Tips to Improve Your Odds

Sorry, I’m running late this morning. The rain pounding against my windows convinced me to snuggle down for a lazy morning. My choice was to snuggle down and enjoy the morning storm or get up and check my email for another dreaded rejection notice. I pulled the cover over my head.

When I finally finished a long, lazy morning of coffee and toast, read the newspaper – cover to cover, I opened my email. And what a pleasant surprise!

Only great tips waited on me. Thanks everybody!

Low and behold, one of them was 9 Secrets for Publishing By Andrew Winch. 

As a senior editor for Splickety Publishing Group, Mr. Winch explains the process he goes through when selecting a story. Focusing on submission tips-n-tricks as well as a few elements specific to flash fiction.

Seems as if there’s a lot more to submitting than “just follow the guidelines.”

For instance, Mr. Winch recommends, in Flash Fiction, as a guide– One character and one scene for every 300 words.

Hop over and read the entire article for inspiration and let’s make something happen.

write

I love comments, almost as much as I love clicks, so after you pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals tell me what you think.

If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

 

Stepping out of my comfort zone

Today I’m taking a giant leap way, way out of my comfort zone.

Gulp…

I’m so glad it’s audio, and not video. No one wants to watch me sweat bullets or chug water to wash away the dust of fear.

Not sure how this will go but…

if you’d like to hear what this Southern lady sounds like, head on over to Blog Talk Radio at 12:30pm PT, or 2:30pm CT (Texas Time) and listen in to:

Empowering and Inspiring Women Globally with Dianna Bellerose

I can’t begin to say how delighted and flattered I am that Dianna Bellerose opened her radio forum to me. Just hope ya’ll won’t be disappointed. The internet and self publishing have empowered writers everywhere to let their voice be heard. So guess time for me to speak up too.Slide1

Now if I can just keep my foot out of my mouth I might get through the hour.

I hope you can give the show a listen, and do let me know what you think because as always…

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Smelled Like Death and Cheap Perfume

The scent was overpowering, smelled like death and cheap perfume. I stepped over books and clothes, careful not to fall. Candy wrappers and trash littered corners. A pizza box teetered on top of the dresser.

I set down the Pinesol, snapped open the large plastic garbage bag, slipped on a pair of heavy-duty rubber gloves, and wished I’d brought a gas mask. Piece by piece I dropped everything into the trash bag.

Exhausted, but relieved glad I’d found nothing dead or squeaking.

“Mom, what’ve you done?”

“Cleaned your room.”

“But my stuff… .”

“Gone,” I said and left my daughter, stunned, standing in her empty bedroom.

100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week#170

the prompt this week and it is :

…the scent was overpowering…

1212310211

thankyou note card

Overcoming fear

Alone

Fear gripped my heart, a drum in my chest beating faster. My hand trembled on the knob, today, maybe today was the day. I peeked through the small hole; the hallway is empty. I’d promised to try; one deep breath, I turned the knob and pulled the door toward me a little.

The elevator dinged. I slammed the door. Almost made it. I’d almost stepped through the open door. Well, that was a half truth. At least I’d opened the door. I leaned against the cool wood and listened as someone walked past my apartment.

Tomorrow, I’d  try again tomorrow. My hands shook as I engaged the dead bolt. Yes, tomorrow would be a better day.