Books – Page 5 – Jean's Writing

Do you know what a Muse look like?

Published on January 26, 2018January 25, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Is your muse still wearing a toga?

Polymnia was the protector of the divine hymns and mimic art; holding lyre on Jean's Writing.com

The Muse Clio discovered history and guitar depicted holding a book, on Jean's Writing.com

I recently read an article about the 9 muses of Greek mythology and wondered what they might look like in today’s world. After all, we’ve evolved so why shouldn’t they?

Maybe your muse is ready for a modern makeover.

Nothing too wild, just a bit of updating.

Woman's face covered in many colors on Jean's Writing.com

Close your eyes. Now imagine what your muse looks like. Does she have wings and the voice of an angel? Or does she tease you so often you’ve imagined her with horns? Maybe instead of Clio holding a book, she’s relaxing amidst the pages of a good book?

How about Erota, maybe she’s a warrior fighting for a hero in that romance novel you’re writing? Modern day Muse Erato hunting with bow and arrow on Jean's Writing.com Writing comedy? Then maybe Thalia is the right muse for you. Melpomene was the protector of tragedy, so if you’re writing a tear-jerker, you might want to pick her.

Go ahead click, and read the article below to pick a muse, there are 9 to choose from, and then give her a modern-day makeover. Who knows maybe it will inspire you both.

The Nine Muses of the Greek Mythology

Did you pick out a muse to inspire your current work?

Which muse one spoke to you?

Don’t you think she could use a makeover?

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Love or hate, what do you think about conventions?

Published on January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Writer’s Conventions that is.

The older I get the more of an introvert I’ve become. Fun is not the word I think of when networking and schmoozing with hundreds of strangers. Exhausting, that’s the word.

Too tired to move Jean M Cogdell- Bitmoji

Rain storm cartoon - Pixabay I did sign up for a convention once. However, severe weather prevented me from attending. Hmm, wonder if my mood conjured up those storms. Possible.

I’ve read a lot of pros and cons about conventions, but the pros have yet to convince me. A recent post from From Janice Hardy over at Fiction University answers a lot of questions. Maybe after reading the post by John G. Hartness, you’ll be ready to take the convention plunge.

If you decide to go, things you need to know…

Never thought about Comic-Con for a novelist. Good to know.
Writers can share table/space. Makes bathroom breaks easier.
Using Kindle Fire and an electronic app for email sign-up sheet. Gotta check out the app. Wonder if it works on iPad?
Swag that works best is reusable stuff.
Stand up displays showcase your book best. And where to buy. Check out bookstores for ideas.
Make friends, conventions can be lonely.
Best networking is done at the bar. Now that might work for me after a couple of martinis.
Avoid bad-mouthing other authors or books, even if the writing is terrible.
It’s okay to hang out with stars, but don’t gush.
Conventions are hard, so don’t take yourself so seriously you forget to have fun.

That’s just the highlights. Go to the link below and read the entire article. It’s so worth your time.

The Long Con: Ten Things You Need to Know About Going to Conventions as a Writer By John G. Hartness, @johnhartness

Okay, now that you’ve read John’s post…

What did you learn about writer’s conventions?

Have you ever participated in one? Good/bad/blah?

Do you plan to participate in the future?

Have any tips to add?

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Here’s hoping you have a wonderful holiday filled with reading

Published on December 20, 2017December 17, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Are you looking for additional books to read by the fire?

I’ve found a new favorite book on writing. This is not a quick read, but it’s good information about the style of writing. Click on the image to read an excerpt from Amazon.com.

A couple of favorites I’m going to revisit. These images will take you to Amazon where you can read more about the books.

For entertainment, I’m gonna continue with the Outlander series.

I’m ready for book #6

What books are you reading this holiday?

Have you finished a really good one recently?

I’m always looking for a great book, so share.

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Authors beware, watch out for this scam

Published on December 15, 2017January 10, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell48 Comments

Tis the season for scamming everyone with a pulse.

More scammers appear every day, like ants at an all they can eat picnic. These varmints call, text, email and show up on Facebook and Twitter.

Y’all need to watch out for this scam. A company preying on writers want to sell books and reach readers. Apparently, this particular scam has been around for a few years but I heard about them until…

Today they tried to hook me.

Now let me tell you, getting through on my home phone is no easy feat. A few months ago we bought a landline phone with Smart Call Blocker. This phone screens out all robo calls unless I’ve added a number (like a docs office) to the directory.

So, anywho—when the phone rings I expect someone I know and have approved to be on the line.

But today I picked up the phone and a caller identified herself as a Book Scout for the publishing company Readers Magnet. They wanted to republish Tryouts for Ben, for a fee of course. I won’t bore you with her attempt at flattery. Might’ve worked if the connection and her English hadn’t been so horrible. LOL

At first, I tried to be polite and say “no thank you.” But she would not stop talking.

Finally, I said, “NO, I do not want to do business with you.” And hung up the phone before she could continue her spiel.

Let’s get real Y’all. Publishers and agents do not need Literary Book Scouts or Talent Scouts. A legit company has more writers banging on their door than they can count. So, don’t fall for a “Scout” who calls or writes you. They are scammers.

And the scamming doesn’t stop there. If you Google scams, you’ll get websites that want to sell you a service or program to avoid scams. REALLY!