Jean's Writing

Do you know how to spot Scam Websites?

Published on October 30, 2017October 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell25 Comments

Spooky time of year, Halloween.

So watch out for goblins. Don’t let them latch on to your computer.

That’s right, Scammers want to trick you into opening the door. Don’t! Be careful and be aware. Keep those buggers out.

If you are unsure what to look for click and read this post by Daniel Nations.

How to Recognize Scam Websites Learn how to protect your identity anywhere online by Daniel Nations

Here is what I learned about how to avoid a Scammers trick.

Google is my friend…
- Google an email link before clicking.
- Google and research any link from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media.
Even if the website seems legit…
- check for spelling errors.
- look for contact information
- Find a privacy statement?
As seen on…
- Anyone can make this claim
Trust…
- Again, anyone can copy a seal of approval or trust security seal.
Fake website address...
- Is there a weird spelling in the address?
- Lots of dashes and dots?
- No dot-org or dot-com? Probably not legit.
Http:// vs Https://…
- One is secure and encrypted and one is not.
Payment process…
- No wire transfers is a no-brainer.
- Refunds, Customer service? A must have.
Where to double-check…
- Better Business Bureau
- Scam tracker (BBB website)
- SiteJabber

What do you think?

Did this arm you with a little more information?

Did you learn anything new? What?

Have you any tips for avoiding scammers?

Share in the comments. And let’s get only treats this Halloween.

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you need a good book for the weekend?

Published on October 27, 2017October 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Want a book you can finish before Monday?

Well, below are two fun light-hearted books.

It’s been a great summer and I managed to squeeze in a few good books. Nothing better than curling up on a screened porch and kicking back with a tall glass of iced tea and reading a fun book.

Unless it’s curling up in front of a roaring fire, and of course, with a good book.

So, if you’re looking for characters to fall in love with, click on these links. Because you will adore Samuel Collins and his neighbors as four-year-old melt away his grumpy demeanor.

Both books are standalone, but I can assure you that you won’t be able to stop after book one.

Plus, both are now available in Kindle Unlimited!

Click on the book image to read a preview.

Advice of Counsel (The Samuel Collins Series Book 1)by Debra Trueman

158 customer reviews

Advice of Counsel (The Samuel Collins Series Book 1) by [Trueman, Debra]

Family Counsel (The Samuel Collins Series Book 2)Kindle Edition by Debra Trueman (Author)

31 customer reviews

Do you have any great books to recommend?

Share your favorite books?

Do you read more ebooks or do you prefer hard copies?

Please leave your recommendations in the comments. We all want to know.

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Is it possible to complete a novel in one month?

Published on October 25, 2017October 23, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell31 Comments

If you’ve managed this amazing feat, I’m impressed.

But not me, I break out in a sweat just thinking about writing a novel from beginning to end in thirty days.

Emails are pouring in for NaNoWriMo. Have you signed up?

Well, it’s that time of year, and the deadline is fast approaching. Almost time to start your engines, I mean computers.

If you decide to go for it, here are a few great tips from Bridget at Now Novel. The big takeaway from Bridget’s post is to plan, prepare and plan some more before you start writing.

Guess this is where I mess up. I’m a bit of a crossover between pantser and plotter, using a little of both to write a story, and planning is not one of my strengths. So for you super organized writer, good luck, and Godspeed.

Writing a novel in a month: 10 tips for plotters and pantsers

But, if you’re like me and hives appear with the arrival of each email pressuring you to write 50,000 words in thirty days, check out the following post and feel better about deleting those pesky emails.

Better yet, DON’T write that novel by Laura Miller

Laura makes some valid points. This is not for everyone. And if you’re worried about spewing out 50,000 words of crap, passing on NaNoWriMo might be the best decision. For me, I’m gonna go the way of the turtle. Slow and steady wins the race.

What about you?

Are you signing up or sitting out this year’s NaNoWriMo?

Have you participated in a previous NaNoWriMo? How’d it go?

Do you think it’s possible to write 50,000 words in 30 days?

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Want to know which platform is best for you?

Published on October 23, 2017October 23, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell20 Comments

So you’re ready to create a blog.

Or maybe you’re considering a self-hosted website.

Stop and read the following articles below before you decide which way to go. This is one of the best explanations I’ve read in a long time about the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

After reading and listening to fellow bloggers, I decided to stick with WordPress.com.

My reasons:

Although not perfect, it’s a turnkey process.
I found a Theme I liked but can change with ease
My blog is updated and backed keeping my blog intact online (even though I may lose content I won’t lose the blog.)
I don’t want to pay a third-party to support the platform or the security.
I don’t have the time to dedicate to running a self-hosted site.

4 Reasons You Should Never Use WordPress.com (And 4 Reasons You Should) by Sanj Sahayam

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org – Which is Better? (Comparison Chart) June 29th, 2017 by Editorial Staff by wpbeginner.com

Did the articles help you understand a little better how WordPress.com and WordPress.org work and how they are different?

Which do you use?

Have you considered a self-hosted site?

Share in the comments. I love hearing from you!

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.