Writers – Page 41 – Jean's Writing

Do you know how to conduct an interview?

Published on May 31, 2017May 31, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell18 Comments

Writers need to understand their characters.

And what better way to understand a character than asking questions?

A while back I was inspired by Dan Alatorre to play around with character interviews. It was a lot of fun.

One of my readers loved the idea so much he took it a step further and did not one, but four interviews of the characters in his upcoming book. What a fun read!

Here is the link to the first interview. The other three are just as entertaining. I loved them all! Great job Budgie. You can definitely use these as marketing tools.

Blood Drive Interview 1: Christian MAY 16, 2017 BY BUDGIE BIGELOW

I think it’s great when an author like Dan, shares an idea and the idea takes on a life of its own.

If you missed Dan’s post here is the link:

Character Interview: Samantha (Sam) From Poggibonsi April 30, 2017 Dan Alatorre AUTHOR

Have you tried interviewing a character?

Think it’s something you might try?

What question would you like a character to answer?

If you missed my original post here’s the link:

How to conduct an effective, revealing interview

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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Do you need a new writing cheat sheet?

Published on May 30, 2017May 29, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I’ve said once and I’ll say it again.

Want to know something, Google it!

That includes different ways to say a word.

Such as “went.” Who knew you can say someone went somewhere 250 ways. LOL

Thanks go to Writing Guide to Everything for this great list.

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

You won’t get lost with this valuable tool

Published on May 29, 2017May 23, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Writers, find your way with Google maps.

Write a richer story when you step onto the streets of your tale.

(Click & Tweet)

One day, I wrote a character stopped at Starbucks but turns out there are no Starbucks on that street. Duh! I assumed by now, a Starbucks existed on every street in America. I was wrong. Thank you, Google Maps.

If you have an Iphone you might enjoy the Apple Maps app. The 3D effect on a handheld device, although small, is fun to play with. Made me feel as if I was the character walking down my street.

With the maps tool, you can visit any town, drive down any street, and walk up to the door of any gin joint you choose. Will help you avoid my mistake and know for sure if there is a gin joint or Starbucks there. LOL

Thanks to Sheila Good over at Cow Pasture Chronicles for a great post on using Google Maps. Pop over and check it out.

Another Great Tool for Writers by Sheila Good

Have you used the 3D street view on Google Maps?

Do you use a different program?

Do you think visualizing locations helps your story?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Coming Soon!

Stop by if you’re in the McKinney Area. I’d love to meet you!

Do you need a professional photograph for your Gravatar?

Published on May 25, 2017May 25, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

I don’t know if a pro is necessary.

BUT, I do know a professional photographer does a much better job than I can with my iPhone.

They don’t have to cost a fortune. Look for a photographer, just starting out, one who is beginning to build up their portfolio. Their prices are usually very reasonable.

Read the post below and tell me what you think.

Personally, I think a good picture is important. I don’t like seeing those generic Gravatars. Not only are they ugly and strange but I enjoy seeing real people. Guess it’s time for me to update mine again. Sigh…

Why you should have a professional author photo #WriterWednesday #AuthorMarketing #AmWriting by D.E. HAGGERTY