Jean's Writing

Want to know the truth about pop-ups?

Published on September 19, 2017September 20, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Want to Increase Your Blog Readership? Kill that Popup! By Anne R. Allen

Shares with us the unvarnished truth about what readers think of all those pop-ups on your blog.

I agree with Anne.

Here is what I think of pop-ups!

Not gonna keep reading if I have to hunt for a tiny X to close a damn box. Or worse, fill out a form just for the privilege of reading your page. Note not gonna happen.

Ads are not so bad as long as they don’t pop up and obstruct the post. Although I have allowed WordPress to put them on my blog, I’m still on the fence about them.

So stop with the sign-up subscription or buy my book, pop-ups, please.

What do you think?

Agree with Anne? Or do you like them?

Can’t wait to hear your answers. Leave them in the comments.

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

You can find me…

Facebook StumbleUpon Twitter Amazon.com

Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab.

Are you searching for that “right” word?

Published on September 18, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Is your writing bland or boring?

When the thesaurus search doesn’t find what you want. Where can you look?

Time to spice things up, and no not talking about sex. But tossing out the ho-hum “go to” words we use over and over.

Click on the link below for some fun infographics that may help you get rid of a few overused words.

28 Boring Words Alternatives – Improve Your Writing by Jack Milgram

My favorite of the 28 is

Instead of Seem, use words infographic — **Image courtesy of Jack Milgram**

Which one is your favorite?

Do you think infographics are helpful?

Can’t wait to hear your answers. Leave them in the comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

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

Do you want to curl up with a good book this weekend?

Published on September 15, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Then today is your lucky day!

Because I’ve got not one, not two but three for you. Each book different and unique.

Long flights are perfect for reading and I found these good talented authors to keep me company as I traveled.

Up first…

The Sanctification of Peter Kane by Troy Stoops

Want to read a preview of this book? Click on the image.

At first, the mixed reviews gave me pause. I wasn’t sure what to expect, offered through Kindle Unlimited so I thought, why not. And boy-howdy I’m glad I took a chance on Mr. Stoops.

I enjoyed this book so much, I returned the KU version and bought a copy to keep. It’s that good. Ever heard the old saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction?” That’s what popped into my mind as I read this book.

I also wondered where the author bought his crystal ball, the book was published in 2013. Twilight time. Be sure to open your mind and check your biases before you begin reading. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…

Next is…

The Millionaire’s Wife by Shalini Boland

This psychological thriller kept me on the edge until the last chapter. That makes for a great read. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you will like The Millionaire’s Wife. Just what will someone do for money?

Kill, plan, and terrorize? All of the above is in this book. Ms. Boland earned five stars for the roller coaster ride of suspense. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…

Last but not least…

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

Where do I start? At the end. Why? Because there are few books that have brought me to tears. This is one. I read the last few pages through blurry eyes. Not because my eyes were tired or my Kindle on the fritz. No, the words danced because of the compassion rolling inside of me.

Ms. Driscoll tells a story of murder, loss, and deceit from the perspective of all too human characters. This takes talent. She makes the reader care about the people in her story. I can only hope to achieve this great feat one day.

I didn’t figure out guilty until the author revealed their identity. Now that is great story telling and very deserving of five stars. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…

Have you read a memorable book recently?

Have a favorite you enjoy over and over?

Please share your best reads. We all love finding that nugget amidst the rubble.

And when you have a moment, head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

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

What are your most embarrassing moments as a writer?

Published on September 13, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

We’ve all had them.

Moments when dread and hope mingle to make for sweaty palm anxiety.

Loretta Livingstone was brave enough to share hers.

Mine, sitting for hours at a library book fair and selling precious few books. The upside, I did sell a few, my books are now part of the library system and I made some great connections.

Jean M. Cogdell at Sachse Book Fair — Sachse Book Fair

Another time I bought a butt-load of books for a major book festival, only to have Mother Nature send down a horrific hail storm and flood the streets. Needless to say, I along with most of the population didn’t make it to the festival.

I think you’ll find Loretta’s post refreshing and encouraging. Click and read her link below.

As a writer…

What was your most embarrassing or disappointing moment?

Did something good come from the experience?

Embarrassing Book Signings? by Loretta Livingstone

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.