Do you have a sweet tooth?

Published on May 16, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

You may say no, but I bet you do.

Everyone has a sweet tooth, even if it’s a tiny one.

Me, I love sweets! And I love learning something new about writing.

Imagine my excitement when I opened a blog and read all about writing with Twinkies. You read that right.

I mean, who doesn’t love those sweet, make your teeth hurt cream filled cakes? But what did those lovely little darlings have to do with writing? I had to know.

Thanks to Robin Rivera over at Write On Sisters for explaining that every writer needs to give their readers a little tasty cake throughout the story.

Are you as intrigued as I was? Then click read —

Story Twinkies: Do You Need One?

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.

Here is the final cover…

a 9 canva cover square front

Do you feel lost and unsure what to do next?

Published on May 2, 2016May 1, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Happens to me every time I finish a big project!

Like the A-Z Challenge that just wrapped up on April 30th.

Nothing to do but wait as I sit biting my nails and waiting for my proof from IngramSpark. I hate waiting. Now, I know what you’re gonna say– start something new and start it fast. But, I’m tired. Aren’t you?

Reading blogs, commenting, posting, writing and pushing toward a deadline is exhausting. Part of me wants to open a carton of ice cream, turn on NetFlix and veg.

But no rest for the wicked. So, here I am typing away and trying to motivate myself to move forward on another project.

What are you going to start now that the A-Z Challenge has ended?

Back to blogging or have you started a new manuscript?

I’d love to hear about your latest WIP, do tell!

If you’re going to be in my neck of North Texas, be sure, stop by the Sachse Library and say hello at the Author Con on May 21st.

Author Con Flyer

In the meantime, 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.