reading – Jean's Writing

How do you get excited about writing?

Published on February 3, 2020 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

And returning to the keyboard after a long break?

I’ve written about the Summertime Blahs, but what does one do about the winter blues or the publication blues?

Yep, you heard right. In November I finished and published my latest children’s picture book, and then the holidays took over what was left of my energy.

And now I’ve got the blank page (or screen) syndrome.

This isn’t anything new, not for me. If you are a long time follower, you know this is a yearly ritual. However, each time I’m faced with it, I am surprised. Weird, right? When I’m in the writing zone, I think I’ll never stop. But then…

Brain fog settled in.

One thing that has helped me before, was reading. Reading everything. Good, bad, great, and mediocre. So I’ve spent the last couple of months reading three to four books a week. Didn’t help.

So…

I’m visiting some of my favorite bloggers.
Playing with a few writing prompts.
And giving my brain a good talking to.
Looking at some of my previous posts and trying to take my own advice. LOL

Tell me. How do you get back in the writing saddle? To create when the lightening of inspiration is lacking?

I appreciate any tips or suggestions you’ve got. Because I’m still stuck.

In the meantime, pop over and read this post by Lucy Mitchell. It gave me something to think about. WHEN STRUGGLING WITH YOUR WRITING ALWAYS THINK – CATERPILLAR & THE BUTTERFLY!

I’m a butterfly, a butterfly…

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW. AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

Thrilled to announce a 5 star award for new book

Published on November 25, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Available for purchase soon!

Watch for my announcement!

Read this glowing review from Readers Favorite about my new children’s picture book.

Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

I Want to be a Firefighter is a children’s picture book written by Jean M. Cogdell. What would it be like to be a firefighter when you’re all grown up? You’d get to wear big black boots, a yellow safety jacket, and a bright red firefighter’s helmet. There’d be fires to fight, sometimes requiring climbing high up on ladders to reach the blaze and put it out with your hose. Sometimes, your job would be to help find lost dogs and rescue cats who’ve gotten themselves stuck far up in trees. Firefighters usually have best friends who are dogs. They’re spotted and black and white and are on call for emergencies just like the firefighters themselves. It’s such a busy occupation that, by the time night comes, a firefighter wants nothing more than the comfort of his bed and his firefighting-companion puppy.

Jean M. Cogdell’s I Want to be a Firefighter will thrill any kid who gets excited when they pass a firehouse or see a fire engine rushing off towards an emergency. What do firemen do? This book helps kids visualize exactly what being a firefighter entails — from a kid’s perspective. It’s also a great way to introduce that endlessly fascinating subject: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And yes, kids do have simplified views of what those grown-up careers or jobs maybe, but it’s powerful to get them visualizing themselves in the future. The illustrations work perfectly with the story and do a good job of conveying the busy day that the young firefighter and his puppy have. I Want to be a Firefighter is highly recommended.

PS:

Don’t forget the princess in your family.

Go to Amazon and get your copy today. https://amzn.to/2QWD4nD

Books give all year long, add one under your Christmas tree.

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW. AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

Do you struggle with a little reader?

Published on July 22, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Want to turn your little one into a book lover?

Everyone struggles with getting a kid to read. But once you get them hooked, they are hooked for life.

My daughter is a third-grade teacher and she says the students who struggle the most, in all subjects, are the ones who struggle with reading.

Everyone agrees how important it is to get a kid to not only read, but enjoy what they are reading.

Reading is the gateway to success.

Although summer is almost over, it’s not too late to inspire your kiddo.

Dr. Seuss quote, The more that you read... — Dr. Seuss

Here are a few tips to help turn your kid into an avid reader:

Kids love to imitate, so let them witness you reading.
Find out what type of books their classmates or playmates enjoy.
Gear the books you choose with your kid’s interest.
Read to them every night.
Introduce early reader chapter books around age 6. Reading a few pages a night will add anticipation for the next night.
Let your kid know reading is not an option. Do whatever necessary to get your kid to read just 15 minutes a day. (I’m not above a bribe.)
Get your kid their own library card. (Makes them feel important.) And yes even toddlers.
Search Amazon for books on things they like to play with or ask your local librarian for suggestions.
Let them pick out a book, even if it’s not your cup of tea. What they read is not as important as getting them to read. One may prefer funny books such as Diary of a Whimpy Kid, your other kid might prefer mysteries, letting them explore the library or local bookstore empowers them.
If your kid picks a book you think is too hard for them to read, read it together. You’ll be surprised at how much they will learn.
Don’t give up! Eventually, reading will click if you don’t quit.

For the gamer in your house try Minecraft Books: Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of a Dare by Zack Zombie. There are 18 books in the series. That should keep them busy for a while. Or how about Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady

Have a little princess in the family? Then you’re very lucky because there are dozens of books to choose from, click here to get started. Books for a Princess.

Budding sports star? How about Goodnight Baseball by Michael Dahl or any of the other many books from baseball, soccer, football, or hockey.

Everyone wants their kid to succeed, so remember…

Do you have a tip for turning a reluctant reader into a bookworm?

How important do you think reading is for a kid?

What age did you start reading to your kids?

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW. AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

For more reading tips, click on the links below.

12 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers by Laura Candler

How can I encourage a reluctant reader?

Do you know what today is?

Published on April 2, 2019April 3, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY!

Thanks to my favorite Ape, and Jo Robinson for reminding me!

International Childrens Book Day

And a happy birthday to one of my favorite authors, Hans Christian Anderson. I’m sure there isn’t a parent in the world who doesn’t know The Little Mermaid. But did you know it was written in 1837? Just goes to show you good books last forever.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t showcase my children’s books. I hope you’ll head over to Amazon and check mine out. While I in no way stand alongside Hans Christian Anderson, I’m very proud of my books. Easter is coming and a book makes a great gift.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to give the gift of imagination. So, y’all give a book and light a fire of creativity in a child today. You never know who you might inspire to become the next great author.

Don’t have any little ones to gift a book? Teachers everywhere are in need of good books. There is always a place to make a reading impact. Ask around.

To read more about this holiday, check out these websites…

USBBY.org

Fun Holiday – International Children’s Book Day

Days of the Year

PS:

I’m currently finishing up my next picture book and searching for just the right editor and illustrator. Interested? Or know someone who might be interested? Use the Contact me button to let me know.

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.