and quick to use.
Sumo Paint
- This cool app works similar to Adobe Photoshop. Not as complicated as Adobe, and for a simple layered design it’s perfect. There are a lot of Youtube videos to help on the learning curve. It can be used straight off the website, not requiring a download.
Paint.net
- I use this app for simple sizing and cropping of images/photos. Super easy, quick and free.

As with all writing apps, none are perfect. And at times they contradict each other. So always double-check any suggestions before you take them as gospel.

Now I’ve discovered a few more that sound interesting. Kathy Edens has some interesting apps that may help planners and pantsers alike.

Which apps do I plan on checking out next?

One Stop for Writers, by Writers Helping Writers
- This isn’t exactly new to me as I follow WHWs and love their Thesaurus books, but I haven’t used One Stop yet. Don’t know why but I’m checking it out now.
Pro Writing Aid
- I used this program a few years ago. The new and improved (since I used it) looks interesting, and a lot of writers seem to love it. So gotta go and see what all the hoopla is about.

To read more reviews about these apps, click and read Kathy Edens recommendations. She lists 9 apps for you to look at.

Writing App Reviews: A Comparison of the Best by Kathy Edens

Do you have a favorite app/programs?

Which ones do you use?

Have you tried any of these? Like or dislike which ones?

Inquiring minds want to know. Share your experiences in the comments. I can’t wait to read them.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

How to pick the right editor

Published on November 13, 2017November 13, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Last year, as part of the A-Z challenge, I wrote a post about editors.

Picking the right editor is terribly important.

A friend had a few questions on the subject, so I decided to share a little bit about what to look for in an editor.

When I wrote a Children’s Picture book, A Most Reluctant Princess, I discovered the necessity of choosing the correct editor.

Not just any editor but the right editor.

I needed an editor that worked with Children’s Picture books. Not general fiction or thrillers.

How do you know who is right for you?

Part of it is intuition, make sure you click with the person you pick. But do your research. In some situations, you may need more than one editor.

Not all editors are created equal.

A Content Editor, also known as a Structural, Developmental, or Substantive editor looks at the big picture. Often rewriting segments of text to improve readability and flow and identifies problems with clarity.
Line/Copy/Stylistic Editor goes line by line to spot grammar, paragraph and sentence structure issues.
Proofreader goes over the manuscript after the editor looking for glaring mistakes.

Some editors offer more than one service. They may combine their skills as Content and Line editor.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are a few…

Will they provide a sample?
Do they have references?
What format will they accept? Electronic or paper?
What exactly is the service they offer?
How much do they charge? By page, word or…?
How many rewrites will they edit?

Most important pick an editor that works with your genre.

Tell me, have you used an editor yet?

Are you planning on hiring an editor?

What type of editor?

Where did you find your editors?

Below are a few links to read more about the types of editors and what they do.

Share your experiences in the comments. I can’t wait to read them.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

Editorial Confusion: Kinds of Editors and What Editors Do

4 Levels of Editing Explained: Which Service Does Your Book Need? BY CORINA KOCH MACLEOD AND CARLA DOUGLAS

Four Types of Book Editing by KIMBERLY JOKI

Know Your Stuff: Different Types of Editing By Catherine Dunn

Want a great product? Get a good editor by Jean M. Cogdell

How to add personality to your characters

Published on November 10, 2017November 28, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Eavesdrop like a pro.

I’ll admit I’m not very good at covertly listening in to other people conversations. Although there are times when it’s impossible not to hear. Sometimes it’s hard to talk to my dining companion because I’m transfixed by a loud couple at the next table. I want to whip out my tiny notebook and make notes. But, that would be a bit conspicuous. Don’t you think?

Why do I find eavesdropping awkward?

Because I grew up in a tiny house with lots of siblings and nosy parents. Privacy was a luxury. The only place to talk or read without others listening in was down by the creek. No mobile phones then so forget about a private conversation on the one kitchen phone. Even with a cord that reached all the way to the coat closet, someone was listening.

But if I want my characters to be real, to have different personalities I need to get away from my desk. Mingle, listen and yes, eavesdrop.

Today, I read a great article, published in The Writing Cooperative, about how to accidentally, on purpose, listen in on strangers.

How to Master Eavesdropping — You Know You Want To by Bryan Searing

What I learned from Bryan…

There are two types of eavesdropping.
- Sneaking around and spying, like my little sisters used to do.
- Accidental-unintentional, as in overhearing conversations in a public place.
Get away from the computer and mingle with people.
Brian’s Rules to Master Intentional Accidental Eavesdropping
- Be sensitive and respect privacy. Some people whisper in public, so don’t be rude.
- Best places to eavesdrop is where there are lots of people.
- Don’t stare! Act normal.
- Where to sit or linger.

Be sure and read his entire article to get more details on how you can eavesdrop like a pro. I’m gonna work on my accidental eavesdropping skills and try not to blush or giggle.