Do you have fun being you?

Published on October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Do you enjoy practicing your creativity?

Well, time to practice and have fun at the same time.

Because we’ve all heard practice makes perfect, right?

Maybe you’re like me and always equated practice with drudgery. Not fun. Trust me, anyone mentions I need to use my treadmill for anything other than hanging laundry and we’re gonna have to talk. Not gonna happen.

But if we practice what we love, what we enjoy, what makes us happy that puts a whole different spin on the concept. Too bad I don’t enjoy running.

The point is, don’t let your writing become work or an exercise you dread waiting until inspiration strikes. That spark from your muse may not show up each and every day but you can still enjoy your talent and the art of becoming a writer. At least according to Kurt Vonnegut.

What did I learn from her article?

Not writing makes me miserable, so write something, anything.
Writing doesn’t have to be hard unless I make it difficult.
Every time I string words together, I’m practicing. WOW.
Enjoy the trip, not the destination.
Stop comparing myself to others.

Now I’m gonna go practice becoming a writer. What about you?

I hope you enjoy the following encouraging article as much as I did.

Click and read…

This 2-Word Quote From Writer Kurt Vonnegut Will Change the Way You Work Jessica Stillman/Oct 11, 2017

What did you think about Vonnegut’s two words of encouragement?

Are you practicing becoming?

Tell me what you think, I’m interested.

I’d love it if you’d stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you need a little inspiration today?

Published on October 16, 2017October 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Writing inspiration comes in many forms.

I’m trying Ben, I’m trying.

Some days are easier than others.

Inspiration can get our creative juices flowing come from Memes, blogs, books, other writers, our kids or weird characters that wake us in the middle of the night. I’m talking about imaginary characters of course.

When a character waltzes in my bedroom in the dead of night I do what any reasonable writer would, I grab my trusty pad and pen to promptly scribble down the best words ever written. In the morning I bounce from bed ready to turn my late night inspired words into a fabulous award-winning scene.

My first reaction as I try to read the gibberish is, WTF? Did a six-year-old kid scribble this on my notepad? It appears my characters enjoy tormenting me in my sleep talking about nothing. Guess I need to stop watching Seinfeld reruns before bed.

Maybe I should try meditating instead of sleeping. Hmm.

In the meantime, you might enjoy reading this article.

How to Enter the Writer’s Trance by Rosanne Bane

How about you? What helps get your creative juices flowing?

How is your writing going?

Do you write illegible stuff in the middle of the night? Or am I the only nut out there?

Does meditating help your creativity?

What do you have cooking? Short Story, Flash Fiction or an Epic Novel?

I’d love it if you’d stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

OR CLICK THE “WRITE ME” TAB AND SEND ME AN EMAIL.

Do you need to start over?

Published on September 25, 2015September 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Or maybe you need a jump-start?

Here lately, my writing resembled a stalled car with a dead battery.

After finishing a couple of projects, I can’t seem to revive a WIP I’d put on a back burner. Seems as if the life support I’ve had this particular WIP is failing. So, I’m toying with pulling the plug, and starting something new.

But where to start?

How do I begin?

Rereading books on structure and outline can’t seem to get my engine revved and going.

I recently read an article about Mind Mapping for writers.

Now for many of you this is not a new concept. However, I’ve been so focused on outlining that I hadn’t given much thought to Mind Mapping. Until now.

How to Use a Mind Map to Start Your Book BY NINA AMIR

Ms. Amir refers to Mind Mapping as “The Brain Dump” method. I think that may be part of my problem. There is so much swirling around in my mind that I need to clean house. A brain dump might be the thing for me.

My first go at Mind Mapping, I used a large sheet of paper and wrote thoughts down in small squares. However, I like the idea of Post-It Notes. The small notes are flexible and easier to move around to the right location.

There are several ways to Mind Map and several programs for you Techies. In this article, Ms. Amir gives links to software programs if you want to give mapping with your computer a try.

Questions:

Do you think Mind Mapping might jump-start your writing?
Have you ever used Mind Mapping?
Which technique did you use?
Did you like the process?

You’ve made it this far, let me know what you think and two more seconds to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Don’t you just love free stuff?

Published on May 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Thanks to the many bloggers I follow, and who follow me, the links keep coming.

This is a terrific free-bee should you need a beautiful photo for your blog, book cover, poster or whatever.

sign-up and receive notifications each time new pics are uploaded or just search for what you need. You’ll find beautiful, professional, high quality photos all free to use.