#amwriting – Page 121 – Jean's Writing

How many hours to finish?

Published on August 6, 2015August 5, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

And I thought National Novel Writing Month – or NaNoWriMo was hard.

This endeavor makes me seem like an all time slacker.

On August 8, 2015 a group of people will write a book.

Want to write a book? You can if you’ve got 75 minutes spare

Not sure what the book will look like, but this article made me think.

What if I could write a chapter in 75 minutes?

Just how long would it take me to finish my manuscript?

Based on the premise of author Chris Farnell, I’d multiply the number of chapters by 75 minutes.

30 chapters X 75 minutes = 2250 min

2250 min = 37.5 hours

Okay, a writer needs time to eat and sleep so we couldn’t write around the clock. Besides, I’d need a back brace and something to get rid of finger cramps.

Based on this theory, writing an average of 4 hours a day, a rough draft could be completed in less than two weeks. So now I’m thinking this November, NaNoWriMo project is not so crazy after all. Except for the holidays putting a kink in those plans.

But, I’m gonna give my writing process some serious thought.

For more information on this project, head over to “NaNoSessionMo”.

What do you think? Tell me in the comments section. Please pass my blog on to your Facebook and Twitter friends.
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Do you want to write with more clarity?

Published on August 5, 2015August 4, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Are you caught in the pronoun trap?

Sometimes I find myself leaning on it, they and you like a three-sided walker. And don’t get me started on the multitude of pronouns at my disposal.

Check out the awesome articles published at SouthWest Writers by Dodici Azpadu, MFA, PhD a novelist, short story writer, and poet explain.

Don’t leave readers confused and confounded as if they are watching an Abbott & Costello routine. Head over to SouthWest Writers and read how to write with clarity.

GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT: PRONOUN CONSISTENCY by Dodici Azpadu

GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT: THE SECRET LIFE OF PRONOUNS by Dodici Azpadu

I love comments, please leave me one, then click on the Facebook and Twitter links to share my post on to your friends.
If you are not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Tips to reduce your social media stress

Published on August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Don’t let social media stress you out!

I wanted to do a follow-up on one of my recent posts. Do you want a solution for blog stress?

Life keeps us all very busy so I wanted to share a little more about how I manage my social sites. An oldie but goodie is “Keep it Simple.”

This is my very first web video. I hope you get a couple of good, usable tips. Click on my picture and enjoy (I hope).

Links to help.

7 Time Saving Social Media Tools

The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Automation

Social Media Strategy

Automate like the pros

www.tweetdeck.com

www.ifttt.com

In the comments, leave me your favorite tip for keeping up with social media.

Please click on the Facebook and Twitter links to pass my post on to your friends.
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

How do you use a writing prompt?

Published on August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Y’all know how much I love prompts.

When my brain is dry as dust and I’m scraping the bottom for ideas seems as if a writing prompt lights a fire and once again I’m off and running.

But what is the best way to use a writing prompt?

Recently, I read an article that gave me more food for thought about the use of writing prompts.

How to Use Writing Prompts to Become a Better Writer By Emily Wenstrom

She gave suggestions how best to use prompts to become a better writer as well as a published writer. I suggest you hop over to The Write Life and read this great article on getting the most out of writing prompts.

Are you getting the biggest bang possible from a writing prompt?

Let me know your technique in the comments section. I love new tips. Please pass this post on to your Facebook and Twitter pals.
If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!