Creative writing – Page 77

Do you know how to size those pesky pictures?

Published on May 20, 2016May 19, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

If not maybe this will help.

Converting screenshots or other pictures to jpg’s or changing the DPI is so easy using a program called Paint.net.

Thought I’d share with y’all my steps.

For screenshots, I use a screen recorder called Icecream Apps. It’s a FREE download and super easy to use.

Select the picture or area of your computer screen you want to copy and select screenshot. Save. The program saves it as a .png. This is where I reach for one of my favorite programs, Paint.net.

This is where I reach for one of my favorite programs, Paint.net.

In your file folder, find the picture and right click to “open with” Paint.net. Once the picture opens, do a “save as” a Jpeg.

Next, you can manipulate the size and DPI of the picture.

Click on “Image” in the drop down menu. Select “Resize”

So tell me, are you more confused than ever? Or did this help any?

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.

Do you have a sweet tooth?

Published on May 16, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

You may say no, but I bet you do.

Everyone has a sweet tooth, even if it’s a tiny one.

Me, I love sweets! And I love learning something new about writing.

Imagine my excitement when I opened a blog and read all about writing with Twinkies. You read that right.

I mean, who doesn’t love those sweet, make your teeth hurt cream filled cakes? But what did those lovely little darlings have to do with writing? I had to know.

Thanks to Robin Rivera over at Write On Sisters for explaining that every writer needs to give their readers a little tasty cake throughout the story.

Are you as intrigued as I was? Then click read —

Story Twinkies: Do You Need One?

How do you get rid of a case of the Writer Blues?

Published on May 11, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell28 Comments

Anybody have any suggestions?

For answers, I went to my trusty friend Mr. Google.

Sometimes the Writer Blues (WB) grab hold of you when you become discouraged over a work in progress (WIP). Other times WB sneaks up on you after a completed project. Such is my case.

I open my notebook and flip through my idea list. Nope, nope, dumb, who the hell wrote that?

I open my WIP file folder on my computer. A folder filled with story starts that sounded promising when I jotted down the opening paragraphs or even first chapters. Nope, nope, oh hell no!

Okay, clear mind. Take a walk. Back inside, short walk, it’s hot in Texas.

Do a mindless task, laundry, yes, do some laundry. We now have clean underwear. But didn’t do jack for generating a story idea.

That’s when I noticed the first symptoms. A half-gallon of Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream is almost gone and the wine cooler needs replenishing. Maybe I should check into one of those wine by the month clubs. Wonder if there is one for ice cream too. Hmm… I’ll Google it.

Now, what were we talking about? Oh yeah, the WB’s.

And how can I rid myself of this dang malady!

How do you get rid of the Writer Blues and begin a new project?

Got any tricks or tips to share?

I hear you- time to quit whining and just write something!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

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.

How to Beat the Lonely Writer Blues

The Writing Blues

What are the steps to a successful new beginning?

Published on May 3, 2016May 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Well, to tell the truth, I’m not sure myself.

But, each new book is a new beginning. A new story to launch. A new child to send into the cold cruel world. Buckle her seat belt and blast her off into the web outer space?

blastoff

I know absolutely nothing about marketing. Nothing. But then, I knew nothing about writing a blog much less a book when I started this crazy idea.

The idea of writing and publishing a children’s book was the last thing on my list of things to do and now I’ve finished two. Even with good reviews, sales aren’t filling my bank account to overflowing. At least not yet.

Yet the more I read about marketing and selling my books the less I understand. I’m on a mission to improve my knowledge about the flip side of being an author, selling what you write.

Now that the launch is almost here for “A Most Reluctant Princess,” I’ve made a list of what I need to do.

Update author bio

Check you bio, I was shocked to realize mine needed a lot of work. Maybe you’re like me and yours just doesn’t work for your current WIP.

Set a launch date

Even if you are unsure of an exact day, as I am, set a general day. For me, I’m shooting for May, 21st. Fingers crossed.

Develop a tagline

Done: “Imagination is fun.”

Develop a good book description for the back cover.

Done and off to the printer.

Secure book reviews

Decide on a target audience

Link you book to trending topics – Google it

Update email signature to include new book release

Book trailer?

I’m not sure about this one.

Half way there and a bit nervous. I’m hoping that you’ll give me a hand and together maybe we can learn the tips and tricks of the trade.

Help me, let’s figure out the next steps together!

Do you have another tip to add to my list?

What else do you think I need to do before launch?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

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.