Blog – Page 27 – Jean's Writing

What do you think comes first?

Published on January 4, 2016January 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

The chicken or the egg?

So what is a writer to do?

Kari Stevenson wrote over at BookFuel.com just why Book Reviews Are Important

She said, “Simply put, if I can’t find a review for a book there is a 99% chance I will not purchase it.” Click on the above link and read why she says as a librarian good reviews are a must have.

First and foremost begin early!

As I mentioned in my last post I failed to market my book before it was published. I didn’t seek reviews before publication. Seek out professional organizations and authors in your genre that might be willing to read your book. But, begin at least 2 months before the launch date. Don’t make my mistakes.

So how to get a review?

Ask your friends to buy and read your book.
Ask them to give an honest review.
Pray, hope, rub your lucky charm for a good review.
Repeat steps 1-3.

Yes, it’s a lot of work. I know, believe me. But I’ve not landed an agent to do the work for me, nor have I the money to hire a marketing agency so I’m plodding along.

Anyone have any good ideas out there for obtaining more reader reviews please share them! We would all love to know your secret.

Additional Reading Tips for Finding Reviewers

Make a list and check it twice.

How to Get Reviews For Your Book (Without Begging, Bribing or Resorting to Subterfuge) by Kimberley Grabas

Tim Grahl give you a form email to help.

HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR BOOK WITH AT LEAST 25+ AMAZON REVIEWS by Tim Grahl

What to say in a book review.

How To Get More Amazon Book Reviews By Jonathan Gunson

Amazon Reviewer Guidelines

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Wishing a better New Year for the survivors

Published on December 28, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

For the last few days my emotions have been all over the place. Joy, fear, exhilaration, terror, happiness, sadness, relief, gratitude, has bounced around like a ping-pong ball on the new table we gave the grandkids for Christmas.

Why all these emotions?

In the midst of enjoying an amazing holiday, filled with grandkids, good food, gifts that left me stunned at the generosity of my family, and emailing ideas to the illustrator for a new project, tornadoes ripped through our area.

Two of our children were driving through the storm, two children with two grandkids were at their home a few miles away.

Here at our house, Phil, myself, three grandkids and one dog huddled in a closet as tornado sirens wailed in the night.

After the all clear, we left the closet, relieved the tornado had passed over our house and thrilled to receive texts that everyone else was safe.

Next morning, we watched the news stunned at the devastation. According to the weather service an EF4 tornado — which is the second-most powerful with winds over 200 mph — struck Rowlett, Texas, just minutes from where I live. Relief and sadness flooded me as I watched the news reports.

9 tornados, 11 dead!

Still If felt a distance from the destruction until I received a reply from my earlier email.

Ashley Bauer, the artist who illustrated my first children’s book Tryouts for Ben and is collaborating with me on my newest project lives in Rowlett.

Evacuated from her apartment, Ashley apologized because the illustrations might be delayed. Displaced from her home in the midst of the second deadliest storm in Texas history, she’s worried about my little book! Wow! I assured her that should be way down on her priority list at the moment.

The storm cloud that held that enormous tornado passed over my little town, and dropped from the sky hitting Ashley’s apartment complex. She explained her building was not destroyed, but the building next to hers along with the management office was destroyed. I believe she used the word flattened.

I’ve had a stomach ache ever since I received her email. I’m so glad she’s and her family are safe.

The tornado came so close to us. The enormity of our escape hit me. There but for the grace of God, luck of the Irish, a toss of the coin, luck of the draw, or whichever ideology you subscribe I realize my family was very fortunate. But as relieved and grateful as I am for us, I’m also saddened for the loss suffered by my neighbors.

Time to finish gathering things for the donation drive. The families effected need everything. And then I’m going to go hug my kids!

So when you ring in the New Year, remember the families who need good things to happen and let’s wish them all the best that 2016 can bring.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Happy Happy Holidays!

Published on December 23, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I hope you are enjoying your family, friends

and great food this holiday!

xmas card

See you guys in a few days!

Do you want to switch or not?

Published on December 21, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

From or to a self-hosting website.

I’ve toyed with the idea of going the self-hosting route several times. But I always back away.

Why? Because for me WordPress.com is simpler and easier than learning an entire new system. Plus, I don’t want my writing to suffer nor do I want my website to suffer either. I fear that something would have to give one way or the other should I make a shift at this time.

For me, my website is a place to practice my storytelling, and to share what I learn, as I learn about writing. Do I want my blog to be successful? Of Course! But not at the expense of becoming a better writer.

The following is a good article about self-hosting.

18 Important Things You Should Know About Self-Hosting BY JANICE WALD

What about you guys?

Do you enjoy the blogging platform you have now?

Have you toyed with the idea of switching? If so which way?

I’d love to know your thoughts on this subject. Maybe I should rethink self-hosting.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.