Creative writing – Page 67

How to inspire your writing

Published on August 3, 2016August 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

Is your life busy?

Have you given all to family, friends, co-workers? And how about those bloody characters that will not leave you alone? My characters often wake me from a dead sleep poking me with ideas like little cartoon devils brandishing pitchforks.

devil angel-1294116_640 — www.pixabay.com

Ooh, write this. No, write this!

My notebook is filled with ideas. However, I here lately, can’t seem to focus on just one long enough to finish!

I need to concentrate and get the job done. But, all my characters pop in and out of my mind like kids playing with a revolving door. Maybe I’m a bit crazy. Hmm, that’s a possibility.

Time to recharge, and get inspired.

dirty-martini-847234_640 — www.pixabay.com

If you’ve never visited TedTalks, today’s a good day. Fix a cup of coffee, tea or your favorite cocktail (make mine a dirty martini.)

Ready? Now sit back, listen and get recharged.

What inspires you?

How do you quiet your mind and focus on writing?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to surround yourself with the best

Published on August 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Follow, read, and learn from the best; that’s how.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to improve.

Whether, blogging, writing the great American Novel, or publishing the best darn kids book possible, I want to find techniques that work.

Who knows, maybe I’ll eventually produce a bestselling novel one day. Anything is possible, right?

bestsellers-67048_640 — Bestseller – http://www.pixabay.com

In case you missed the list of best websites put out by The Write Life in January, here it is.

The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2016

January 25, 2016, By Marisol Dahl

So many great writers, so little time. What to do? What to do?

Do you have a favorite blogger/writer you read religiously?

Do tell; I need to know!

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you want something light, fun and romantic?

Published on July 29, 2016July 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Temps here in Dallas hit the century mark last weekend. Bursting_Thermometer__Arvin61r58-300px

Weekends I decompress and reload my brain cells. Often I read one or two books just for fun. No studying how to be a better blogger or writer. I read just read for the sake of reading.

Last weekend was like one the perfect time to curl up with a light, fun book. No one wants a heavy meal when the heat index is 105.

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, or like light, romance you might enjoy My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White.

I can’t imagine many of us who didn’t get all mushy over Pride and Prejudice during our high school years. Ms. White lets us relive those feelings but also takes it a step further when her main character becomes obsessed with finding her real-life Mr. Darcy.

I debated back and forth between 4-5 stars but settled on 4 because of how Amazon defines 5 (loved it.) I really, really enjoyed My Mister Darcy. It was perfect for a hot, sunny summer afternoon.This romantic, nostalgic book will thrill Bridget Jones fans. It’s light, fun, and a quick read.

Karey White did Jane Austen proud with this well-written story about a naive, romantic young woman who refuses to give up on her dreams of happily ever after. Sigh…

When do you find time to read for pleasure?

Read any good books lately? Do tell.

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Reviews

Published on July 28, 2016July 28, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I loved, loved, loved the information posted over at comfyreading this morning!

I’ve written a lot about writing book reviews. How to write a good review, who to ask and what should be included in a review. But, I failed you, my friends, when I left out this very important information.

Thank you, Kerrie, for giving us 7 important Do’s and Don’ts.

I especially loved her very first two Do’s:

Do know what the reviewer enjoys reading.

Think about it folks, if the person you are asking to review your book reads historical romance and you ask them to review your latest medical thriller, you lower the odds of a favorable review. Just logical. So do a little homework. Research their website before you ask. Spend a little time getting to know them.

Second, Do send a synopsis of the book.

It helps if they know what your book is about. Also, if your book is already published, send an e-sample through Amazon. By sharing a free book preview or embedding it on a website, anyone can read a sample of this book with just one click – no need for them to sign in or install an app.

I’d like to add one more to her list.

# 8: Don’t be offended if they decline.

On her list was don’t get upset if the reviewer doesn’t like your book. I add, don’t get upset if they decline to review the book. As Kerrie mentioned it might not be their genre. Or there may be other issues such as time. Everyone is busier than ever these days. Deadlines, kids, jobs, and their own stories to write. So be gracious if the person you ask says no. They don’t owe you an explanation.

I hope you will click on the link below and head over to comfyreading and read the entire post. It’s great!

Hello my lovely bookworms! I spend a lot of time talking about what to do in order to GET books to review, but today I wanted to switch gears a little and address authors that want to get their BOO…

Source: Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Reviews

Can you add another “Do or Don’t” to the list?

What is one of your pet peeves for getting or giving reviews?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.