#amwriting – Page 25 – Jean's Writing

Do you know how to break through that barrier?

Published on July 5, 2017July 4, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Have you found a way to break that writer’s block?

To break through whatever is holding you back?

I did, and right in the middle of a holiday.

Writer’s block is banished and hope to hell it stays gone at least for few months. LOL

It was wonderful to sit and write not stop. Not even a bathroom break before I passed 1000 words! Here lately, that’s quite an accomplishment.

What changed? Me.

I relaxed for a few days. Watched TV, read a couple of good books, started a couple of bad books, and read a few great blog posts. Plus I kept my notebook close by. Yep, you read that right. Old fashioned pen and paper. It seemed that by letting myself off the hook, my mind felt free and the dam burst.

I’d jotted down whatever popped into my head. Later I’d free write or micro-plot from my notes. Nothing more, no pressure to do more than that. Then after a few days, I looked over those messy notes. Those scribbles made about as much sense as a drunk giving directions to the next best bar in town.

But odd as this may sound, I spotted a common thread that began to make sense. I almost flew to my computer.

And write, I did.

Writing is an escape for me. So I miss it when I can’t take a trip. I miss visiting with crazy characters. I even miss writing and deleting the rubbish no one else will read.

If you need a little encouragement. Read this post by author Roxie Cooper guest post on BlondeWriteMore. Ms. Cooper will help you realize you’re not alone. Click and read!

10 Things I learned about Writing a Novel

Do you have a tip for breaking through?

How do you unscramble your thoughts?

What have you learned about writing free?

Leave me a comment. I love talking to Y’all.

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.

What do you think, is it really never too late?

Published on July 3, 2017July 1, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Only if you’re dead.

Even if you’ve published that book a year ago, as I did. Go ahead and register that copyright. Better safe, than sorry.

A big shout out to CHRIS THE STORY READING APE’S BLOG for always pointing us to important and relevant information.

This week it’s about Copyrighting. Chris hooked us up with Susan Spann who dispels seven myths about the process. She explains everything in simple easy to understand terms. Even I got it!

So use the clicker on your computer and read how to protect your hard written words.

The Truth Behind Popular Copyright Myths by Susan Spann on Writer Unboxed site.

Have you registered your books?

Did you find the process easy?

Will you register them now after reading this article?

I’m waiting for your comments, love to hear from you.

And don’t forget to go 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.

Y’all have a good time and stay safe

Published on July 1, 2017June 30, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Over this long, 4th of July weekend stay safe, and have fun!

For all of my readers here in the states its time to enjoy the fireworks, BBQ, beer and hot dogs and dodge the crazy drivers on the roads. Although here in Texas that might be a bit hard to keep your cool as the heat flies past triple digits.

But, before you head out to have more fun than you can handle, I wanted to share a few tips for a great weekend.

Boaters– wear life vests.

Drinkers – don’t drive.

Sunbathing – use sunscreen.

BBQ – use Deet (on you, not the meat.)

That concludes Jean’s Weekend Public Service Safety Tips

Now go out there, enjoy the weekend and act half your age.

Waiting for your comments, love to hear from you.

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

What is the best way to write that book?

Published on June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell37 Comments

Writing with an outline, by pantsing or somewhere between.

Where do you fall?

Everyone has an opinion, but there is no right or wrong solution, just the right one for you.

I spent most of this year studying various outlining styles, trying to find one that fits my style. What did I learn in the last six months?

What did I learn in the last six months about outlining?

There is a multitude of ways to outline.
An outline can be fluid.
You can choose to write without one.
Outlining can suck the life out of a story even before you start writing.
Or can be a road map to the end.
Scrivener is still a writer’s number one go to for outlining.
There is no right or wrong way.

I also learned…

I’m a panster. Stick with what you know is a good thing.
But I can outline a “little bit” as I go.
When I get stuck, stop, do a little micro-plotting.
Outlining is not for everyone.

But now what? After all of these months of research? Where am I?

At the bottom of a pit with a bunch of crap! That’s where. My WIP is barely recognizable as I’ve attempted to organize it in one after another of these different outlines.

Ouch! Ibuprophen has done little to alleviate the writer’s block headache.

Now it’s time to get back in the saddle and make writing fun again. To hell with outlining. No offense to those who find it fun. But I gotta be me. LOL

For more about Outlining and Pantsing – Keep reading. I’ve listed lots of great articles for you.