Jean's Writing

A podcast a day will make you a better writer

Published on August 4, 2017August 4, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Well, it just might!

Especially if you check out this article I found over at Bustle.

Last week I asked what books were y’all reading and the response was amazing. I’ve got a “to read” mile long list. Should keep me knee-deep in reading material through the Christmas holidays.

So I thought maybe podcast would be the next step. Because there are times when we can’t drag along our laptop or iPad. And sometimes we do need a break from our WIP.

That’s the best thing about podcasts, no computer needed!

Work on your writing skills when you walk the dog, relax at the beach, ride a car, plane or train. While others are rocking tunes you are rocking podcasts.

20 Podcasts About Writing That Will Have You Penning A Bestselling Novel In No Time by E. CE MILLER

I know which one I’m starting with, Magic Lessons. Especially since the book by Elizabeth Gilbert is on my to read list.

Check out the list of 20 and tell me which one you’re going to start with first. Some of the names you’ll recognize right away, others are new friends waiting.

Which one will you watch first? Why?

Do you see a podcast that might help with your writing?

Have you ever watched podcasts?

What do you think about the list? Have a favorite to add?

Tell me I really want to know.

I love reading your 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 know the right Hashtag to use when you tweet?

Published on August 2, 2017August 1, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Authors and writers can find Twitter a great information source.

All it takes is using, and searching for the right #Hashtag.

There are lots of lists and lots of Hashtags to choose from, too bad I lost the cheat sheet I’d used for years.

Thank goodness for WENDY VAN CAMP! And her terrific list. I’m going to print out the dang thing in triplicate and tape one above my desk, one on my desk, and one in my file.

Want to connect with other authors for help? There’s a Hashtag for that.
Want to connect with writers of various genres? There’s a Hashtag for that.
Want to connect with readers? There’s a Hashtag for that.

WENDY VAN CAMP gives us a list for all of them!

Author #Hashtags for Twitter by WENDY VAN CAMP at No Wasted Ink

From her list, I discovered a new #Hashtag, #WritersTellMe. Can’t wait to see what I find with this one.

Keep watching and learn more about what Twitter can do for you as an author.

Your turn.

Did you see a new Hashtag? One you hadn’t thought of?

What Hashtag do you use the most often?

Do you have a Hashtag to add to the list that might be useful to us?

Did you learn something new about using Hashtags and Twitter for writers?

Talk to me, I love reading your comments.

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

What is the difference between suspense and mystery?

Published on July 31, 2017July 31, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

To be honest, I’m not sure I know the answer.

Although, I’ve been reading and researching both genres for months.

My favorite movies and books are mystery/suspense. I’m writing (I hope) what will turn out to be a suspense novel. Once I re-read the following article compliments of Dan Alatorre and his guest blogger, Allison Maruska I may decide it’s a mystery. Stay tuned.

What did I pick up from Allison’s post?

In fiction, as in life, timing is everything.

Solve a mystery.

Stop the suspense.

These two genres fold into other genres such as romance and Sci-fi. There is always something to stop or something to solve.

Now your turn. Click and read how Allison Maruska explains the Suspense & Mystery genre.

Suspense vs Mystery: What’s The Difference? A guest blog post by Allison Maruska

What did you think?

Did you already know the difference?

Do you agree with her analogy?

Talk to me, I love reading your comments.

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

What novel are you reading right now?

Published on July 28, 2017July 28, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell28 Comments

Or just finished reading?

Or just loaded on your Kindle, or bought at the bookstore?

It’s Summer and time to read. I love nothing better than curling up with a good book reading late into the night by the glow of my Kindle.

I’d love to know what you’re reading. Share with us what you’ve been curled up with, or your most recent favorite finds. No review necessary. Unless the book is terrible, a heads up will be appreciated. But the book title and author will do just fine.

I’ll go first. Finished three books this past week, I give all of them 4 stars. (I went on a wild reading binge.) Best Eaten Cold by Tony Salter, and Disappearance at Devil’s Rock by Paul Tremblay 4 stars, and The Circle by Dave Eggers.

Loaded on my Kindle, for this week is Watching You by JA Schneider.

Best Eaten Cold: The terrifyingly believable new psychological thriller from Tony Salter by [Salter, Tony] Disappearance at Devil's Rock: A Novel by [Tremblay, Paul] The Circle by [Eggers, Dave] Watching You: A Police/Psychological thriller with a mind-bending twist (Detective Kerri Blasco Book 3) by [Schneider, J.A.]

Wait, don’t want to end without mentioning a book on writing.

I’m always reading, re-reading or consulting one. The most recent reference book added to my arsenal is Writing the Natural Way by Gabriele Lusser Rico. This book was originally published in 1983, but a 15th edition was released in 2000. Unfortunately, it’s not available in e-book, but I scored a copy of the original edition at my local Half-priced Book Store so you might want to check one near you. This is a terrific book for writers. There is a wealth of information between the pages, and before you read that last page, you’ll be inspired to tackle your WIP with fresh eyes. I’ve enjoyed my copy so much I’m considering getting the revised edition too.