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How did you do in this year’s race?

Published on November 30, 2015November 29, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

The November race to the finish!

Congratulations to all of you who ran and finished the NaNoWriMo race.

This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but well, shit happens as does the holidays.

However, I so admire all of those who not only attempted, but finished over 50,000 words in just 30 days.

Wow! Way to go everyone!

Some think it’s an amazing exercise in productivity. Others like LAURA MILLER over at Salon.com thinks it’s a waste of time and energy. She contends that the writer will be disappointed in the quality of what is produced.

Ellen Scott for Metro.co.uk wrote 27 things every NaNoWriMo writer needs to know.

Hmm, maybe next year I’ll… Nope, probably won’t happen.

So have there been NaNoWriMo successes? You bet!

Ellen Scott for Metro.co.uk also lists 7 successful NaNoWriMo projects that went on to become NYT Best Sellers.

And some of my favorite books too! Like Wool, Cinder, and Water for Elephants.

Hmm, maybe I’ll think about next year.

So what about you? Did you participate in NaNoWriMo this year? How did it go? Are you happy with what you produced?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Leave a comment and tell us all about your NaNoWriMo writing experience, or why you chose not to participate.

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From my house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving

Published on November 26, 2015November 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Although, Thanksgiving is a US holiday, I hope my European friends will indulge me a bit for my holiday excitement.

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This is a time to reflect, pause and enjoy good food, friends and family or that very special person in your life.

That’s what I will be doing today. Enjoying my special man, good food (pumpkin pie), good wine and relaxing in front of a roaring fire.

Oh, and one other thing!

I’ll be decorating for very special Christmas guests! I want my house to look like Santa’s workshop exploded.

That’s right! My oldest daughter and her family will be home from Paris, France. I can’t wait to have everyone together for the upcoming holidays. So I plan to go a little overboard.

I’ll post pictures next week!

Five grands, 2 daughters and 2 son-in-laws all together!

It’s been three years since we celebrated the holidays together and I’m over the top excited!

So to all my readers – Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Holidays no matter where you are! Eat, drink and make love!

What are your plans for the holidays?

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Are you Timid, Nervous or Couragous?

Published on November 20, 2015November 19, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

I’ll admit, I fall somewhere between Timid Tammy and Nervous Nell.

For a positive, happy person, blowing my own horn is not easy. I don’t like to ask for help or favors. I’m a terrible salesperson. I believe in me, but the idea that others might find value in what I’ve accomplished sounds a bit far-fetched.

Hiding behind a computer screen is a lot easier than speaking face-to-face with a group of strangers. I fumble with “the ask.”

I even found it difficult to help my daughter sell her Girl Scout Cookies. Now that’s just plain pitiful. I mean, who can’t sell GS cookies. Everyone loves them. But I ended up buying more than we sold. Of course loving the Peanutbutter patties helped.