Do you need new ideas?

Published on September 22, 2015September 21, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Sometimes I think we all get stuck for an idea to move us on to a new project or power through a WIP.

We all have favorite books. No matter the genre. Books that speak to us and stay with us long after the words “the end.”

This is one of the best posts I’ve read in a long time about writing prompts.

9 Writing Prompts From Harry Potter To Get You Started On Your Novel by ALEX WEISS

We’ve all exclaimed, on occasion, “What a great line.”

See what you think. Can you use one of these prompts or perhaps pull a good one from a favorite book?

No need to limit ideas to books. What about a favorite movie, or TV show?

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Do we ever stop learning?

Published on September 19, 2015September 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

I don’t think so, not if we want to be good at our craft.

That’s why I link back to so many different writers and blogger here at Jean’s Writing.

Because I’m still learning. Right along with you.

And I want to learn from the best.

There is a world-wide web is filled with amazing writers who have been there and done everything!

Finding nuggets of gold among the chaff is so much fun. Some days my mind is brimming with TMI (too much information.) However, writing about what I’m learning as I go helps me assimilate the mountains of information.

So in that vein…

Take it away Bridget!

Writing a novel: 7 tips from bestselling authors

Way to go girl. These are good. And show that there is a no-size-fits all way to write.

So whether you are a plotter or a pantster, just remember you are not alone and as always, keep the story yours.

Do you know your key words?

Published on September 15, 2015February 26, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

If not, time to discover which key words will work best for your book.

Still plodding along, I’m not sure when or if this book will ever see the light of day at Amazon. Sigh.

But still I type, I read, I learn and who knows one day maybe, just maybe.

So with that far off hope in mind, I collect useful information.

Such as, using the correct Key Words on Amazon. And knowing the difference between categories and Key Words.

If someone searches Amazon make sure your book is keyed properly so they can find it.

People use Amazon six to seven times more often than Google.

To be honest I’d never really thought much about key words and books. But after reading

How to Choose the Best Keywords When Publishing Fiction on Amazon by David Penny

I realize this is something I need to add to my to do list. Whenever I do finish my manuscript, I need to know which key words will help readers find my book.

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Do you like to talk?

Published on September 14, 2015September 11, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Well, now you can talk your book, short story or blog into existence.

Doing a happy dance!

I’ve discovered Google Voice!

Okay, maybe I’m a little late to the dance, no teasing out there, but I think this is so cool. Now I can talk to my computer and watch as it types on my screen.

Plus it’s FREE!

I love free stuff!

I’ve never been very good at dictation, even in the olden days of hand-held dictaphone. But this is one more tool in my ever-growing writing arsenal.

As a person who deals with chronic pain, there are days when typing is just not possible. But, I can always talk. LOL

So I plan on learning to use this program more effectively.

Check out Google Docs Voice and see if it’s something you might want to add to your writing tool box.

Do you use a voice command program to dictate your writing? If so, which one?