Writers Resources – Page 9

Are you ready to reach for the stars?

Published on April 1, 2014April 1, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

Well, maybe the stars are a bit high, but how about a place to stretch your talents? Sometimes it’s good to take a leap and jump off in the deep end. Yes, I know putting your writing out for someone to judge is scary. Make that downright terrifying. Pee your pants, bite your nails, sick to your stomach terrifying. But the rewards are so worth the effort.

No, you won’t win every time. In fact the odds are not in your favor. However, so often the judges are kind enough to send a brief critique with their rejection. That is a win too. Just remember that even for the non-cash prize, ezine publications, there are thousands of writers entering each contest. I’m not saying that to discourage you, but to put things in perspective.

Not all of the contests pay cash prizes or any prize at all, but that shouldn’t stop you from entering, nor should the fact your entry is but one of many. The experience helps us grow as writers.

So, if you’re interested, here are a few contests to get you started. Remember, read and follow the rules. Check and recheck for typos. I know that sounds elementary, but everyone makes mistakes. Believe me, I know.

American Short Story Fiction

Hint Fiction

Flash Fiction Chronicles

Raymond Carver Short Story Contest at Carve Magazine

New Pages (a source for submissions)

Nano Fiction

Press 53

Glimmer Train

WOW Women on Writing (love this contest, get great feedback from judges)

Maybe, you’re looking for a market place to sell your work check out Brainstorms & Bylines

Or WOW Women on Writing job board.

Also Check out Story Dam or Julia’s Place for writing prompts to get your juices flowing.

If you have a favorite contest or website, let us know.

Here’s to life!

Published on August 13, 2013August 14, 2013 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

“First comes love then comes marriage, then comes…” Can you remember the taunting nursery rhyme? Aimed at teasing a sibling, friend or maybe at ourselves at that first crush.

Then the real thing hits, love blooms and if you were like me the world had no limits. Oh to be that young again.

The sixties and seventies were magical. The world seemed to be exploding with opportunities. Young and in love we left family and friends far behind for a better life. We would be different, we would not become our parents. Our children would be exposed to all the differences and the wonders we could provide. After all we had a car, and steady paycheck from Uncle Sam. My new husband just had to avoid getting shot at a few more months. After the birth of our first child we left Uncle Sam and New England for the warmth of the South.

I worked hard to become the hippest/hottest new Mom on the block. Dr. Spock was all the rage and with the help of Dr. Joyce Brothers and saran wrap things were hopping at our house. But like many stay at home moms with two kids, a hard-working husband and various pets I became bored with the Desperate Housewife way of life. I needed more.

Along came a cause in the form of religion; Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker. Unless you lived underground you know I’m talking about the 700 Club in Charlotte, N.C. I fell hook line and sinker, found God, and set out to save the world. Soon my family and I were involved in the Assemblies of God and later an independent church that led us to Houston, TX.

We lived and worked in Houston for many years. As all things go in cycles, so did religion. Suffice it to say, our eyes were opened and our hearts broken. Along with a lot of folks we lost everything but each other.

Soon our path led us to Dallas where we’ve built a wonderful life and watched our kids become beautiful adults. Today I thought of an old Frank Sinatra song. Where the lyrics say something about being a puppet, a pauper, a poet, a something a other… Then goes on with… “That’s life.”

My life isn’t what I thought it would be, but I’m not sure how many people can say their life is going exactly as planned.

I set out to set the world afire, it doesn’t need to be ablaze.

I set out to change the world, it’s not a one person job.

I set out to make a difference, I think we all make a difference one way or another.

So here I sit attempting to do something for myself, write. I’ve dabbled at it off and on the last couple of years, as time permitted. Writing is a dream I’ve resurrected from my childhood. This is for me. I hope one day I’ll enjoy reading what I’ve written, as will others.

If not oh well, “That’s Life.”

So when my writing gets off course, like life, and I’m sure it will. I’ll pick myself up, read a good book, dust off my keyboard and try again. If you too need a little encouragement, check out some of the books/blogs below and get back in the race.

http://rebeccatdickson.com/

http://janefriedman.com/

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com

Frank Sinatra: The Artist and His Music (The David Morrell Cultural-Icon Series) download (oflubaco.wordpress.com)
Rebecca T Dickson ” THE Guide is on Amazon – and it’s free (twdittmer.com)
Frank Sinatra: Young at Heart (elliethestarryeyedgirl.wordpress.com)

Do you procrastinate?

Published on April 8, 2013April 8, 2013 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

It’s Monday and I’ve accomplished nothing. Read emails, and played on my computer putting off the things I need to do. I’m close to finishing my first novel and here I sit twiddling my thumbs. I take Saturday and Sundays to relax and read for pleasure. But getting back to writing on Monday is not easy.

In my defense I did read a couple of blogs about writing. Does that count? I’m in a funk and trying to pull out of it. My WIP (work in progress) is stalled too. I need to throw something wild in the story line to jar both myself and my characters.

How do you overcome the Monday blues? How do you overcome the desire to just veg instead of pushing the characters in your WIP? How do you motivate yourself when your WIP is stalled.

Now that I’ve wasted the morning with my whining I’ll go fix lunch. Maybe something to eat will get the juices flowing. Ooh this website looks interesting, think I’ll read this first. http://www.creative-writing-now.com/writers-block.html

Write scared – don’t we all? (aletteratatime.wordpress.com)
Friday WIPs (craftingforlife.wordpress.com)
Guest Post: Planner or Pantser? My technique is evolving… (petedenton.wordpress.com)
The Idea-procrastination principle (buzzeratbiz.com)
procrastination mantra (carllitabobita.wordpress.com)
Because Prompts are Fun #12 – Procrastination (ineedaplaydate.com)
Procrastination (kakydid.wordpress.com)
Don’t “Procrastinate”… READ! (junipersunrise.com)

Don’t you be blue

Published on February 21, 2013February 21, 2013 by Jean M. Cogdell

If you smile…

You’ll stand out and attract positivity. So stay on the sunny side. Today this made me smile so I hope it brings a smile to your face too. It was attached to an informative writers blog, which I enjoyed but the pic is what captured my fancy. Go to She Writes to read the article.