Jean's Writing

How many words can one person write in a day?

Published on September 27, 2017September 27, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell24 Comments

Are you just too busy to write that dang book?

Seems like my summer passed in a flash and I got diddly squat accomplished. That’s Southern for not much.

cat laptop

Then along comes an article that made my jaw drop.

How I Write 10,000 Words Per Day, Every Day by Nicolas Cole

Now, while his tips and advice are worth noting, who the hell is going to do my laundry while I write 10,000 words a day?

He is one organized dude. God, I wish I was half as organized as he is. Just reading his schedule made me tired. Is it my nap time yet?

working

Okay, maybe he has a point. Maybe turn off my phone (but what if one of the kids needs me?) and turn off social media (but I’ll miss all the cute cat memes) I might get more writing done.

But….

Never mind you don’t want to hear all of my excuses. What about you?

Are you disciplined and organized?

How many words do you strive for in a day? Or do you set a word goal?

Talk to me in the comments, I loved to read your thoughts.

Please stop by my other locations (I’ve made some snazzy new icons) and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Or click the “write me” tab and send me an email.

How to make buying easy for your readers

Published on September 25, 2017September 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

All you need is a simple order and pay button.

click-ORDER 978044_1280

Click-pay

Do you have extra books left over from a book festival? Have some “how-to” worksheets, a writing workshop/seminar, or workbook? The ideas are endless.

The holidays will be here before we know it so put your thinking caps on. Is there something hidden on a long forgotten shelf or lurking in the shadows of your mind that would be perfect to sell on your website.

You can make a special button from a picture, book cover or use buttons like these. Feel free to right click and copy/save the red buttons above if you want.

You no longer have to be a self-hosted blogger to add this feature. Now WordPress dot com made one available for their bloggers.

Okay, okay, I can hear what some of Y’all thinking. Jean didn’t know about this? Well, as usual, I’m a little behind with some of my updates. But, better late than never. Am I right?

Now back to adding that purchase and pay button. As with all new things, there is a trick. You need to use the new Visual Editor, not the old one. Now I’ll admit, I prefer the old editor to write my blog posts. I find it easier to navigate and just plain like the look better. I love the SAVE AS DRAFT because it is large and easy to find. Using the new format, I’m always nervous if the draft is saved or not. Yes, I know there is a saved button. But, sigh, sometimes I have to move with the technology. And this is one of those times.

Here is the WordPress.com link that explains how to make and add a button to your website.

https://en.support.wordpress.com/simple-payments/

I can’t be the only friend you have who didn’t know about this feature. So be kind and share my post. You never know who might need it to sell their books or widgets.

Well, what do you think?

Is this something you can use?

Are you ready to open up shop?

Have something to sell? What?

Don’t forget, pass it on!

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about this feature of WordPress.com.

Please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

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Looking for new inspiration for your muse?

Published on September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Well, how about 50 new ideas?

If you’ve read many of my blogs, you’ll know I love prompts. My muse gets as excited as I do over a good prompt.

Jump for joy — Image courtesy of Pixabay

And finding new, different and interesting prompts gets my muse excited. So without further ado.

Check out…

50 Mystery Plot Ideas and Writing Prompts! by Bryn Donovan

Did you find one that made you think?

Prompts #4, #29, #42 and #45 just went in my story idea file.

Now you, which one did you add to your idea file?

Okay, now leave me a comment, then I hope you’ll head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can also follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

How to add a friends quirks to your character

Published on September 20, 2017September 19, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

We all have them, those irritating, funny, or lovable people who make our lives complete.

Without an aggravating co-worker, who would we bitch about?

What would our BBQ be without the life of the party friend?

Pink Panther - Life of the party

Or how about that loving friend who embraces all of our warts, and keeps us sane? Gotta have a best friend character, right?

Roz Morris refers to these everyday characters as “plot zombies.” No, not the flesh-eating kind. But people who add spice and zing to the story. Adding ‘equilibrium of irritation’ to the plot might be just what you’re searching for.

She uses an old sitcom Sienfield to show examples in the extreme. Although, I beg to differ. Because I’ve met a few of these extreme characters in real life. Which goes right to her point.

Roz explains, that time moves on and we deal with the quirks of people in our world because that’s life. “Art imitates life.” Oscar Wilde. But I contend, life also imitates art, especially in fiction.

I love her example and it really got me to thinking how I need to add a little ‘equilibrium of irritation’ to my WIP. So, now which of my characters needs spice? Hmm…

Watch and see what Roz is talking about…

Did anyone look familiar? Maybe, an aunt, nutty uncle or coworker?

Do you think there is room in your story for a little ‘equilibrium of irritation’?

Have you applied a real person quirks to a character?

Or maybe you have a favorite sit-com that inspires you. Do tell.

Click and read all about…

Fictional characters – a lesson from Seinfeld from Roz Morris at Nail Your Novel

After leaving a comment, I hope you’ll head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can also follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.