Is it possible to complete a novel in one month?

Published on October 25, 2017October 23, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell31 Comments

If you’ve managed this amazing feat, I’m impressed.

But not me, I break out in a sweat just thinking about writing a novel from beginning to end in thirty days.

Emails are pouring in for NaNoWriMo. Have you signed up?

Well, it’s that time of year, and the deadline is fast approaching. Almost time to start your engines, I mean computers.

If you decide to go for it, here are a few great tips from Bridget at Now Novel. The big takeaway from Bridget’s post is to plan, prepare and plan some more before you start writing.

Guess this is where I mess up. I’m a bit of a crossover between pantser and plotter, using a little of both to write a story, and planning is not one of my strengths. So for you super organized writer, good luck, and Godspeed.

Writing a novel in a month: 10 tips for plotters and pantsers

But, if you’re like me and hives appear with the arrival of each email pressuring you to write 50,000 words in thirty days, check out the following post and feel better about deleting those pesky emails.

Better yet, DON’T write that novel by Laura Miller

Laura makes some valid points. This is not for everyone. And if you’re worried about spewing out 50,000 words of crap, passing on NaNoWriMo might be the best decision. For me, I’m gonna go the way of the turtle. Slow and steady wins the race.

What about you?

Are you signing up or sitting out this year’s NaNoWriMo?

Have you participated in a previous NaNoWriMo? How’d it go?

Do you think it’s possible to write 50,000 words in 30 days?

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Want to know which platform is best for you?

Published on October 23, 2017October 23, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell20 Comments

So you’re ready to create a blog.

Or maybe you’re considering a self-hosted website.

Stop and read the following articles below before you decide which way to go. This is one of the best explanations I’ve read in a long time about the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

After reading and listening to fellow bloggers, I decided to stick with WordPress.com.

My reasons:

Although not perfect, it’s a turnkey process.
I found a Theme I liked but can change with ease
My blog is updated and backed keeping my blog intact online (even though I may lose content I won’t lose the blog.)
I don’t want to pay a third-party to support the platform or the security.
I don’t have the time to dedicate to running a self-hosted site.

4 Reasons You Should Never Use WordPress.com (And 4 Reasons You Should) by Sanj Sahayam

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org – Which is Better? (Comparison Chart) June 29th, 2017 by Editorial Staff by wpbeginner.com

Did the articles help you understand a little better how WordPress.com and WordPress.org work and how they are different?

Which do you use?

Have you considered a self-hosted site?

Share in the comments. I love hearing from you!

Also, if you can please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you have fun being you?

Published on October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Do you enjoy practicing your creativity?

Well, time to practice and have fun at the same time.

Because we’ve all heard practice makes perfect, right?

Maybe you’re like me and always equated practice with drudgery. Not fun. Trust me, anyone mentions I need to use my treadmill for anything other than hanging laundry and we’re gonna have to talk. Not gonna happen.

But if we practice what we love, what we enjoy, what makes us happy that puts a whole different spin on the concept. Too bad I don’t enjoy running.

The point is, don’t let your writing become work or an exercise you dread waiting until inspiration strikes. That spark from your muse may not show up each and every day but you can still enjoy your talent and the art of becoming a writer. At least according to Kurt Vonnegut.

What did I learn from her article?

Not writing makes me miserable, so write something, anything.
Writing doesn’t have to be hard unless I make it difficult.
Every time I string words together, I’m practicing. WOW.
Enjoy the trip, not the destination.
Stop comparing myself to others.

Now I’m gonna go practice becoming a writer. What about you?

I hope you enjoy the following encouraging article as much as I did.

Click and read…

This 2-Word Quote From Writer Kurt Vonnegut Will Change the Way You Work Jessica Stillman/Oct 11, 2017

What did you think about Vonnegut’s two words of encouragement?

Are you practicing becoming?

Tell me what you think, I’m interested.

I’d love it if you’d stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you need a little inspiration today?

Published on October 16, 2017October 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Writing inspiration comes in many forms.

I’m trying Ben, I’m trying.

Some days are easier than others.

Inspiration can get our creative juices flowing come from Memes, blogs, books, other writers, our kids or weird characters that wake us in the middle of the night. I’m talking about imaginary characters of course.

When a character waltzes in my bedroom in the dead of night I do what any reasonable writer would, I grab my trusty pad and pen to promptly scribble down the best words ever written. In the morning I bounce from bed ready to turn my late night inspired words into a fabulous award-winning scene.

My first reaction as I try to read the gibberish is, WTF? Did a six-year-old kid scribble this on my notepad? It appears my characters enjoy tormenting me in my sleep talking about nothing. Guess I need to stop watching Seinfeld reruns before bed.

Maybe I should try meditating instead of sleeping. Hmm.