Writers – Page 81 – Jean's Writing

How to ease those writer’s aches and pains

Published on January 15, 2016January 14, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

I bet you’re just like me, trying to find ways to write and stretch the kinks out at the same time.

Ain’t easy is it?

I think writers suffer with these aches and pains because we sit too long-lost in our thoughts as we breathe life onto a blank page.

If you’ve sat at a desk any length of time, you know what I’m talking about.

I started sitting at a desk when all typing was done in triplicate on a Selectric Typewriter. My hands have more knots than a boy scout climbing rope. And don’t get me started about my neck and back.

But what’s a writer to do? Me I’ll take a little cheese with my whine…. LOL

All joking aside, as a young woman I didn’t worry about taking care of my joints. Wish I had. Like so many today, thought I was invincible. Now, its hot baths and lots of Ibuprofen.

Each year I’m amazed at the ever evolving technology. I can’t seem to take advantage of it as I should. Seems to change way too fast for me.

I watched a doctor recently dictate into his computer instead of writing or typing into my chart. Unfortunately, it took him three tries to get it right. As I watched, my first thought was, maybe I could use something like that to write with. My second thought was, I don’t have that kind of time. I’d throw my computer out the door if I had to repeat myself that many times. Not to mention, I’d probably forget what I was writing about by the time the software got a paragraph right.

Do any of y’all use voice software to dictate your writing?

So, apparently not all technology is for me. But, one gadget I do use is an alarm that buzzes me when I’ve sat too long. A small reminder to stand and move about a bit. It’s not as much of an intrusion as I first thought. If I’m in the middle of a good thought, I just hit okay and keep writing. The alarm will buzz me again soon.

I also love my ergonomic mouse with the little roller thingamajig on top.

Here are a couple of good articles that y’all might find helpful.

Writing: How to Take Care of your Hands and Wrists by Debbie Young

The Best Seating Solutions for Indie Authors at their Writing Desks by Debbie Young

This is for my sisters! And anyone else who enjoys Yoga.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppToA1N0CgE

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Writers, do you need more info…

Published on January 13, 2016January 10, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

Writers, do you spend too much time on Google?

Searching for answers?

On how to self-publish your book? Or someone to review your book?

Now, thanks to the hard work of John Maberry your search will be a bit shorter.

Head over and read all of the links he has compiled on these and more subjects at his blog the Eagle Peak Press.

On the first post John gives you links for Advertising/Marketing, Email marketing, Miscellaneous promotion techniques, Press releases, special multifaceted sites, and various, Author blogs/sites of interest.

WEB RESOURCES FOR SELF-PUBLISHING AUTHORS DECEMBER 4, 2015 JOHN MABERRY

He this next post he lists links for Book design/production, General self-publishing tips and resources, and my favorite, Reviews of your book.

WEB RESOURCES FOR SELF-PUBLISHING AUTHORS–PART 2 DECEMBER 10, 2015 JOHN MABERRY

Some of the links are oldies but goodies, however, some were new to me.

I hope you find a few new surprises too. If you find a few good tips be sure and let John know. I’m sure he’ll enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks John! I love it when my readers share good info! Keep the good stuff coming guys.

Y’all can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey!

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

Writers get ready to be astounded

Published on January 12, 2016January 7, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Yes, shocked even!

Not everyone has heard about your book!

That’s right.

I know, hard to believe. As much as you’ve talked, complained, bragged, begged, posted and cried about your baby some of your friends and relatives have not heard about your book.

How do I know this?

A family member, don’t ask not gonna tell, mentioned she didn’t know I’d published a children’s book. Yes, she frequents Facebook! Where by the way I’ve shamefully plastered pictures of my book.

On occasion, I’ll run into friends and if I mention my book I get the same reaction.

I recently read an article that all of the people can’t be on social media all of the time or at the same time. It’s enough to give a writer a headache.

Well, here’s my point. I’ve got questions that need answers.

How many times and how often should we plug our book?
At what point do readers just get tired of hearing about it?
How do we promote without being obnoxious?

These are not rhetorical questions. I really want to know the answers.

Anyone have any answers, any hints?

What do you think? Please share in the comments section.

Or do you think we’re all just like trains passing in the night? Sigh….

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

What do you think comes first?

Published on January 4, 2016January 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

The chicken or the egg?

So what is a writer to do?

Kari Stevenson wrote over at BookFuel.com just why Book Reviews Are Important

She said, “Simply put, if I can’t find a review for a book there is a 99% chance I will not purchase it.” Click on the above link and read why she says as a librarian good reviews are a must have.

First and foremost begin early!

As I mentioned in my last post I failed to market my book before it was published. I didn’t seek reviews before publication. Seek out professional organizations and authors in your genre that might be willing to read your book. But, begin at least 2 months before the launch date. Don’t make my mistakes.

So how to get a review?

Ask your friends to buy and read your book.
Ask them to give an honest review.
Pray, hope, rub your lucky charm for a good review.
Repeat steps 1-3.

Yes, it’s a lot of work. I know, believe me. But I’ve not landed an agent to do the work for me, nor have I the money to hire a marketing agency so I’m plodding along.

Anyone have any good ideas out there for obtaining more reader reviews please share them! We would all love to know your secret.

Additional Reading Tips for Finding Reviewers

Make a list and check it twice.

How to Get Reviews For Your Book (Without Begging, Bribing or Resorting to Subterfuge) by Kimberley Grabas

Tim Grahl give you a form email to help.

HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR BOOK WITH AT LEAST 25+ AMAZON REVIEWS by Tim Grahl

What to say in a book review.

How To Get More Amazon Book Reviews By Jonathan Gunson

Amazon Reviewer Guidelines

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.