Writers – Page 104 – Jean's Writing

Does your group speak truth?

Published on June 25, 2015June 25, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Reading the post at Jane Friedman’s by guest writer Jennie Nash on

The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups

several points really hit home with me.

However, most important were the offered solutions.

Too many times we receive a lot of information but no actionable answers.

After Ms. Nash writes about the pitfalls of a writer’s group, she goes on to give ideas on how to help constructively.

So if your group is not filled with “experts” on editing, there is still a way to have a successful writer’s group.

The first fix Ms. Nash wrote, that stood out in this article for me was:

Give each writer time to talk about the weaknesses they see in their work and the solutions they are contemplating. Let them try to sort those things out in a supportive space. Often, simply having to articulate your problem goes a long way towards solving it. I find that writers frequently know what’s wrong with their own work if you give them the time and space to confront those truths, and this is far better than asking people who are not trained to weigh in on what’s wrong with the work. Click here to read the entire article by Jennie Nash The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups .

This is how my critique partner and I work. We bounce idea’s, and portions of our writing, off each other to work out issues. Ms. Nash is correct about the importance of complete honesty. My friend listens as I talk through whatever writing problem I’m dealing with in the moment and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when I need to change something.

Just remember everything is easier to swallow with a spoon full of sugar. Kindness pared with a truthful suggestion or critique is helpful and constructive.

Y’all know how much I love your comments, so tell me are you a member of a writer’s group?

I’m also nuts for clicks, so please pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals remember to tell me what you think.

If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Annoying Things Only #Writers Will Understand

Published on June 20, 2015June 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

After I read Annoying Things Only #Writers Will Understand I just had to share it with y’all.

It was as if he was bugging my house!

My biggest issues in his article are temptations, obligations and favors.

And his job description of a writer hit the damn nail on it’s head. By the time I finish all that stuff, I can’t blame inspiration for leaving. I’d leave too if I didn’t have laundry and dishes waiting.

Oh and when inspiration does strike, I assure myself I’ll remember that great line, idea or character. Big revelation I don’t. Tim Baker gets that right too. There’s never pen and paper handy when I need it.

Enough of my bitching, if you’d like a good read head on over Blindoggbooks and enjoy. It’s good to know someone else in the world understands us.

I love comments, almost as much as I love clicks, so after you pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals remember to tell me what you think.
If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Are you easy to find?

Published on June 15, 2015June 14, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

How easy are you to find?

If someone wants to publish your story, essay or request a sample of your work how difficult will a sample be to locate?

Start by making yourself available.

I hate spam as much as the rest of the world. So we all have to take steps to protect from the dreaded spoofing emails. However, we must have a platform on the world-wide web.

Chuck Sambuchino wrote a great post for The Writer Life on 4 steps a writer can take to have a successful and professional platform.

Today’s Challenge.

Google your name, or the name of your blog.

Is your presence easy to find? If so, what stands out?

I love comments, almost as much as I love clicks, so after you pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals tell me what you think.

If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Is your website easy to read on a mobile device?

Published on June 10, 2015June 9, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Is your blog mobile ready?

Whether, a book review, cooking, breaking news, mommy & me, or cute kitties blog, you need to make sure it passes the mobile ready test.

Shocker! I just found out mine wasn’t. Guess what I’m doing later today?

Mobile use has skyrocketed over the past years. People are on the go and using their smart phones to connect. Make sure they can read your blog in the doctors waiting room, the hairdressers chair or pool side catching a few rays.

How do you find out if your blog is mobile readable?

Google has a Mobile-Friendly Test page. Here you can put in your website and Google will let you know if your blog is mobile ready.

Follow the steps and get smart phone ready so people on the go can keep up with you and your blog.

Want to know how many people read your blog on their smart phones?

Go to Google Analytics click on the “Audience” section. Then select “Mobile > Overview.” Here you should find information on the amount of traffic your blog receives from a mobile device.

Whew! That’s done!

Can you read it now?

I love comments, almost as much as I love clicks, so after you pass my post on to your Facebook and Twitter pals let me what you think. If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!