Do you feel lost and unsure what to do next?

Published on May 2, 2016May 1, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Happens to me every time I finish a big project!

Like the A-Z Challenge that just wrapped up on April 30th.

Nothing to do but wait as I sit biting my nails and waiting for my proof from IngramSpark. I hate waiting. Now, I know what you’re gonna say– start something new and start it fast. But, I’m tired. Aren’t you?

Reading blogs, commenting, posting, writing and pushing toward a deadline is exhausting. Part of me wants to open a carton of ice cream, turn on NetFlix and veg.

But no rest for the wicked. So, here I am typing away and trying to motivate myself to move forward on another project.

What are you going to start now that the A-Z Challenge has ended?

Back to blogging or have you started a new manuscript?

I’d love to hear about your latest WIP, do tell!

If you’re going to be in my neck of North Texas, be sure, stop by the Sachse Library and say hello at the Author Con on May 21st.

Author Con Flyer

In the meantime, 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.

Still writing – Drawing Room Days

Do you know how to write like no one cares?

Published on April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Like no one will read what you write?

Continuing on with the A-Z Challenge:

W= Write

I know, I know that is easier said than done. But if you can pretend for just a little while and write whatever the hell you want I think the results might surprise you.

Writing the draft sets the writer free. Later during the editing and rewrite process comes the time to cut and care.

This past year I finished a second children’s book and learned:

Pull up those big girl panties and write whatever the hell you want, because no one cares as much as you do.
Writing is hard if it were easy everyone would write a Best Selling Novel.
So might as well write whatever you want and forget about Best Seller Lists. Odds are not gonna happen.
Don’t worry about word count, not in the beginning.
Write whatever you want because no one will read and reread it as much as you.
Write whatever you want, but hire an editor.
Editors are a writer’s friend. Never publish without one.
Ditto on Beta Readers.
Don’t torture yourself about your writing. Your family’s got that covered.
Write for the love of writing, not for that first royalty check. Of course, dinner at Mickey D’s is a nice way to spend it.

Well the A to Z Challenge is over, sorry I didn’t make it to the finish. XYZ will have to make it another day. Congratulations to those who bravely persevered.

It was wonderful to meet new people and once again learn new writing tips!

Thanks everyone for stopping by and talking.

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.

Great information ahead!

Better to Be a Mouse With a Backbone, Than a Lion With No Spine: On Writing Voice

What Would Happen If You Wrote Like Nobody’s Reading? By Erin Kurup

Write Like No One Is Reading by Julie Frayn

Blog Like No One is Reading by Grechen Reiter

Write Like No One Is Reading BY: MANAL GHOSAIN –

Do you know how to Vlog?

Published on April 29, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell21 Comments

Continuing on with the A-Z Challenge:

V=Vlogging

I’ve always prided myself on having an open mind. Always ready to learn something new. But for the love of all that is holy! I just don’t know if my brain can hold much more.

Our family used to have a running joke, don’t ask Mom – she doesn’t remember. To which I would respond, “I remember the important stuff. Unimportant stuff, I delete from my mind to make room for new stuff. A person only has so much gray matter.”

Okay, enough ranting. Deep breath and back to the subject at hand.

Vlogging? What the hell is Vlogging?

I’m still struggling with Instagram and Facebook.

And don’t get me started on learning about formatting a book for IngramSpark and CreateSpace. Geeze, bleed area. Picky, picky. Understanding the terms and applying them are two different things.

Now a writer should know how to produce an infomercial about writing or what people are saying about writing or about books or….

A Vlog is, a short, entertaining commercial, that doesn’t look like a commercial. Click to tweet.

It’s all about subtle product placement.

What do you do on a Vlog for 1 to 3 minutes? Anything you want.

Talk, dance, read, go about your day, or write as if no one was watching. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you don’t bore people to death.

In this instant, YouTube generation, they will click on to the next video before you can shout, “Wait.”

Yes, this year, I made room in my ever shrinking brain for something new called a Vlog.

Here’s what I learned.

Vlogs are located on Youtube.
Make your Vlog easy to find. Link it to your blog.
A Vlog should last 1 – 3 minutes.
You and your books are the product in a Vlog.
A Vlog, above all else, must be entertaining.
It is another media to introduce you to your readers.
Like a blog, you must update your Vlogs and post consistently.
Make it fun. If you don’t enjoy watching your video, no one else will.
Last but not least, I learned I’m not ready for Vlogging.

Have you jumped onto the Vlogging social media train?

Do you think Vlogging is a good platform for writers?

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.

Great information dead ahead!

Vlogging Anyone? By Jennifer Wilkov

Vlogging For Writers By LEENA NORMINGTON

What’s a Book Vlogger? By Shari Stauch

Why Authors Should Be YouTubers – Vlogging Advice From Lindsay Mead

How to find the right title for your novel

Published on April 27, 2016April 27, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

No? Me neither.

But, with the help of a lot of wonderful bloggers and writers who post “how-to” info, I’m getting better at understanding what makes a good title.

My word for the A-Z Challenge and the letter T is:

T=Title

Over the past year, I’ve read a lot about titles and to be honest, I think I chose the wrong one for Tryouts for Ben. It was number five or six in a long list of working titles. But by the time that little book was ready I couldn’t decide and I all but flipped a coin. Not a good way to pick a final title.

So, how do you pick a good title for a book?

Most writers start with a working title, and usually as the story progresses other titles begin to emerge. Or so I’ve heard.

Other writers, probably more seasoned pros, know at the on-set just the perfect title. That would not be me. Just in case you were wondering.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a title is worth much more.

Whether shopping at B&N, browsing the stacks at the library or scanning Amazon for something to read, the first thing I read is the title. I often reject a book based on the title.

Your title is the first hook of your book.

Doesn’t matter if it’s a romance novel, thriller or children’s book, the title is the first words of your book a person reads.

Okay, just what have I learned this past year?

As always, I still try to learn from my mistakes. (Ben)
Research is important for the title too.
A title should peak the reader’s curiosity. Get their attention.
It needs to give the reader an idea of what’s inside the cover.
Don’t get locked in with the “working title.”
Look inside the story for words, phrases or names that might serve as a title.
Don’t try to be too clever.
Try the title out on friends and family. Some will like it, others won’t but listen to the why of both.

For your reading pleasure, head to the bottom of this post and find out more about picking the best possible title for your book.

How do you pick a title?

Do you have any suggestions on picking a better book title?

Do tell!

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.