Writers – Page 18 – Jean's Writing

Good or bad, it’s time to get the book done!

Published on May 22, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

And after a little vacation, I’m determined to make it to the finish line.

I know, you’ve heard this song and dance from me before. Ha Ha. Yeah, I know but family comes first. So, I’m off to Paris to watch my lovely granddaughter graduate from high school. However, when I return my laptop is gonna be smoking.

For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be enjoying family and the beautiful sites of Paris and attempt to trace my heritage in Scotland.

But not to worry, I’ve studied hard on the subject of writing and blogging, scheduling posts to share in my absence and we can still keep in touch. Plus the info I’ve managed to garner will help me get back in the saddle myself when I return and finish my damn book.

In addition to staying committed to my readers and blog, I’m dedicated to attacking my unfinished manuscript. Below is another terrific article to encourage me and maybe you to finish what we start.

Tips for Committing to Getting Your Book Done! by Lauren Carr

I learned from Ms. Carr is that we all have a Writer’s Zone. A time when we do our best writing. Find that time and maximize it.

Your Writer’s Zone could be a game changer.

Break time, meet me at the water cooler.

When is your best writing time?

Have you found your writing zone?

Do you know when you’re in the zone?

Do you find it easy or hard to get into the zone?

Want to know more about getting into your writing zone? Then click and keep reading.

13 Tips For Getting Into The Writing Zone, Just In Time For NaNoWriMo By E. CE MILLER

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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Want an excellent way to sell your books?

Published on May 17, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Earlier in the week, I discussed the need to prepare for your first book signing event, but there are other ways to sell a signed copy of your book.

How about autographed, signed copies direct from your website?

That’s right. You can offer signed copies of your book to readers. This is something I hadn’t thought of until I read an article sent to me, from Janice Hardy written by J. Kathleen Cheney, @jkcheney .

The biggest question I have now is…

Do people care about signed copies of children books?

I’m not sure. So, I haven’t set up a retail page yet. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to sell a signed copy if it was requested. Hint, hint.

Another thing that has held me back from setting up an online store, is time. Time away from writing. I don’t want anything else to take my attention from, blogging, and writing. Life takes enough of my time and attention.

From what I understand, setting up an online store, may not be complicated but can be time-consuming to maintain. Just like everything else on the internet, if you want it to be successful you must babysit the darn thing.

Okay, meet me at the water cooler and let’s talk.

What do y’all think about signed copies of kid books vs novels?

Also, have any of you set up an online avenue for readers to purchase directly?

How are the sales on your website?

Which service did you use? Shopify, Storenvy or Etsy?

Did you miss Part 1 on autographs?

Then click here: How to prepare for a successful book signing?

Here is more information on setting up your online shop.

Easy Ways to Sell Signed Copies of Your Novel Online

http://themuseslibrary.blogspot.com/2015/07/pros-cons-etsy-vs-storenvy.html

http://katiestable.blogspot.com/2017/05/etsy-vs-shopify-vs-big-cartel-vs.html

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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Want know how to improve your writing?

Published on May 8, 2018May 3, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Dig Deep.

Use ambiguous words.

Did you know the word “break” has 75 different meanings!

Would you like a quick link to help you discover ambiguous words?

Well, you’re in for a treat. Because I’ve discovered a terrific website that has done most of the work for us. I know, I know we all use dictionary websites but this is totally different. Below is a link for hypernym, hyponym, and synonym of a word. And having all that info at your fingertips might just improve your story.

Go check it out and let me know what you think.

Could knowing the 51 different ways to use the word “make” help your writing?

Had you ever thought about it before?

Do tell.

Ambiguous Words List By http://muse.dillfrog.com/lists/ambiguous

Want to know more?

Click: Improve your novel with these tips

Don’t forget to look ME up 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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Do you know the difference in a prologue and epilogue?

Published on April 24, 2018May 1, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell21 Comments

And…

How do you know when a story needs one or both?

My current work in progress (WIP) has a short introduction (prologue.) So, I thought doing a little research on the subject might be in order. After all, I do want the reader to read past the first couple of pages. Right?

Here’s what I learned about the two.

A writer can use both to bookend a novel or use just one.
A prologue is where you can introduce something important to the story.
An epilogue is the cherry on top. The ending after the ending.

What I learned about a prologue.

A prologue should include one or all the three elements.

Setting/fictional world and how the character came to be there.
- Set the stage with a frame of reference for the reader.
An event key to the story and a character’s response.
- Describe with action and suspense, not just adjectives.
- Perfect place to let the event introduce a theme.
Create intrigue.
- Set up the reader to keep reading.

My WIP prologue includes #2 & 3.

I’ve not given much thought to epilogues before today. Although, I do enjoy reading a good one that wraps up a story. Especially a book that kept me on edge from beginning to end. A good epilogue relieves tension and enables me to tie all the dangling pieces together in one big knot.