Tag: Blog

When I know better I do better

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

When I know how to write better, I do!

But don’t we all! The following article really hit home with me.

A while back inspiration hit and I wrote a kick-ass flash fiction story. I was on fire. Thrilled, I searched for a place to send it, filled out the forms and hit submit.

 

Proud as a peacock, I strutted into the next room and announced to my husband, I’m back.

The rest of the week I returned to my WIP and this blog. Until I pulled up the submitted piece and looked at it again.

OMG!!! I could not believe I sent it off with so many mistakes. What the hell possessed me?

 

 

#1, on Rachel Burton’s list, is TAKE YOUR TIME.

Let a story rest. Edit, and let it rest. Good advice, most of us know this, but sometimes I forget. Sigh…

Click over and read her post and see what you think.

5 Things I Wish I Had Known Whilst Writing My First Novel #SundayBlogShare @bookish_yogi  by Rachel Burton

Do you wish you’d known any of this before?

Did her tips help?

What do you wish someone had told you before you hit submit?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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. 

Do you need a professional photograph for your Gravatar?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

I don’t know if a pro is necessary.

BUT, I do know a professional photographer does a much better job than I can with my iPhone.

They don’t have to cost a fortune. Look for a photographer, just starting out, one who is beginning to build up their portfolio. Their prices are usually very reasonable.

Read the post below and tell me what you think.

Personally, I think a good picture is important. I don’t like seeing those generic Gravatars. Not only are they ugly and strange but I enjoy seeing real people. Guess it’s time for me to update mine again. Sigh…

Why you should have a professional author photo #WriterWednesday #AuthorMarketing #AmWriting by D.E. HAGGERTY

Talk to me – I want to know.

How often should we update our gravatar photograph?

Did you DIY your photo or use a pro?

Do you think a professional does a better job?

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.

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Do you need suggestions for a more successful blog?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Everyone wants to write a successful blog.

Even fiction writers.

And now I’ve discovered a new (new to me) term that might help.

Evergreen content

If you’re like me, the word evergreen brings to mind shrubs, trees and other foliage that stay green all year. But here is another definition of this adjective–retaining its relevance, popularity, usefulness, etc.; enduring.

So just how does Evergreen Content apply to a blog?

Write useful content that endures season after season will keep readers coming back.

Now wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that your blog, the one you’ve spent countless hours writing, will endure?

Me too!

A recent article by    – The Key to Creating a Successful Blog: Evergreen Content, explains how to write a blog post that endures.

Here is what I learned from her article.

  1. Don’t jump at the latest fad because what’s in vogue today may not be popular tomorrow.
  2. Do share how to do things. Everyone loves a good tutorial. Just look at the success of Youtube.
  3. Not into videos? Then share lists your readers can follow.
  4. Reviews are another great lasting subject. Everyone checks reviews and stars on stuff from books to drills.
  5. Think Dear Abby. Share real advice on your blog.

There is lots more in her article that will help you turn your blog Spring Green. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Do your blog posts contain Evergreen content?

Do you think her suggestions will help you?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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.

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Write with confidence when you discover your strength

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell20 Comments

Identify what you’re good at and grow stronger.

That’s right. We stand a little taller and walk with confidence when we’re proud of something. So play to your strong stuff.

It’s also important to think about our weaknesses.

Me, my biggest weakness is tenses. I mix up the present and past tense all the time. Can’t help it so I’ve learned to accept this as a flaw and seek out help from grammar experts. Oh spelling, I’m terrible at spelling. Thank God for spell check.

A strength, imagination. I have a vivid imagination. Some of the crap that pops in my mind would get me committed to a state institution if I shared it all. LOL

But another weakness I have is finishing the damn story.

I’ve dozens of story starts, but like a coon dog with a good nose, I run off every time the wind blows a scent my way. There are dozens of files on my computer and several notebooks lying around with story ideas. Sigh…

So how does knowing all of this help make me a better writer?

We can write to our strengths if we know what they are.

In the article below by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod suggests that once we identify our weaknesses we can find workarounds or get help.

Becoming a writer: Why knowing your strengths and weaknesses MATTERS  by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod

She gives a long list to get you started. I’ve shared a couple of my weakness and strengths, now what about you?

After you read her article, let me know what you think.

Did you find a strength or weakness on her list?

What is your writing strength?

Care to confess a weakness?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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. 

PS: If you’re in the McKinney area, stop by. I’d love to meet you.