Tag: #amreading

Do you know what to expect?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

When hiring an editor or proofreader?

The prices are all over the map, so to speak, but thanks to Dan Alatorre we now have a good idea what to expect. Dan broke the prices down so even I could understand what to expect. I mean, no one likes to get hit with sticker shock. Finding the right editor or proofreader for the right price is a delicate balancing act for each writer. Even a children’s picture book requires a professional touch.

Read Dan’s blog post and tell me what you think. I really want to know. Although my novel is not ready for prime time yet I hope by years end to be editor shopping myself.

Have you ever hired an editor? How was your experience?

Do the prices jive with Dan’s?

How did you find your editor?

Do you know what publishing costs to expect?

Proofreding and Editing Rates (not mine; I don’t do that)  by Dan Alatorre AUTHOR

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.

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You can improve your novel with these tips

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

I’m always searching for great writing tips. Believe me, I need all the help I can get. 

When I find a few good tips, I just have to them with y’all.

A few of the 42 listed in Melissa Donovan’s post below, you may already know. But, out of her extensive list, I bet you’ll find one or more that ring your creative bell.

Take a look and tell me what you think.

42 Fiction Writing Tips for Novelists by 

#1 is my favorite because I love to read.

#15 I’m still working on.

#22 is a tall order but I’m working to achieve.

#25 is a good reminder to stay focused.

#29 on my to-do list.

#40 important to remember.

Did any of these tips speak to you? Which ones?

Are you keeping a list of writing tips?

Do you have a favorite tip to share?

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 hard truth about self-publishing?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

This article, By Rebecca M. Lyles, is a must read for all writers.

Like Ms. Lyles, I’m an introvert. I break out in a cold sweat at the thought of hawking my book. 

But I think it’s important to know what a writer faces when going the self-publishing route. Better prepared than caught blindsided.

So brace yourselves. Read…

Five Self-Pub Truths (I wish I’d known)By Rebecca M. Lyles

What did you think?

Any surprises?

Have you already gone down this path? If so share with me your experience in self-publishing. 

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 need to overcome Summertime writer’s block?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

How about, not 10, but 33 tips to jumpstart your writing?

The long, hot days make me lethargic. I want to play, putter around with my roses, or read a good book. Even my muse, complains it’s too damn hot to sit at a computer. Now, who am I to argue with inspiration?

But, writers must write.

So if you’re searching for something to help, keep reading.

I found a great answer on Quora. Who knows? After you read the article, even during these dog-days of summer, maybe you will find one that suits you.

Here’s my take on his 33 tips. The ones I think will help me are in red.

  1. Not me, I’m a start at the beginning kinda gal.
  2. Jot down the facts, just the facts. Cool idea.
  3. Now take a fact from #2 and turn it on its head. What if it’s a lie.
  4. Prompts? I love prompts.
  5. Free write, hmm might just work. Gonna give it a try. With #4 of course.
  6. Break? Took too many already this Summer.
  7. Get moving. But remember to come back to WIP.
  8. Meditate. Nah, not for me.
  9. Ditto. I don’t like confrontations. Even pleasant ones.
  10. Yay! Learned something new.  Oblique Strategies 
  11. I like it quiet when I write. But I’ll consider it.
  12. This I do, sometimes moving to my back porch.
  13. Write 10 ideas a day? Yikes. Too much pressure.
  14.  Outlandish ideas? Might work.
  15. Swipe File is a great idea. Setting up some today.
  16. Book is a cousin to #15, don’t like to duplicate work.
  17. Journal about feeling blocked. Too whiny.
  18. Timed writing? No, I’ve enough pressure see #13.
  19. Unplugging is something I should do more often.
  20. Pen & Paper, tried and true.
  21. Set a deadline and broadcast it. Geese more pressure.
  22. Make a brag list.
  23. Make a to-do list. I like lists. 
  24. Reread one of your favorites and rewrite for practice. I’ve done this to get juices flowing. Works.
  25. Write down how you feel about your WIP. Nope, see #17.
  26. Which parts of WIP is best and strongest?
  27. Look at which parts are weakest.
  28. Consider different POV. I’ve done this and it does help.
  29. Review annotations in books you’ve enjoyed for inspiration.
  30. Decide on what you’re trying to accomplish.
  31. Lists of single words to identify key themes.
  32. Stop editing. This is my hardest thing to overcome.
  33. Recite the prayer of the Muse? Not into that much Zen, see #8.

For more detailed descriptions and explanations click and read:

How can an aspiring writer get around writer’s block? by Bryan Collins

Now your turn. Tell me…

Which one of the 33 tips did you relate to?

Is there one that caught your interest?

Are you ready to try something new?

Give me your thoughts on these ideas.

Don’t let the Summertime blues stall your creativity. Get writing!

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.