creative – Page 2 – Jean's Writing

Do you hide your light under a bushel?

Published on July 10, 2018July 9, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Or do you let it shine for all to see?

I’m not exactly shy. But I do have trouble tooting my own horn. When someone asks me how I spend my time, I become tongue-tied.

I can talk to anyone, about anything except my writing, blogs or books.

There are lots of reasons writers have this problem. Me?

Fear of judgment and rejection. Not disapproval but often people who don’t understand the process can be dismissive. Attitudes range from, oh how fun, how easy, to what takes so long. After all, they can read a book in a few days. What can possibly be so hard about a couple of picture books?

Ouch!

So, I try to avoid sharing. When ask, I turn around the conversation to something or someone else.

Do you need encouragement to speak up?

Then you’ll want to read this terrific post – Feel the fear and put yourself out there – advice for shy authors BY Roz Morris over at Nail Your Novel.

More info for selling your voice…

Do you have trouble speaking up loud and proud?

How do you over come the angst of self-promotion?

I’d love to hear your tips on promoting your talents. Please share.

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Are you searching for a good writers group?

Published on July 3, 2018July 2, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Well, look no further. Because I’m ready to introduce you to a fellow blogger and author who has it all together.

Today, I’m pleased to welcome Ryan Lanz.

Hello Jean! Thanks for having me on.

Ryan, tell my readers a little about yourself. Where you’re from, and about your family life.

I’m from the Midwest, USA, although I was born and raised in Hawaii. However, I moved from Hawaii to California when I was a teenager. I’ve lived in the Midwest since my younger 20’s. There’s no beach, but the thunderstorms are great. Most of my immediate family still lives in Hawaii.

I enjoy billiards, traveling, scuba diving, and writing.

Ooh, Hawaii. One of my favorite vacation places. I do hope your family is safe from the volcano eruptions I’ve been reading about.

Thank you. Some of my family lives on the island of Oahu, where there isn’t an active volcano. My grandparents live not far from the active volcano, but it seems they’re in the clear.

I understand you have some news to share. Do tell.

I’ve recently relaunched A Writer’s Path Writers Club, which is a club where authors receive free and discounted writing-related services, such as editing, book cover design, book coaching, formatting, narration services, etc. www.patreon.com/AWritersPath

We’re excited to have the group we do, and it’s bustling pretty well.

When and why did you begin writing?

I first started writing as a teenager, although it was awful. I didn’t start to polish my writing until well into my 20’s, in my opinion. But it was an important stage of my life to try.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’d say when I started writing my first novel, which will likely never see the light of day. I’m still glad I wrote it, though.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It sounds corny but the ability to create something new out of nothing. It’s literally anything you want out of a complete void. I think that concept is neat.

Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I write in quite a few genres, mostly under a pen name, so that sometimes is a challenge, marketing wise. It’d certainly be easier to market in the same genre.

Who designs your book covers?

I offer a book design service where I contract out to different designers, all under one roof. I also provide other services, ranging from book coaching, editing, manuscript evaluation, formatting, etc.

Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

My favorite author of all time is the late Robert Jordan regarding the Wheel of Time series. I would trade quite a bit to read anything more by him. In some ways, I’m tempted to read the last book of the Wheel of Time series the same way Desmond wants to read Our Mutual Friend in the TV show Lost.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. I love self-publishing. I’d rather have a smaller passive income than a large one-time or temporary income. It starts out small, but it can be built over time, brick by brick.

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I find that I learn something new when writing each story, no matter the length. Sometimes, it’s a writing mechanic and sometimes it’s learning about a new type of character.

Any advice for other writers?

It’s been said before, but just remember that a writing career is a long-term thing. It’s playing the long game. So, if you’re in it, be prepared for the long haul. Sometimes it’s long-term before many rewards, but I believe the rewards are long term.

Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Yes, I do. My writing tips website is www.ryanlanz.com and as mentioned, my Writers Club website is www.patreon.com/AWritersPath.

New things are coming out weekly and sometimes daily. It’s certainly an exciting time.

Readers, if you want to know more about Ryan his website and writers club, check out the links below.

https://www.patreon.com/AWritersPath

https://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Lanz/e/B00Z2GM95G/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://ryanlanz.com/my-books/

https://ryanlanz.com/

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How to make readers love and hate your villain

Published on June 7, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Make him one of the beautiful people.

Writing a villain and/or an antagonist is not as easy for me as the good guys.

A few days ago I wrote a post about the difference and similarities between the antagonist and a villain. And think whether you choose to blend the bad guy into the antagonist or just let your villain go it alone, the information I discovered after reading Bonnie Randall’s article What The Well-Dressed Villain Is Wearing These Days may help us all to write better well-rounded bad guys.

Here’s what I discovered.

I want a villain to look down and dirty. Road hard and put up wet. Know what I mean? Not like a beauty queen or movie star. But I realized Bonnie is right. Not all villains can look like the Joker in Batman. How many times have we heard, “He looked like such a nice young man, not a killer.” No, it’s scarier and more unsettling when he walks among us unrecognized.
He’s smart. But, oh don’t we all want a villain/antagonist to be dumb as dirt? I certainly prefer to outsmart the bad guys than to be manipulated by one. Again, no one wants to end up blurting out, “I thought you were my friend,” just before the knife plunges. Yikes.
The good guys may get irritated because the villain is right all the damn time. They want to feel and act superior to everyone. Yep. Think about it. How many times do you want to wipe the floor with a beautiful smug face? Nobody likes a know it all.
They act like babies when threatened. Challenge their knowledge, their appearance, their knowledge, why challenge anything and temper tantrums abound. A good villain has suppressed anger issues that can’t stay hidden for long.
They are harboring an imagined slight from their past which has stunted their maturity.

So far, I’ve gotten one thing right on Bonnie’s list. My antagonist/villain dresses like a fashionista. Now on to the other four. Lots to do, lots to do. Hmm, I’m beginning to see why actors agree to play bad guys, is more fun.

Now that you’ve read all the great tips on plumping up your villain/antagonist let me know what you think.

Do you think an attractive bad guy is scarier?

Do you think using these tips will make a better villain?

How about other characteristics? What would you add to make a more believable bad guy?

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Patton Oswalt’s Theory About The Joker Is Wild AF

Want an excellent way to sell your books?

Published on May 17, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Earlier in the week, I discussed the need to prepare for your first book signing event, but there are other ways to sell a signed copy of your book.

How about autographed, signed copies direct from your website?

That’s right. You can offer signed copies of your book to readers. This is something I hadn’t thought of until I read an article sent to me, from Janice Hardy written by J. Kathleen Cheney, @jkcheney .

The biggest question I have now is…

Do people care about signed copies of children books?

I’m not sure. So, I haven’t set up a retail page yet. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to sell a signed copy if it was requested. Hint, hint.

Another thing that has held me back from setting up an online store, is time. Time away from writing. I don’t want anything else to take my attention from, blogging, and writing. Life takes enough of my time and attention.

From what I understand, setting up an online store, may not be complicated but can be time-consuming to maintain. Just like everything else on the internet, if you want it to be successful you must babysit the darn thing.

Okay, meet me at the water cooler and let’s talk.

What do y’all think about signed copies of kid books vs novels?