Tag: Creative writing

Do you know the hard truth about self-publishing?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

This article, By Rebecca M. Lyles, is a must read for all writers.

Like Ms. Lyles, I’m an introvert. I break out in a cold sweat at the thought of hawking my book. 

But I think it’s important to know what a writer faces when going the self-publishing route. Better prepared than caught blindsided.

So brace yourselves. Read…

Five Self-Pub Truths (I wish I’d known)By Rebecca M. Lyles

What did you think?

Any surprises?

Have you already gone down this path? If so share with me your experience in self-publishing. 

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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Do you need to overcome Summertime writer’s block?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

How about, not 10, but 33 tips to jumpstart your writing?

The long, hot days make me lethargic. I want to play, putter around with my roses, or read a good book. Even my muse, complains it’s too damn hot to sit at a computer. Now, who am I to argue with inspiration?

But, writers must write.

So if you’re searching for something to help, keep reading.

I found a great answer on Quora. Who knows? After you read the article, even during these dog-days of summer, maybe you will find one that suits you.

Here’s my take on his 33 tips. The ones I think will help me are in red.

  1. Not me, I’m a start at the beginning kinda gal.
  2. Jot down the facts, just the facts. Cool idea.
  3. Now take a fact from #2 and turn it on its head. What if it’s a lie.
  4. Prompts? I love prompts.
  5. Free write, hmm might just work. Gonna give it a try. With #4 of course.
  6. Break? Took too many already this Summer.
  7. Get moving. But remember to come back to WIP.
  8. Meditate. Nah, not for me.
  9. Ditto. I don’t like confrontations. Even pleasant ones.
  10. Yay! Learned something new.  Oblique Strategies 
  11. I like it quiet when I write. But I’ll consider it.
  12. This I do, sometimes moving to my back porch.
  13. Write 10 ideas a day? Yikes. Too much pressure.
  14.  Outlandish ideas? Might work.
  15. Swipe File is a great idea. Setting up some today.
  16. Book is a cousin to #15, don’t like to duplicate work.
  17. Journal about feeling blocked. Too whiny.
  18. Timed writing? No, I’ve enough pressure see #13.
  19. Unplugging is something I should do more often.
  20. Pen & Paper, tried and true.
  21. Set a deadline and broadcast it. Geese more pressure.
  22. Make a brag list.
  23. Make a to-do list. I like lists. 
  24. Reread one of your favorites and rewrite for practice. I’ve done this to get juices flowing. Works.
  25. Write down how you feel about your WIP. Nope, see #17.
  26. Which parts of WIP is best and strongest?
  27. Look at which parts are weakest.
  28. Consider different POV. I’ve done this and it does help.
  29. Review annotations in books you’ve enjoyed for inspiration.
  30. Decide on what you’re trying to accomplish.
  31. Lists of single words to identify key themes.
  32. Stop editing. This is my hardest thing to overcome.
  33. Recite the prayer of the Muse? Not into that much Zen, see #8.

For more detailed descriptions and explanations click and read:

How can an aspiring writer get around writer’s block? by Bryan Collins

Now your turn. Tell me…

Which one of the 33 tips did you relate to?

Is there one that caught your interest?

Are you ready to try something new?

Give me your thoughts on these ideas.

Don’t let the Summertime blues stall your creativity. Get writing!

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. 

A podcast a day will make you a better writer

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Well, it just might!

Especially if you check out this article I found over at Bustle.

Last week I asked what books were y’all reading and the response was amazing. I’ve got a “to read” mile long list. Should keep me knee-deep in reading material through the Christmas holidays.

So I thought maybe podcast would be the next step. Because there are times when we can’t drag along our laptop or iPad. And sometimes we do need a break from our WIP.

That’s the best thing about podcasts, no computer needed!

Work on your writing skills when you walk the dog, relax at the beach, ride a car, plane or train. While others are rocking tunes you are rocking podcasts.

20 Podcasts About Writing That Will Have You Penning A Bestselling Novel In No Time by E. CE MILLER

I know which one I’m starting with, Magic Lessons. Especially since the book by Elizabeth Gilbert is on my to read list.

Check out the list of 20 and tell me which one you’re going to start with first. Some of the names you’ll recognize right away, others are new friends waiting.

Which one will you watch first? Why?

Do you see a podcast that might help with your writing?

Have you ever watched podcasts?

What do you think about the list? Have a favorite to add?

Tell me I really want to know.

 

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. 

What is the difference between suspense and mystery?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

To be honest, I’m not sure I know the answer.

Although, I’ve been reading and researching both genres for months.

My favorite movies and books are mystery/suspense. I’m writing (I hope) what will turn out to be a suspense novel. Once I re-read the following article compliments of Dan Alatorre and his guest blogger, Allison Maruska I may decide it’s a mystery. Stay tuned.

What did I pick up from Allison’s post?

In fiction, as in life, timing is everything. 

Solve a mystery.

Stop the suspense.

These two genres fold into other genres such as romance and Sci-fi. There is always something to stop or something to solve. 

Now your turn. Click and read how Allison Maruska explains the Suspense & Mystery genre.

Suspense vs Mystery: What’s The Difference? A guest blog post by Allison Maruska

What did you think?

Did you already know the difference?

Do you agree with her analogy?

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. 

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