Blog – Page 21 – Jean's Writing

How to show who you are in a bio

Published on June 9, 2016June 8, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell27 Comments

What does your “about” page tell your readers?

I’m terrible at writing a bio. And it seems every publication, website or blurb wants one a little different. I probably have at least 10 or more saved to “adjust” for the next one.

Too many times, my bio reads like dry toast. All crunchy, tasteless and bland. However, I do try to smear on a little honey or jam to make it more palatable.

Today I read a post about writing bios that made me smile.

I’m not sure I would apply this for a professional bio but it did give me pause. The author is reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously and to let our readers get to know us. After all, no one wants to be friends with dry toast.

But I do think her suggestion goes a long way on an about page or post. So in the spirit of getting to know each other better here goes.

I know…

I couldn’t run a mile if my life depended on it. I hate exercise. The bad guy would get me for sure.
I love country music. Texas Two Step is in my blood. And whoever said “dancing was foreplay,” knew what they were talking about.
I love a good book but couldn’t tell you which genre is my favorite. However, if I want to fall asleep fast, non-fiction will do the job.
I love bubble baths but rarely take the time to enjoy one. Showers are faster.
My husband is my biggest fan and even after 5 decades that man can turn me on with a look. And Lord help me if he gets close enough to kiss my neck.
I’m a writer. Never thought I’d write children’s books, but surprise!
The more I learn about writing and blogging, the little I know. Sometimes I feel real dumb.
I grew up in the South and learned to never discuss politics with friends, but this year it’s been hard to keep my mouth shut.
I enjoy a good dirty martini or a cold Miller Lite, depends on my mood.

So there you have it. A bit of my heart and soul revealed to you. Nothing about me being an amazing writer or the failure of “Big Publishers” to pick up on my genius. No just a little glimpse of me.

If you’d like to read the post that prompted me to share, the link is at the bottom.

Now it’s your turn.

Give one tidbit about yourself in the comments.

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

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A Dead Simple Way to Write a Creative Bio

How to keep your computer super organized and problem free

Published on June 2, 2016June 1, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

It’s Spring Cleaning time. Time to make sure your computer is running its best.

My computer has been a bit sluggish lately, so I guess it’s time to do a bit of housecleaning. (i.e., computer cleaning.) laptop_cleaningjpg

I hate cleaning of all kinds.

Housework is boring as is optimizing my computer. But, like dirty dishes, dirty unused files/programs make a mess.

As a writer, I love finding new programs. Too bad many of these programs don’t work as I expected. As a result, unused programs can clog up my system.

So, what to do?

Backup! Whether you use an external drive or an online service, backup your computer. I do this before I delete anything.
Go to Programs & Features, find outdated/unused programs and uninstall.
Update programs. Stop hitting update later when prompted to update programs you do use. Especially, the antivirus program.
Organize documents and files. Just like my closet, this area gets cluttered with things that don’t fit. Time to throw out outdated and unused files.
Defrag! This action will free up lots of space enabling your computer to work faster and more efficient.
I understand this will take most of your afternoon. However, better to do a little housekeeping than lose that 55,000 word novel in progress.

Below is a detailed article checklist to help you get started.

Tell me, when was the last time you cleaned up your computer?

Do you have a set schedule for computer housekeeping?

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! CLICK TO WRITE ME OR CONTACT ME ON TWITTER @JEANCOGDELL, FACEBOOK AT JEAN.COGDELLAND AMAZON.COM, STOP BY AND SAY HEY! THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND I’M WAITING.

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13 WAYS YOU’RE SCREWING UP YOUR COMPUTER By Tim Fisher

Are you searching for a new look too?

Published on June 1, 2016May 31, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Well, I was and I hope you like my new look. Before you get started, let me tell you it took a lot of work. work frog-1339892_640

But a big thank you goes to writer and blogger who just happens to be my sister, Sheila Good, for her suggestions. After several hours, and lots of swearing, I got it done without destroying my original blog.

If you’re thinking of changing your look, here are a few tips that might help.

First, start a new website with a different name of course and made it private.

This private website is your testing ground. Private means no one can see it but you. You can manipulate it, change the theme and just have fun until you get the right look without destroying your original blog.

How do you know if a theme has a page that will work for landing?

There are websites on WordPress.com that have multiple pages. This is why it’s important to play with different themes. Once you find a theme, go to Pages – Add New Page and click on Page Attributes. (this box is usually on the far right.)

Under Template, there will be choices. Default or as in mine Guestbook. Other themes templates are named differently. If there are no multiple templates, time to try another theme.

Next, go to Appearance, Customize and select Static Front Page option. There you can select which page you want as your landing page.

I hope this is a little clearer than mud, and it helps you find just the right theme for your website.

But, remember to make a different website for your experiments.

Now it’s your turn.

How did you select your blog theme?

Any suggestions to make it easier for others?

Keep Reading –

Click on the articles at the end of post to read what other bloggers have to say about finding the right theme.

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! CLICK TO WRITE ME OR CONTACT ME ON TWITTER @JEANCOGDELL, FACEBOOK AT JEAN.COGDELLAND AMAZON.COM, STOP BY AND SAY HEY! THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND I’M WAITING.

PLEASE REMEMBER, SHARE THIS POST WITH YOUR TWITTER PEEPS ANDFACEBOOK FANS.

Find the best WordPress themes (free or paid)

SELECTING THE PERFECT WORDPRESS THEME – 9 THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORDPRESS THEME FOR YOUR WEBSITE

Do you think blogging hurts or helps your writing?

Published on May 30, 2016June 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell24 Comments

For me, the answer is both.

Do you see an end to blogging in your future?

crystal ball 2

I started my blog to practice and hone my skills. It had been years since I’d attempted to write anything other than professional documents and after reaching a point in my life where I had the time to indulge myself, I wanted to write for fun.

My blog evolved and changed as I met other writers/bloggers.

Has your blog changed since you began? Do you write more or less?

Thanks to many wonderful writers sharing their knowledge and skills, I began to gain some confidence. And I wanted to retain as much as possible. began blogging about what this enormous community taught me. I must confess, blogging and linking back to y’all is my way of not only saying thanks but also preserving the information for myself.

In order to preserve this bounty of information, I began blogging about what this enormous community taught me. So yes, blogging has taught me a lot about writing. However, the more time I dedicate to blogging the less time I dedicate to actually writing. That’s the hurting side of this two-edged sword.

Finding a balance is hard.

Life takes over and also makes its own demands on our time.

Will there come a time when my blogging will reach an end? Probably.

What about you? Do you see a change coming? Is your blogging days numbered?

Read the article below on today’s Speak Out Blog over at WOW by Sheila Good, and tell me what you see for the future.

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.