Writers – Page 54 – Jean's Writing

Do you need time to recharge and find new inspiration?

Published on September 15, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

I did.

Setting up my blog to continue without me for a few weeks was time-consuming but worth it. Automation is a wonder thing. Knowing my blog could continue, even in my absence, made letting go easier.

I want to thank everyone for sticking with me during my break. The time with my family was precious, and I can’t wait for our next visit to Paris.

My daughter is a great hostess although she almost walked us to death. She filled our days with seeing the best of the city, good food, and great wines. There is so much to see and do we needed another couple of weeks to see it all.

chateau_de_vincennes_13a-jpg — Chateau_De_Vincennes Photo by JM Cogdell

chateau-de-vaux-le-vicomte-15 — Dancing Horses at Chateau De Vaux-le-Vicomte Photo by JM Cogdell

Want to see more lovely Paris pictures, you should check out my daughter’s blog, A Francophile in France.

After a few days, my husband and I gave her a break and took a quick hop, on Eurostar, over to London.

london-regents-prk-train-station-2 — St Pancras International Train Station Photo by JM Cogdell

I’d never been and loved every minute of it. London is a lot bigger than I expected and as we wandered the city had a tendency to get lost. But that only made the adventure more fun.

Powering down for three weeks is not easy for this type A writer. Internet access was spotty at best, and I must admit to feeling a bit of withdrawal the first few days.

But letting go and just being in the moment with family was wonderful. Plus filling my time with reading books instead of writing sparked inspiration. I recommend everyone take a bit of time to recharge and enjoy life.

So how did you recharge this summer?

Did you take time away from writing and blogging to enjoy life?

Do you find it hard to let go and unplug?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

31 Black and White Photos Show King’s Cross-an inner city area of London in the 1950s

Have you found a home for that story?

Published on September 14, 2016August 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Or need the inspiration to submit?

aware-1353780_640 A story that is! Geesh, get your head out of the gutter guys. We’re talking writing here. LOL

Keep reading and maybe one of these markets will be a perfect fit.

Writing Magazine are holding another of their popular annual writing competitions. Their Adult Fairytale Competition is open for entries for stories of between 1500-1700 words. The closing date is …

Source: Markets For Writers

The fairytale one perked my interest.

Okay, did you find anything to your liking?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

What do you think about crossing genres?

Published on September 12, 2016August 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell21 Comments

Are you for or against the idea?

Me, I’m in the “for” column.

Why? because I love all types of books! I’ve written two books for children and another children’s picture book just returned from the editor. Fingers crossed it will be out in October 2017.

But… I am also writing an adult mystery and a YA book.

I’d hate to think I couldn’t spread my wings and write across genres.

Marcy Kennedy makes some very good points and gives thoughts on the pros and cons to writing in multiple genres.

I write because I enjoy writing, in the same way, I enjoy reading. A good story is a good story no matter the genre.

Click and read what Ms. Kennedy has to say and then tell me, do you think it’s a good or bad idea?

Indie Choices: Writing in Multiple Genres or Specializing

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Sometimes the simple tips are the most useful

Published on September 7, 2016August 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Don’t over complicate your writing process.

Sometimes I think I make writing harder than it needs to be. A recent post by Tiffany Sun at The Writing Cooperative reminded me of some simple tips.

Now don’t get me wrong, if writing were easy everyone would be on the NYT list. I don’t mean that but often I get frustrated trying to put something into words on this dang screen. That’s when I need to remember a few basics.

Tiffany lists twelve hacks that are just good common sense writing. I hope one of them speaks to you.

#11 is my favorite. Not sure I could type without seeing the words, however, this did give me ideas. Because perfection haunts me and often stops the flow. If that ever happens to you stop staring at that white screen, turn it off or at least dim it so that you can’t see every typo, every grammar mistake, and relax. thinking computer -1020137_640

Turn off those grammar correction tools until you’re ready to edit. And then just write!

Click the link and read her simple tips, maybe one will help next time you get stumped.

12 Writing Hacks You Need to Become a Great Writer

Which of her “hacks” give you food for thought?

Do you have a “tip or hack” that reminds you to keep it simple?

I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment!

Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.