Are you fearless as a writer?

Published on May 17, 2016May 16, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Or are you timid, lady-like and reserved?

Wish I could say that I’m fearless especially when it comes to my writing and to submitting to editors.

But, I’m not. Like many women, I struggle against my upbringing.

“Don’t be pushy, don’t be loud, don’t assume, remember your place, wait your turn….”

Well, that doesn’t work if you want to succeed as a writer.

Did you turn around a send off another piece to that editor who rejected your story or did you sit and sulk? After all, they were just being nice with that note saying they liked it but it just didn’t meet their needs at the time. Right?

Wrong!

And, now I’m kicking myself for being such a wimp after reading this article by Kelli Russell Agodon, who worked as a Co-Editor-in-Chief for six years. Apparently, when an editor takes the time to write a note on your rejection letter, they mean it. (Her article link is at the bottom.)

Women writers, unlike men, often wait much longer before sending additional stories to the publication after receiving a rejection. Men write something new and send it off right away.

Geesh, sometimes I’m such a dunce.

What about you?

Have you ever dismissed a note on a rejection letter?

Did you think the editor was just being nice?

Or did you do a quick turn around and send in another piece?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

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

Want to know what a real editor has to say? Click and read:

Submit Like A Man: How Women Writers Can Become More Successful

From the Editor’s Desk: Why we’re becoming believers in Facebook Live

How do you get rid of a case of the Writer Blues?

Published on May 11, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell28 Comments

Anybody have any suggestions?

For answers, I went to my trusty friend Mr. Google.

Sometimes the Writer Blues (WB) grab hold of you when you become discouraged over a work in progress (WIP). Other times WB sneaks up on you after a completed project. Such is my case.

I open my notebook and flip through my idea list. Nope, nope, dumb, who the hell wrote that?

I open my WIP file folder on my computer. A folder filled with story starts that sounded promising when I jotted down the opening paragraphs or even first chapters. Nope, nope, oh hell no!

Okay, clear mind. Take a walk. Back inside, short walk, it’s hot in Texas.

Do a mindless task, laundry, yes, do some laundry. We now have clean underwear. But didn’t do jack for generating a story idea.

That’s when I noticed the first symptoms. A half-gallon of Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream is almost gone and the wine cooler needs replenishing. Maybe I should check into one of those wine by the month clubs. Wonder if there is one for ice cream too. Hmm… I’ll Google it.

Now, what were we talking about? Oh yeah, the WB’s.

And how can I rid myself of this dang malady!

How do you get rid of the Writer Blues and begin a new project?

Got any tricks or tips to share?

I hear you- time to quit whining and just write something!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

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

How to Beat the Lonely Writer Blues

The Writing Blues

Do you know how to use Google forms?

Published on May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

You might be surprised how handy these forms will come in.

I haven’t built up an email list. I know, I just heard every successful author and blogger out there groan. Like you, I’ve read how important a list can be to stay in touch with readers.

However, I’m not ready to sign up with a service like MailChimp yet. And I’ve got enough on my plate what with the blog and my little sideline called writing.

This is where Google forms come in.

Need to send out a quick request for info, make a form and send it to friends, families, attach it to your blog, Facebook page or Tweet it out.

You can make all types of custom forms to meet whatever info you need.

Like this form, I made, asking for readers to review my little 32-page children’s picture book. She’s making her debut next week.

If you’d be willing to do a quick review for me click on the book cover below.

Want to make your own form? To collect emails, send out announcements or whatever?

Just go to Google Forms and get started! It’s easy.

There are templates for party invites, registrations, sign-up sheets, evaluations and more!

Here is a tutorial to help you get started.

So tell me…

How do you gather information?

Do you use forms or a service like MailChimp?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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

How to Create an Email Signup Form in HTML?

Do you know the definition of insanity?

Published on May 9, 2016May 8, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Me!

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

I’ve been working on learning how to use Kindle Kids Book Creator for my new picture book. This is to release it in e-version.

Well, the squirrels in my head have been spinning on their little wheels and getting nowhere, for the past week. Why?

Because, the Kindle Previewer only shows what the book will look like in Kindle products, not in Kindle apps on an Ipad or Iphone. This was driving me nuts.

I spent days pouring over the internet, sending out questions on Twitter and Facebook. I finally found the answer.

The reason why no one else reported this problem is… Drum roll, please!

There is no problem! Duh!

You heard me.

Once published in .mobi format, Amazon converts book to the correct format for an Ipad.

Click here and read a great article from EBook Architects which explains everything you need to know about publishing ebooks.

Now I can move on and get going with the rest of my stuff. After I take something for this massive headache a result of days head banging on desk.

Stay tuned, I’ll eventually get this Reluctant Princess to the end.

Any of y’all ever published a book with KKBC?

What program did you use to publish your picture book?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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