Writers – Page 83 – Jean's Writing

Not for the faint of heart

Published on December 10, 2015December 9, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Navigating the self-publishing maze, that is.

Createspace, Amazon’s self publishing platform to be the easiest. I did run into a few snags. Especially when I wanted to make changes. But I don’t want to get into that now.

However, Ingram Sparks is all together another matter. I so understand why there is a market for professional who will do the work for the writers. After 6, yes 6 tries I finally submitted my small manuscript successfully. Or so I thought, keep reading.

I cannot imagine what it would’ve been like if my manuscript had been 300 pages. Lord help me, I might’ve ended up bald.

Of course, maybe I just made it harder than it actually was.

Upside to Createspace is it’s free and everyone knows Amazon.

The upside to Ingram Sparks is libraries and bookstores order through them.

The down side to Ingram Sparks is it’s not as user-friendly as Createspace and it’s not free.

You must buy an ISBN (Createspace provides it free) plus a cost for the catalog. I did get a special title set up for free, apparently there is usually a charge for that too.

So while Ingram Sparks can cost a little to get started, that is not what bothered me. The cover template was a bear to work with. I was so frustrated trying again and again to get it right, I almost gave up.

But, I did get it done! Whoo hoo!

Unfortunately, the proof arrived today and it is all in black, white and shades of gray!

Give me a freaking break!!!

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Oh well, back to the drawing board, I mean back to the Ingram Sparks website. Sigh….

I agree with Debbie Young in her article – Opinion: Is it Time to Drop the S Word?

I didn’t want to use my name as the publisher. Having a publishing house name seems to give more weight to the book.

What do you think? Any tips to help a girl out?

Do you think it’s time to do away with the self-publishing label?

Want to avoid some mistakes? Check out this video.

The easiest thing I’ve done to date was setting up my DBA and publishing company logo. Funny, I thought that would be difficult, but it wasn’t. Go figure.

If you want to find my books, click on the logo below.

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.

Do you know how to get permission?

Published on December 8, 2015December 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Music inspires the soul.

But let me tell you, getting permission can get complicated.

I am a big Country Western Music fan, but to be truthful, I enjoy all music, from Rap, Hip Hop, Country to Classical. One of my favorite memories is of the radio always on and always filling our house with music.

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A good song is just a story set to music which often spurs on a thought and then that thought blooms into another story. At least that’s how it works for me.

Which is why I found David Hewson‘s article regarding song lyrics so enlightening. Read for yourself… Click HERE.

I once wrote a flash fiction piece where I used a line from an old hymn. The piece called Precious Memories. The piece was long listed on a couple of contests and got great reviews. However, I’ve yet to publish it. After reading this article I did a lot of research and think I’m in the clear. Whew! Close one.

Let me tell you, I’ll follow Mr. Hewson’s advice and avoid song lyrics from now on.

How about you? Have you ever used a song for inspiration? Ever used the lyrics in a story?

Does give one pause, doesn’t it.

In addition to doing the usual Google search, you might find this Public Copyright site useful.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell!

Please pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to understand the difference

Published on December 7, 2015December 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Between Flash Fiction, Micro Fiction or a Short Story, that is.

Me, I really enjoy writing Flash. It’s quick and gets my juices flowing. Writing a quick flash takes my mind places I never expected. My imagination starts humming like a well oiled machine.

Mark Lees talks about Keeping it Short and Sweet- Flash Fiction

I agree with Mr. Lees, in that Flash Fiction leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader. In Flash everything is not spelled out or tied up in a bright red bow. The reader can envision all sorts of beginnings and endings.

The constraints of word count, prompts or both help me with the discipline of writing. Watch this quick video on writing Flash.

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

Want to try your hand at Flash?

Here are a few publications to get you started: 101 Words, MashStories, Ink Sweat and Tears, The Writer’s Arena, Flash Fiction.net, Flash Fiction Online, Brevity Magazine.

For more go to The Review Review.

To keep up with what’s happening in the world of Flash Fiction search #flashfiction on Twitter.

Join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

It’s the happiest time of the year!

Published on December 4, 2015December 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Are you busy buying gifts yet?

Bet many of you will get busy with a long list this weekend.

If you’re searching for ideas for your writer friends, check out the following links. I mean, who would’ve thought about a way to capture those thoughts in the shower!