Do you need to do more than Google it?

Published on August 23, 2017August 21, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Sometimes Google is not the end all be expert.

Although, in our family, the go-to phrase is, “Google it.”

However, on occasion, we need more. But, Facebook and Twitter as a news authority? Really?

Like most people, I love reading Facebook and Twitter but, we need to always check the source. Too many times an opinion piece is considered news. Remember, check the origin of that article your Aunt Sue tagged you in. And if unsure, there are plenty of websites you can run the truth meter. Snopes, and FactCheck are just two.

What have I learned from Facebook and Twitter? Writing an eye-catching title is important. Not easy but important.

So where do we look for answers to our burning questions?

Read this post by Jacqui Murray. She gives us several places to get the facts straight.

Unconventional Research Sites for Writers by Jacqui Murray

My favorite on her list?

How Stuff Works and Info Please

And here is another you can add to her list. How It’s Made. Click on the link to watch the episodes.

What is your go to information resource?

Do you Google for everything?

Which of her suggestions do you find interesting?

I like to hear yours. 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.

Do you need a new writing cheat sheet?

Published on May 30, 2017May 29, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I’ve said once and I’ll say it again.

Want to know something, Google it!

That includes different ways to say a word.

Such as “went.” Who knew you can say someone went somewhere 250 ways. LOL

Thanks go to Writing Guide to Everything for this great list.

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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

Let us not forget. Kiss a Vet!

Published on May 29, 2017June 4, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Happy Memorial Day!

Have you kissed a vet today? Or shook one’s hand? Take the time to remember and hug one, don’t pass up a chance to say thank you.

If not, find one and give them a hug.

If you or a member of your family served, thank you.

My Dad

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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

Do you think it’s easy to find a book reviewer?

Published on February 13, 2017March 16, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell23 Comments

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s not!

Some writers/bloggers indicate it’s easy to locate willing reviewers. I’m here to tell you it is not. No not easy at all.

I’m not sure if finding reviewers is different that finding people to review a children’s book.

While following all the tips I could find on getting a valuable review, I still found it difficult.

So what have I learned?

Don’t ask a quid-per-quo. You read mine, I’ll read yours.
Writers are busy writing. To stop and read my book takes time from their writing.
Blogs dedicated to book reviews are swamped with requests. I found most have a “no longer accepting” note on the blog.
Contacting a generalized and not to mention lengthy list from Amazon is exhausting. Results are a shotgun effect.
To move the needle and generate book sales, you need a lot of reviews.
My best source was my readers here at Jean’s Writing. I can’t thank Y’all enough!

What will I do next time?

List my book on blogs that connect readers with authors. Amazon frowns on this practice.
Use social networks more. Like Reddit, StumbleUpon as well as Twitter and Facebook to search for reviewers.
Google! I don’t know why I didn’t think of using this search engine for reviewers. I use it for everything else.
Reach out to friends, family and my readers here.

Click and read 10 places to find reviewers for your self-published book by Denise Enck.