Tag: Writers

Do you know the hard truth about self-publishing?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

This article, By Rebecca M. Lyles, is a must read for all writers.

Like Ms. Lyles, I’m an introvert. I break out in a cold sweat at the thought of hawking my book. 

But I think it’s important to know what a writer faces when going the self-publishing route. Better prepared than caught blindsided.

So brace yourselves. Read…

Five Self-Pub Truths (I wish I’d known)By Rebecca M. Lyles

What did you think?

Any surprises?

Have you already gone down this path? If so share with me your experience in self-publishing. 

I love reading your comments.

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.

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Do you need to overcome Summertime writer’s block?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

How about, not 10, but 33 tips to jumpstart your writing?

The long, hot days make me lethargic. I want to play, putter around with my roses, or read a good book. Even my muse, complains it’s too damn hot to sit at a computer. Now, who am I to argue with inspiration?

But, writers must write.

So if you’re searching for something to help, keep reading.

I found a great answer on Quora. Who knows? After you read the article, even during these dog-days of summer, maybe you will find one that suits you.

Here’s my take on his 33 tips. The ones I think will help me are in red.

  1. Not me, I’m a start at the beginning kinda gal.
  2. Jot down the facts, just the facts. Cool idea.
  3. Now take a fact from #2 and turn it on its head. What if it’s a lie.
  4. Prompts? I love prompts.
  5. Free write, hmm might just work. Gonna give it a try. With #4 of course.
  6. Break? Took too many already this Summer.
  7. Get moving. But remember to come back to WIP.
  8. Meditate. Nah, not for me.
  9. Ditto. I don’t like confrontations. Even pleasant ones.
  10. Yay! Learned something new.  Oblique Strategies 
  11. I like it quiet when I write. But I’ll consider it.
  12. This I do, sometimes moving to my back porch.
  13. Write 10 ideas a day? Yikes. Too much pressure.
  14.  Outlandish ideas? Might work.
  15. Swipe File is a great idea. Setting up some today.
  16. Book is a cousin to #15, don’t like to duplicate work.
  17. Journal about feeling blocked. Too whiny.
  18. Timed writing? No, I’ve enough pressure see #13.
  19. Unplugging is something I should do more often.
  20. Pen & Paper, tried and true.
  21. Set a deadline and broadcast it. Geese more pressure.
  22. Make a brag list.
  23. Make a to-do list. I like lists. 
  24. Reread one of your favorites and rewrite for practice. I’ve done this to get juices flowing. Works.
  25. Write down how you feel about your WIP. Nope, see #17.
  26. Which parts of WIP is best and strongest?
  27. Look at which parts are weakest.
  28. Consider different POV. I’ve done this and it does help.
  29. Review annotations in books you’ve enjoyed for inspiration.
  30. Decide on what you’re trying to accomplish.
  31. Lists of single words to identify key themes.
  32. Stop editing. This is my hardest thing to overcome.
  33. Recite the prayer of the Muse? Not into that much Zen, see #8.

For more detailed descriptions and explanations click and read:

How can an aspiring writer get around writer’s block? by Bryan Collins

Now your turn. Tell me…

Which one of the 33 tips did you relate to?

Is there one that caught your interest?

Are you ready to try something new?

Give me your thoughts on these ideas.

Don’t let the Summertime blues stall your creativity. Get writing!

I love reading your comments. 

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. 

A podcast a day will make you a better writer

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Well, it just might!

Especially if you check out this article I found over at Bustle.

Last week I asked what books were y’all reading and the response was amazing. I’ve got a “to read” mile long list. Should keep me knee-deep in reading material through the Christmas holidays.

So I thought maybe podcast would be the next step. Because there are times when we can’t drag along our laptop or iPad. And sometimes we do need a break from our WIP.

That’s the best thing about podcasts, no computer needed!

Work on your writing skills when you walk the dog, relax at the beach, ride a car, plane or train. While others are rocking tunes you are rocking podcasts.

20 Podcasts About Writing That Will Have You Penning A Bestselling Novel In No Time by E. CE MILLER

I know which one I’m starting with, Magic Lessons. Especially since the book by Elizabeth Gilbert is on my to read list.

Check out the list of 20 and tell me which one you’re going to start with first. Some of the names you’ll recognize right away, others are new friends waiting.

Which one will you watch first? Why?

Do you see a podcast that might help with your writing?

Have you ever watched podcasts?

What do you think about the list? Have a favorite to add?

Tell me I really want to know.

 

I love reading your comments.

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. 

How to avoid embarrassing grammar mistakes?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

I wish I knew. 

Thank God for grammar programs and Beta readers. Because I make mistakes every time I write, and lots of them. Maybe all the social media short hand is to blame, or maybe the slang we fall back on. But I do know for me grammar is hard work.

A recent post by Christina DesMarais on the 43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make is terrific. So I thought I’d it share with you guys because I can’t be the only writer who struggles with grammar. Except for maybe my daughter and my sister. They are two grammar nerds that are always nipping at my writing, the little know-it-all.

What I like most is Christina picks words and phrases that even seasoned writers often get wrong. I’ve seen a few of these in books by well-known writers. Uh, no I’m not going to name names.

Even though we may use some of these words and phrases in everyday conversations, it most certainly does not make them correct. Here are a few of my favorites.

  • Number 1, can’t wait to share with a clerk. LOL
  • Okay, guilty of using Number 3 in conversation.
  • Number 7, it’s been misused a lot lately.
  • I love Number 20, take that, adverb haters.
  • Well, do tell. Number 22. How about from bad to worse?
  • When I read Number 24, I chuckled.
  • What Southerner hasn’t used Number 25 wrong? LOL
  • Number 36, kids love this word and use it a lot.
  • Number 38 was new to me, love learning something new.

Read Christina’s article and tell me which ones jumped out at you.

 43 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes Even Smart People Make

Any favorites?

Do you think social media has hurt grammar?

Any additional reminders to help us?

Do you have any grammar pet-peeves? Do share!

Laugh as you learn grammar tips from this video.

Talk to me, I love reading your comments.

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.