Do you want to curl up with a good book this weekend?

Published on September 15, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Then today is your lucky day!

Because I’ve got not one, not two but three for you. Each book different and unique.

Long flights are perfect for reading and I found these good talented authors to keep me company as I traveled.

Up first…

The Sanctification of Peter Kane by Troy Stoops

Want to read a preview of this book? Click on the image.

At first, the mixed reviews gave me pause. I wasn’t sure what to expect, offered through Kindle Unlimited so I thought, why not. And boy-howdy I’m glad I took a chance on Mr. Stoops.

I enjoyed this book so much, I returned the KU version and bought a copy to keep. It’s that good. Ever heard the old saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction?” That’s what popped into my mind as I read this book.

I also wondered where the author bought his crystal ball, the book was published in 2013. Twilight time. Be sure to open your mind and check your biases before you begin reading. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…

Next is…

The Millionaire’s Wife by Shalini Boland

This psychological thriller kept me on the edge until the last chapter. That makes for a great read. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you will like The Millionaire’s Wife. Just what will someone do for money?

Kill, plan, and terrorize? All of the above is in this book. Ms. Boland earned five stars for the roller coaster ride of suspense. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…

Last but not least…

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

Where do I start? At the end. Why? Because there are few books that have brought me to tears. This is one. I read the last few pages through blurry eyes. Not because my eyes were tired or my Kindle on the fritz. No, the words danced because of the compassion rolling inside of me.

Ms. Driscoll tells a story of murder, loss, and deceit from the perspective of all too human characters. This takes talent. She makes the reader care about the people in her story. I can only hope to achieve this great feat one day.

I didn’t figure out guilty until the author revealed their identity. Now that is great story telling and very deserving of five stars. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…

Have you read a memorable book recently?

Have a favorite you enjoy over and over?

Please share your best reads. We all love finding that nugget amidst the rubble.

And when you have a moment, head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

What name should you publish under?

Published on September 6, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

If you are planning on self-publishing a name is important.

One of the first things I did was to set up a publishing name. Second Act Press. This has a personal meaning to only me and gives my books a bit of publishing weight.

Second Act Press - Jean M. Cogdell

With a purchased ISBN you can publish under your name or a DBA (Doing Business As) name. However, if you use one of the free ISBN offered through Createspace or another company, their name will appear as publisher.

Have you considered a publishing name?

Or have you not thought about one?

If you are writing a book, start thinking. It’s a big decision.

Want more tips? Keep reading.

What to name your publishing company by Rob Bignell

Leave me a comment and let’s talk.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Jean M Cogdell

How to recognize your fingerprints in a story

Published on September 1, 2017September 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

If someone dusted your story, would they know it was yours?

Fingerprint and keyboard

All writers have a unique pattern of word usage.

That’s right. Take a look at your writing. Do you use a certain phrase or word over and over? I gotta admit, this is something I haven’t thought about before. Sometimes I overuse words in a draft and will toss them out later. But, I’ve never given much thought to what words or phrase identify me.

Until I read an article by Ben Blatt.

Writers are creatures of habit and have a singular voice they will not or cannot change. We don’t like change any more than any one else. If we are comfortable with a word we use it like sprinkles on ice cream. What I discovered from Mr. Blatt is using a word often is not always bad. Famous authors all have a “tell”.

Now as with all things there is an app for that. LOL

Keep reading!

Can You Identify an Author By How Often They Use the Word “The”? By Ben Blatt

Authors leave a distinctive hidden fingerprint in their stories.

Do you know yours?

Want to find out?

Thanks to Mr. Blatt you now can!

MoWa Literary Fingerprint – Author Identifier By Ben Blatt

Can’t wait to play with this!

What about you? What do you think?

Leave me a comment and let’s talk.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

You can improve your novel with these tips

Published on August 11, 2017August 10, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

I’m always searching for great writing tips. Believe me, I need all the help I can get.

When I find a few good tips, I just have to them with y’all.

A few of the 42 listed in Melissa Donovan’s post below, you may already know. But, out of her extensive list, I bet you’ll find one or more that ring your creative bell.