Blog – Page 36 – Jean's Writing

Read How To Think Like A Publisher

Published on May 27, 2015May 25, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Hmm, think like a publisher.

Thanks to Writers on the Move for pointing me to the Writings and Opinions of Dean Wesley Smith.

On his website you can read his book Think Like A Publisher 2015, chapter by chapter.

Also, Killing the Top Sacred Cows of Publishing and Indie Publishing.

And this bonus, chapter one of his third book, Killing Even More Sacred Cows of Indie Publishing.

I can’t wait to start reading!

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Stepping out of my comfort zone

Published on May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Today I’m taking a giant leap way, way out of my comfort zone.

Gulp…

I’m so glad it’s audio, and not video. No one wants to watch me sweat bullets or chug water to wash away the dust of fear.

Not sure how this will go but…

if you’d like to hear what this Southern lady sounds like, head on over to Blog Talk Radio at 12:30pm PT, or 2:30pm CT (Texas Time) and listen in to:

Empowering and Inspiring Women Globally with Dianna Bellerose

I can’t begin to say how delighted and flattered I am that Dianna Bellerose opened her radio forum to me. Just hope ya’ll won’t be disappointed. The internet and self publishing have empowered writers everywhere to let their voice be heard. So guess time for me to speak up too.

Now if I can just keep my foot out of my mouth I might get through the hour.

I hope you can give the show a listen, and do let me know what you think because as always…

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Heart wrenching YA 4.5 Star Read

Published on May 22, 2015May 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Note to self:

Once again, remember when 2790 readers rate a book 4.5 stars, it’s gonna be worth my time.

Why I’m ever skeptical is beyond me.

Who doesn’t love Cinderella?

Rebecca Donovan writes a unique, sick, and twisted Cinderella story in Reason to Breathe. What an imagination. She keeps the reader on edge waiting for a happy ending. As I was sucked into the unbelievable cruelty of the life of Emma and I gladly overlooked any editing issues as I rooted for her survival. Just when I thought things could not get worse, they did and the pace quickened giving my nerves no time to relax.

I guess it’s true, a good story trumps all. I can see why young adults love Rebecca Donovan.

Why, you might ask if I liked it so much, did I give the book only 4.5 stars?

Because of the ending.

The ending left me wanting.

I understand this is book one of a three book series and cliffhangers are essential for a series, however I still prefer a more satisfying ending.

The ending left me distraught, and confused, so much so that I immediately downloaded the second book. A success for Ms. Donovan.

For me the Prologue of book two, Barely Breathing, would’ve been a perfect Epilogue for book one. I could’ve slept well that evening and savored the first book before launching into the next one.

Reason To Breathe (The Breathing Series, Book 1) by Rebecca Donovan

(2,790 customer reviews)

Print List Price: $9.99Kindle

Price: $2.99

Kindle Unlimited: Free

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

A 4.5 Star Review for the weekend

Published on May 15, 2015May 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

No middle ground with this book.

Determining how many stars to rate The Contradiction of Solitude was difficult.

YA is my favorite genre. My grandchildren keep me abreast of what’s trending. It’s great to share their enthusiasm for good reading.

This is one of my granddaughter raved and raved about until I downloaded it. She and I will have to agree to disagree. The Contradiction of Solitude is one of her favorites but not mine.

After finishing the book several days ago I’m still haunted by the words.

I predict you’ll either love it or hate it but you will feel something. The writing is very good and very disturbing. The author gives a peek into the disturbed mind of a young person and her serial killer parent. This book left me shell-shocked.

As I mentioned above, YA is my favorite genre, however I didn’t care much for this story. Ms. Walters writes a dark and twisted tale. It’s been days since I finished and I’m still thinking about the characters.