writing tips – Page 16 – Jean's Writing

Good or bad, it’s time to get the book done!

Published on May 22, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

And after a little vacation, I’m determined to make it to the finish line.

I know, you’ve heard this song and dance from me before. Ha Ha. Yeah, I know but family comes first. So, I’m off to Paris to watch my lovely granddaughter graduate from high school. However, when I return my laptop is gonna be smoking.

For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be enjoying family and the beautiful sites of Paris and attempt to trace my heritage in Scotland.

But not to worry, I’ve studied hard on the subject of writing and blogging, scheduling posts to share in my absence and we can still keep in touch. Plus the info I’ve managed to garner will help me get back in the saddle myself when I return and finish my damn book.

In addition to staying committed to my readers and blog, I’m dedicated to attacking my unfinished manuscript. Below is another terrific article to encourage me and maybe you to finish what we start.

Tips for Committing to Getting Your Book Done! by Lauren Carr

I learned from Ms. Carr is that we all have a Writer’s Zone. A time when we do our best writing. Find that time and maximize it.

Your Writer’s Zone could be a game changer.

Break time, meet me at the water cooler.

When is your best writing time?

Have you found your writing zone?

Do you know when you’re in the zone?

Do you find it easy or hard to get into the zone?

Want to know more about getting into your writing zone? Then click and keep reading.

13 Tips For Getting Into The Writing Zone, Just In Time For NaNoWriMo By E. CE MILLER

YOU CAN FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

AND DO STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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Want an excellent way to sell your books?

Published on May 17, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Earlier in the week, I discussed the need to prepare for your first book signing event, but there are other ways to sell a signed copy of your book.

How about autographed, signed copies direct from your website?

That’s right. You can offer signed copies of your book to readers. This is something I hadn’t thought of until I read an article sent to me, from Janice Hardy written by J. Kathleen Cheney, @jkcheney .

The biggest question I have now is…

Do people care about signed copies of children books?

I’m not sure. So, I haven’t set up a retail page yet. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to sell a signed copy if it was requested. Hint, hint.

Another thing that has held me back from setting up an online store, is time. Time away from writing. I don’t want anything else to take my attention from, blogging, and writing. Life takes enough of my time and attention.

From what I understand, setting up an online store, may not be complicated but can be time-consuming to maintain. Just like everything else on the internet, if you want it to be successful you must babysit the darn thing.

Okay, meet me at the water cooler and let’s talk.

What do y’all think about signed copies of kid books vs novels?

Also, have any of you set up an online avenue for readers to purchase directly?

How are the sales on your website?

Which service did you use? Shopify, Storenvy or Etsy?

Did you miss Part 1 on autographs?

Then click here: How to prepare for a successful book signing?

Here is more information on setting up your online shop.

Easy Ways to Sell Signed Copies of Your Novel Online

http://themuseslibrary.blogspot.com/2015/07/pros-cons-etsy-vs-storenvy.html

http://katiestable.blogspot.com/2017/05/etsy-vs-shopify-vs-big-cartel-vs.html

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AND DO STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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The right ingredients make for a great novel

Published on May 10, 2018May 4, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Leave one ingredient out and your story will fall flat as a flitter.

Yeah, that’s right a story can fall flat just like a cake or soufflé. I can remember my mother yelling, “Don’t slam the door, my cake will fall.”

Of course, nowadays, that’s not much of a problem unless you make your cakes from scratch instead of a box.

Okay, back to a flat story. To avoid your story falling flat, you might want to read this great post by Bridget at Now Novel. She gives us a good recipe for writing a really good novel. Check your story against her list of ingredients.

What I learned from Bridget about adding the right ingredients:

Click and read all of Bridget’s tips for more details.

Writing a good book: 10 ingredients of great novels

Do you have everything on her list?

Did she forget an ingredient you like to use?

What do you think makes for a great novel? Tell us your tips.

Want more info, keep reading.

Why your stories sometimes fall flat… and how to fix that

Ready, set, go…

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AND DO STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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Want know how to improve your writing?

Published on May 8, 2018May 3, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Dig Deep.

Use ambiguous words.

Did you know the word “break” has 75 different meanings!

Would you like a quick link to help you discover ambiguous words?

Well, you’re in for a treat. Because I’ve discovered a terrific website that has done most of the work for us. I know, I know we all use dictionary websites but this is totally different. Below is a link for hypernym, hyponym, and synonym of a word. And having all that info at your fingertips might just improve your story.