Writers – Page 105 – Jean's Writing

Free 5 Star Thriller

Published on June 5, 2015June 2, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

It’s Friday Review Time

I downloaded Sara’s Game (The Sara Winthrop Thriller Series Book 1) by Ernie Lindsey last week and read it in one day. As the reviews promised this is a grab you and not let go thriller.

To enjoy this book all you must do is, sit back, and suspend belief for one lazy summer afternoon.

But, isn’t that just plain ole good fiction? I mean when was the last time you attended a Quiddich match at Texas Stadium?

Or fell in love with a vampire, or watched a drop dead spy hang from a helicopter as he killed the villain?

And one thing I think we can all agree on is that no Werewolf and human should mate.

So it shouldn’t be that hard to believe a mom would move heaven and earth, fight the devil himself, thwart the police and defeat a sociopath to save her three children.

Yes, good fiction can allow the reader suspend logic for a few hours and believe the unbelievable. And Mr. Lindsey did that for me.

Let’s face it, what could be more terrifying than a missing child?

Maybe three missing children and a missing husband… .

I enjoyed this fast, quick read and left the logical side of my brain at the door and went along for harrowing ride where for once the heroine defeats the psycho.

So if you’re looking for a book to read as you curl up pool side this Saturday download Sara’s Game while it’s FREE.

(926 customer reviews)

Kindle Price: $0.00

How to Write Yummy Scenes

Published on June 2, 2015June 1, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

I don’t like change.

Gonna be up front about this, I don’t like change and I like things simple and familiar.

Yep, I’m a creature of habit.

Take the grocery store. Why do they have to rearrange the aisles every six months? Just about the time I’ve got shopping down to a science, and can race through the aisles like an Indy 500 driver, the manager decides to move around every damn thing. Why? For the love of God, why?

And adding insult to injury, the store puts in new displays that now makes finding my favorite brand of coffee a new version of finding Waldo. Seamless rows blending Starbucks, Folgers and various boxes in a rainbow of colors that even my reading glasses can’t decipher.

A great article by Michelle Russell over at Write to Done got me to thinking.

If I want readers to come back for more, maybe my writing should be like a box of chocolates, delicious, delectable, yummy and easy to get to.

chocolate baby

Maybe they don’t want scenes that are complicated or hard to follow, that cause them to sit back and scratch their head in confusion.

Just maybe, like me, they prefer reading scenes that are addictive, pleasant, compelling, enjoyable and easy to read.

I don’t know about you but I’m gonna try to write more lip smacking good scenes for my reader to enjoy.

What do you think?

Head over to Write to Done and let me know what you think about Ms. Russell’s article, because… you know I love comments, and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

To Do List For Writers

Published on May 31, 2015May 30, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

What is the best way to publish your book?

This past week I discovered more information than I know what to do with.

So hold on to your hat, all my writer friends. There is a lot to learn about sending your baby to market.

Let’s start with Aggregators and Distributors.

Carla King, over at Bowker, did a great job in explaining the difference between aggregators and distributors but most important she explains why we need to know that difference.

Book aggregators and distributors: A short primer by Carla King

Ms. King gives her recommendation based on what your goals as a writer might be.

I’m making a short cut on my desk top for her post. She covers every thing from formatting, publishing and distributing. This is a gold mine for writers.

Click on her link to read what is the best way to publish your book. Yes there is also a lot of advertising too but don’t let that dissuade you from picking up the nuggets to help you reach your writing goals.

Also, do you want additional info on getting an ISBN?

Then Rachael Ritchey can answer just about every question you can think of regarding an ISBN for your book.

Do you need an ISBN for ebook, paperback, hardback or audio?

Find the answers, get the skinny on buying an ISBN at:

Questions People Ask: ISBNs

Now I need to go lay down, I’m exhausted.

Dog Sleeping in her Notebook after Studying

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

A Writing Prompt Jump Start

Published on May 30, 2015May 30, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Time for a writing prompt to shake out the cobwebs.

Sometimes all it takes to jump-start writing again is a good prompt.

Thanks to Lillie McFerrin Writes for today’s prompt : DIVERSIONS

No Time

Charlie stared, shocked at what she saw through the rain streaked window.

Trees uprooted, tossed as if toys were strewn across once majestic lawns, and trash cans floated past her driveway down a river that was once Oak Drive.

She jumped, and grabbed the screaming, flashing cell phone, another weather alert.

Distracted by the sight outside, for a second, she’d forgotten the danger.

She uttered a silent prayer, God, stop this infernal rain, as she headed for the attic.

Hope you enjoyed my 5 sentences inspiration.

And for those who remember this era, sit back and smile.

And I wonder, yes I wonder, who’ll stop the rain…

If you’d like to play along do check out Five Sentence Fiction and take the challenge.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!