Writers – Page 85 – Jean's Writing

Do you want paper or electronic?

Published on November 18, 2015November 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Remember the question, “Paper or plastic?”

What does this have to do with reading and writing?

Because I don’t believe hardback or paperback books are going the way of the dinosaurs.

I’ve two daughters, two son-in-laws, and five grandchildren. Although, they each have e-readers everyone of them prefers paper books to ebooks. They like the feel of a book. They all enjoy browsing the library stacks and bookstore shelves.

They even enjoy online shopping for books. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy the postman delivering a package to their door.

On occasion they do download an ebook, usually when they are in a hurry or traveling.

Me, I love my Kindle! I read more and faster on my e-reader. But I have to admit there is something profoundly personal about words on paper.

After the following article Darcy Pattison, I’m convinced more than ever that paperback books will last a very long time.

Think that as authors we need to make our books available in both.

I don’t foresee, in the immediate future, the demise of either medium.

EBooks for Kids? New Study Says Maybe Not By Darcy Pattison

What do you think? Which do you prefer? Which do your kids like best?

Let me know in the comments section. And follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Please don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

PS:

Please check out my new children’s book Tryouts for Ben.

Are you stuck in a blog rut?

Published on November 16, 2015August 6, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Well, get out of that ditch and read something new!

I know there are blogs, blogs everywhere!

Probably more blogs popping up than weeds in my yard.

So which ones do we follow? Read?

There is only so much time in each day. As writers, we need to stay current, not just in the writing world, but in everything else too. What is trending? Who is doing what? Elections, fads, fashion and family.

You might want to start with the following article.

Nellie and Co., listed 12 top awesome blogs to read and follow. After all, no ones get stuck in a rut, reading the same ole same ole day after day.

AWESOME BLOGS AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING THEM

If you’re looking for fresh reading click the link to get you started.

Let me know when you find interesting new blogs. Are you following any of these?

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

Is all the advice confusing?

Published on November 9, 2015November 8, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Sometimes my head hurts from reading all the how-to blogs, books and emails on how to write.

This morning I scanned my emails and spotted one from my sister, mentor, critique partner, tense monitor and friend. Her emails take priority over the latest opportunity from a prince in Nigeria.

Okay, back to her email. Sheila wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed Chuck Wendig’s post about writing advice. We both love his blog. Chuck keeps it real. If you don’t get his posts, you’re missing out. Be sure and hop over to Sheila’s blog Cow Pasture Chronicles, you’ll be glad you did.

What is the matter with me today? I keep veering toward the ditch as wobbly as an old Chevy truck with bald tires.

Any who, after reading his post, I wondered if Chuck had tapped our phone lines. Sheila and I had just had this conversation. Cue the twilight zone music.

We talked about all the confusing, and sometimes nutty writing advice that floats around like party balloons. I don’t know about y’all, but my Kindle has more books on writing than any other subject. The worst ones are the books that insist their way is the only way to write. I agree with Chuck, bullshit!

If you write, you are a writer. Good, bad or mediocre, but non the less a writer.

Me, my name hasn’t shown up on the NYT Bestsellers list, (but hope blooms eternal) nor am I an expert on anything other than making mistakes. Although, I’m quickly becoming an expert on rejects but that’s for another post.

Here on this blog, I do my best to post Writing Tips that I find interesting and helpful. I hope my readers feel the same. But as Chuck points out, all advice, tips or opinions should be taken with a grain of salt. Pick what works for you and throw out the rest.

Just keep writing.

That’s why I’ve only read a few pages of many of those books that clutter my Kindle and bookshelves. Some just aren’t for me.

Head over to Terrible Minds and read Chuck’s post, Writing, Advice is Bullshit, for yourself.

What do you think? Is most writing advice a waste of time? Does it confuse you more than help? What is your favorite how-to book on writing?

Let me know what you think in the comments section and 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.

PS:

The labor pains have been exhausting for this little guy, but he’s almost here.