writing – Page 51 – Jean's Writing

How to avoid the taboo in writing

Published on December 28, 2015December 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Now let me say right up front, I’m still working on this myself.

Seems I miss the mark more than I hit it, but gotta keep trying. Right?

And as far as the weather, well, we all know how fickle that is. And the writing about it is just as slippery as predicting it.

Weather scenes in writing seem to rank right up there with the taboos in writing as; waking up, looking in a mirror and dreams. But all are a part of the human life experience.

There was no white Christmas for us this year.

However, we got the next best thing. Days warm enough to shoo the children outside plus wonderful sunshine as we dashed from store to store enjoying those after holiday sales.

However, even when it snows, you won’t catch me on a sled unless I’m unconscious and strapped down. I stay on the sidelines taking the pictures.

Same goes for years like this one with mild winter months when the kids like to ride their bikes and zip along on scooters. Nope, won’t find me risking life and limb.

But after a long day of shopping, you might find me in front of a cozy fire, with a spiked mug of something hot and a good book with a satisfied smile. And of course, sore feet. My mind might begin to wander from the book on my Kindle, I’ll stare at the flames and realize I’m itching to write.

Yes, a break is wonderful, but now that the holidays are almost over, New Years still to go, I can’t help but think about getting back into the groove again.

This crazy Texas weather has just about given me whiplash, the temps going from one extreme to the next week after week. Which got me thinking about the big taboo of using weather in writing.

So how do we it effectively, without getting crucified by an editor that is?

I thought the following article very insightful—

Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés By Angela Ackerman

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Do you have a good memory trick?

Published on December 22, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

This is how mine goes at my house.

One night last week as I was drifting off to sleep a rhyme entered my head and refused to leave.

So instead of letting it go I did what any writer and wife would do. I woke my husband.

“Honey, you asleep?”

“Nah, not anymore. Anything wrong?”

“No, need to tell you something.”

Now I had his full attention. He was expecting a big revelation. Much to his surprise it was this little ditty that was running cycles in my head like a kid hyped up on sugar riding a brand new tricycle.

“Thanks for listening.” I said. “Now I won’t forget it. Good night.”

“Night.”

He didn’t think I heard the chuckle in his voice. But I did and I didn’t mind. Because he had listened to my rambling so that I would remember in the morning. Now that’s a good partner. Talking is the only way I can be halfway assured I will remember in the morning. Talking it out helps cement it in my thoughts.

I’m excited to announce I just sent it off to the editor and to the illustrator. Yay! First phase down.

Thanks Honey!

So how about you. Do you have a technique that helps you remember the ideas that pop into your head during the wee hours of the night?

Do tell!

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 want to switch or not?

Published on December 21, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

From or to a self-hosting website.

I’ve toyed with the idea of going the self-hosting route several times. But I always back away.

Why? Because for me WordPress.com is simpler and easier than learning an entire new system. Plus, I don’t want my writing to suffer nor do I want my website to suffer either. I fear that something would have to give one way or the other should I make a shift at this time.

For me, my website is a place to practice my storytelling, and to share what I learn, as I learn about writing. Do I want my blog to be successful? Of Course! But not at the expense of becoming a better writer.

The following is a good article about self-hosting.

18 Important Things You Should Know About Self-Hosting BY JANICE WALD

What about you guys?

Do you enjoy the blogging platform you have now?

Have you toyed with the idea of switching? If so which way?

I’d love to know your thoughts on this subject. Maybe I should rethink self-hosting.

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.

The New WordPress.com App for Windows Is Here

Do you give credit to the right person?

Published on December 18, 2015February 19, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

I checked a few books, ask a few writers and then made my own decision.

I acknowledged the talented lady who drew the illustrations for my first published children’s book. Ashley Bauer.

The following article confirmed I did the right thing. Sort of. I felt acknowledging Ashley was right because I’ve always believed in giving credit where credit was due. Without her, my book would have lacked color and spice.

Thanks to that added color and spice I received a glowing review from Readers’ Favorite. “… An engaging and entertaining story laced with humor…. The illustrations are adorable and they complement the author’s words nicely, breathing life into the scenes. “ 5 Stars from Readers’ Favorite

I’ll be the first to admit my book would’ve looked naked without suck adorable illustrations. I guess it’s true one picture is worth a thousand words.

Just as we want readers to love the words we write and the blogs we post, illustrators want recognition for the pictures they produce.

Writing and publishing Tryouts for Ben has been a major learning curve for me. Next book, I’ll add the illustrator’s name not only to the inside but also to the front cover.

Thank you, Debbie Young for bringing to my attention how and why recognizing illustrators is important. Especially the when and how to part. Learning is always helpful.

Head over and read her article: Why It’s Important to Credit Illustrators

Tell me, do you credit your illustrator and if so where? On the cover, inside or both?

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.