Creative writing – Page 80

Do you worry about stealing someones writing?

Published on April 22, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

No need if you take the proper precautions.

Like the tortoise, I’m still plodding along. And for the

A-Z Challenge letter P I’ve chosen

P = Plagiarism

In the words of every kindergarten teacher, “It’s not nice to take what doesn’t belong to you.”

Plagiarism_is_Bad

We’ve heard those words from the time we’ve toddled around on unsteady legs and yet many writers are tempted.

Why?

Because it’s hard to write something old, to make it fresh and new again. Every story line has been written, every plot told and every secret revealed, somewhere by someone. If it were easy, everyone would write a best-selling novel.

Dictionary.com defines plagiarism as:

A noun:

An act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author’s work as one’s own, as by not re-editing the original author:

Synonyms: appropriation, infringement, piracy, counterfeiting; theft, borrowing, cribbing, passing off.

A piece of writing or other work reflecting such unauthorized use or imitation.

Whether writing fiction or a research paper, it’s important to avoid copying someone else’s work and fail to give due credit.

Learn to paraphrase and rewrite in your own words. If you must quote, use proper quotes and cite the author and/or publication. Remember, no one likes to be misquoted, and no one likes a thief.

What do you think? In this day of self-publishing is plagiarism becoming more of a problem?

Or less, due to all the tools available to writers?

Do you have a favorite program? My favorite go-to program to avoid this scourge is Grammarly.com.

I’ve listed a few more links for tools to help at the bottom, keep reading.

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.

6 Ways to Avoid Plagiarism in Research Papers at Write Check

http://smallseotools.com/plagiarism-checker/

http://www.plagiarism.org/

http://plagiarisma.net/

Do you believe in the “overnight success” theory?

Published on April 20, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Me too!

And of course fairies, everyone believes in fairies.

For the A-Z Challenge letter O the word is

Overnight success

How many emails hit your inbox each day promising to make you an overnight success. Five, ten or more? And you only thing needed is for you to buy their latest book or subscribe to their latest writing course.

Now don’t get me wrong, some are wonderful and legit. But none are gonna make me an overnight success. At best the good ones can only act as stepping-stones to success.

How do I know? Because I’ve fell for a few.

rain-storm

Now I don’t mean to rain on anybody’s parade because I guess it could happen. I mean people get struck by lightning every day somewhere in the world, I’m sure.

What we can do is take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. Look around and free and affordable opportunities for a writer. (Hey! Another O word.)

Check with libraries, and writing groups for local events where you might promote your books. Take advantage of these and be patient. This one is hard for me. I’m an introvert and patience has never been a virtue I could brag about.

I have to remind myself that no amount of frantic tweeting, posting, or hours spent on Facebook will blast my book into the stratosphere overnight. Even “going viral,” is here today and gone tomorrow, in our “now” internet age. So, I can’t count on one of my tweets, images or books “going viral” to do much for my success as an author. Of course, I do have some cute grandkids. Hmm….

Nope, overnight success is not gonna happen.

Instead of repeating– I am smart, I am strong, I am pretty, I am brave.

The following is my morning mirror affirmation:

Building the perfect online brand takes time. Be patient.
Writing a best seller takes time. Be patient.
Getting the word out about your amazing talent takes time. Be patient.
I am brave and not a quitter. I am patient. (Too bad I don’t believe everything I tell myself.)

“Some say I’m an overnight success. Well, that was a very long night that lasted about 10 years. But while I do, of course, now feel the pressure having had books that have been very successful, I just know I have to concentrate on writing for myself. I can’t worry about genres or markets or what might be commercial or not. That never works.” Kate Morton

What’s your experience with “overnight success?”

How long did it take for you to achieve an “overnight success?”

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.

Want to read what others have to say then click below:

The Myth Of Overnight Success by David Siteman Garland

Why ‘Overnight Success’ Is A Myth by Carolyn Gregoire

How to be an “Overnight Success” by Gary Vaynerchuk

Do you want to rise to the top?

Published on April 16, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

Don’t we all!

Today’s letter in the A-Z Challenge N.

N = Niche

With all the thousands, no, millions of writers, bloggers, vloggers and other social media gurus submitting something every day how do we rise above the noise? How do we stand out and rise above all the others?

my collage

We’ve got to know which niche/genre we’re writing for. Whether writing a short story, magazine article, self-help, children’s book, or an advertisement knowing the niche is important. That doesn’t mean you are locked in that niche/genre forever. Many successful authors switch genres when they switch projects.

So, what have I learned about understanding my niche?

Identifying my niche isn’t enough.
To attract a reader it’s important to confirm their perception of the world.
The reader must feel that I “get” them. That I understand them.
My writing should reflect or challenge what my audience believes, thinks or wants.
Always remember, their perception is their reality.
Read everything I can find about my niche!

Do you enjoy writing in a particular niche?

Where do you find information about your niche?

Do you have any tips that help your writing rise above others in a genre/niche?

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.

Want to know more, click the links below.

Buzz Your Book: Niche Marketing Techniques for Every Author By Adrienne Crezo

Writers Who Pick A Niche Get Better Results by joe warnimont

How to find your fiction-writing niche By David Cathcart

Tap into This Psychological Driver to Create the Ultimate Message by DEMIAN FARNWORTH

101 Niches to Write About by Jennifer Mattern

April 2016 – In Writing

Want to know how to market that kick-ass book?

Published on April 15, 2016April 14, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell17 Comments

Today’s letter in the A-Z Challenge M.

M = Marketing

I had a hard time deciding which word to choose. Writing is filled with lots of M words. Midpoint, a big problem for me and lots of writers. Muse, real or mythical? Major and minor characters. Well, you get the point.

Me too! That’s why I choose the word marketing.

Because I’m terrible at selling. And maybe I’m not the only one who wants to know how to succeed at marketing my books.

We struggle to write a story, novel or in my case a children’s book and then what? Whether the author goes the traditional or self-publish route, marketing is a big issue.

Here’s what I’ve learned this past year about marketing.

Writing a kick ass story does not make the world beat a path to your Amazon page.
Writers need to promote their own books.
Write a good logline and elevator pitch. Be ready to spill it at every opportunity.
Develop an online platform.
Make your book easy to find and easy to buy.
Keep links current.
Write articles that tie your book to current popular interests.
Stay involved in Social Media. I know it’s time-consuming but a must.
Create a press release and submit locally and online.
Submit your book for pre-release reviews.
Have a launch party.
Talk to any and everyone about your book.

Did I do all of this? No. Like I said I’m not very good at this marketing stuff. But I’m trying to get better.

What tips and tricks did you use to market your book?

Did they work?

Are you good at marketing your own work? Or are you like me and struggle tooting your own horn?

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.