website – Jean's Writing

How to prepare for a successful book signing?

Published on May 15, 2018May 4, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

What does your signature look like?

Have you practiced signing books? Practiced your autograph?

Remember Practice makes perfect.

I recently read a good article by Judith Briles on how to prepare for a book signing/author event.

Here’s what I learned from Ms. Briles about preparing for that big event.

Click the link below and read her entire article for more in-depth tips on a successful author book signing event.

Author Essential Tips How to Autograph Books by Judith Briles

Watch for Part 2 on autographing and selling your book.

So…

Have you had a book signing yet? How did it go?

Do you have one scheduled for this year?

Are you ready for a signing event?

Do you have any good tips to add? I’d love to hear them.

YOU CAN FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

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

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What is the difference in a Gravatar, Avatar or Favicon?

Published on February 28, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Answer: Not much.

Just different words for an icon that identifies you or your blog/website.

Gravatar stands for Globally Recognized Avatar. Using a Gravatar enables you to use the same recognizable icon/Avatar for all websites where you engage. How to Create and Use it?

Using a Gravatar promotes your brand.

An Avatar specifically refers to a character that represents an online user. Can be a profile picture, image of objects cartoon caricature, or 3D animated for gaming.

A favicon (pronounced “fave-icon”) is a small, iconic image that represents your website. Favicon Generator, 4 Easy Ways To Add A Favicon In WordPress.

I’ve written posts about using a Gravatar on blogs in the past. But some bloggers/writers still use a blank, the Gravatar Icon or other default icons. I don’t understand.

I use my picture as a Favicon, might change that one day, as well as for my Gravatar. These icons tell readers a little bit about you and your website. If you don’t want to use a picture of yourself, choose an object that gives readers a clue. Any picture can be a Gravatar or Favicon. Use your imagination and go wild. Use a Bitmoji character. But for the love of God, please don’t leave it blank.

An author? Use an icon of your book.

A writer? How about a writing tool? Or an image of a writer.

A parent? Kids. Even cartoon kids.

Home improvement website? Paintbrush, ladder?

A pet lover? A cute kitty or puppy.

Gamer? Design a cool 3D image of yourself or use an image from your favorite game.

Cooking? Food!

The ideas are endless. So why not find the right Gravatar for your website? Let the world know what your blog is all about.

So, I gotta ask.

Why haven’t you added a Gravatar or Favicon to your website?

Do you think a recognizable Gravatar helps with branding?

Has fear stopped you from creating a Gravatar?

Want to read more about icons?

Here you go…

How to change the default Gravatar on WordPress.

Avatar Marker

Favicons and Gravatars

GENERATE UNIQUE IMAGES FROM ANY TEXT

Favicon Generators

I HOPE YOU TAKE A MINUTE AND FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA, JUST CLICK ON THE links BELOW. I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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If you love new blog tips, this is for you

Published on March 15, 2017March 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Never again have to dig through dozens of blog post to find the most popular ones.

All you have to do is stick them on top for all to see.

Okay, maybe this trick is new only to me.

Maybe y’all knew this all along but be kind and pretend so I can enjoy my excitement for just a second. I just love new tips!

I was so excited when I opened up my favorite Ape’s website and read how to add sticky notes to my website. Hey, it’s the little things in life. LOL

So, just in case I’m not the only blogger in this big worldwide web that doesn’t know how y’all can head over to the Ape’s and read How to make a WordPress Sticky Post?

First, try on my blog, eureka! Success!

Is this a trick you could use?

Did you already know about sticky notes for WordPress?

Did you try it?

Talk to me – comments are my all time favorite things.

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.

Are you searching for a new look too?

Published on June 1, 2016May 31, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Well, I was and I hope you like my new look. Before you get started, let me tell you it took a lot of work. work frog-1339892_640

But a big thank you goes to writer and blogger who just happens to be my sister, Sheila Good, for her suggestions. After several hours, and lots of swearing, I got it done without destroying my original blog.

If you’re thinking of changing your look, here are a few tips that might help.

First, start a new website with a different name of course and made it private.

This private website is your testing ground. Private means no one can see it but you. You can manipulate it, change the theme and just have fun until you get the right look without destroying your original blog.

How do you know if a theme has a page that will work for landing?

There are websites on WordPress.com that have multiple pages. This is why it’s important to play with different themes. Once you find a theme, go to Pages – Add New Page and click on Page Attributes. (this box is usually on the far right.)

Under Template, there will be choices. Default or as in mine Guestbook. Other themes templates are named differently. If there are no multiple templates, time to try another theme.