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Tips to reduce your social media stress

Published on August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Don’t let social media stress you out!

I wanted to do a follow-up on one of my recent posts. Do you want a solution for blog stress?

Life keeps us all very busy so I wanted to share a little more about how I manage my social sites. An oldie but goodie is “Keep it Simple.”

This is my very first web video. I hope you get a couple of good, usable tips. Click on my picture and enjoy (I hope).

Links to help.

7 Time Saving Social Media Tools

The Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Automation

Social Media Strategy

Automate like the pros

www.tweetdeck.com

www.ifttt.com

In the comments, leave me your favorite tip for keeping up with social media.

Please click on the Facebook and Twitter links to pass my post on to your friends.
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

How do you use a writing prompt?

Published on August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Y’all know how much I love prompts.

When my brain is dry as dust and I’m scraping the bottom for ideas seems as if a writing prompt lights a fire and once again I’m off and running.

But what is the best way to use a writing prompt?

Recently, I read an article that gave me more food for thought about the use of writing prompts.

How to Use Writing Prompts to Become a Better Writer By Emily Wenstrom

She gave suggestions how best to use prompts to become a better writer as well as a published writer. I suggest you hop over to The Write Life and read this great article on getting the most out of writing prompts.

Are you getting the biggest bang possible from a writing prompt?

Let me know your technique in the comments section. I love new tips. Please pass this post on to your Facebook and Twitter pals.
If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Do you want a solution for blog stress?

Published on August 1, 2015July 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell19 Comments

Boy o boy, do I.

Sometimes I feel the stress of putting out another post almost as much as making that story deadline. Maybe more. Blogging is like the dishes or the laundry. As soon as the table is cleared, and everything put away, it’s time to start cooking all over again. Or take the laundry. I’ve no sooner folded the last towel then I turn around and the basket is full again. I swear there are elves bringing in their dirty duds for me to wash when I’m not watching. But I like to eat and I enjoy wearing clean clothes so what’s a person to do?

So when I read an article wrote by Will Blunt for Business to Community about A 6 Step Writing Process to Blog More and Stress Less, I felt relieved.

I’m not alone. Someone else understands this blog treadmill too. stress

Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve found a new family of friends and colleagues that have nurtured me and encouraged me as a writer that I wouldn’t trade for all the tea in China. So as with the dishes and laundry, I continue to reach out to the world.

Take for instance Mr. Blunt’s article, although I don’t have the time to organize my posts as well as he suggests, he does offer some good tips.

I hope you’ll find something helpful there too. A tip or two that will help you slow down and enjoy reading a blog or two from your readers on the web.

PS:

My tip: I make a day to write on my blog. On that day I try to write two or three posts and schedule them. The rest of the week, I’m writing on my WIP, answering comments and emails.

Do you have a tip? Please share.

I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Are you ready to compete?

Published on July 30, 2015November 8, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

Ready, or not, maybe it’s time to dust off that story, novel or poem.

Dusty book

Look hard enough and you can find a contest for just for you.

Thanks to Virginia Anderson for letting me know about a The 2015 Green River Writers Annual Contest. Entry fees $3, now that’s a bargain. They offer cash prizes. The contest is open to poets, novelists, short story and nonfiction writers. Seems as if they have it all. Hurry, contest closes August 31, 2015.

Southwest Writers offer a bimonthly contest. Check out their website for deadlines and topics.

There is still time to enter Shonda Brock Paranormal Romance Author Flash Fiction Contest and win $100 prize. Deadline closes August 24, 2015.

For a List of Creative Writing Competitions in 2015 check out Almond Press.

Now about that dusty novel…

Flash 500 Novel Opening Chapter Competition Annual competition for unpublished novels to be judged by senior editors at Crooked Cat Publishing. Win £500. Runner up £200. Opens on 1^st May 2015. Deadline: 31^st October 2015 Submit: opening chapter of no more than 3,000 words, plus 1 page synopsis. Check website for full submission details and rules.

Harry Bowling Prize for New Writing Intended to encourage new, unpublished fiction. Looking for genuine storytellers who entertain with drama, romance and great characters. Your novel must have an urban setting. Runs every two years: next due in 2016 with calls for entries in 2015. Win £1,000 and a critique of your work by publishing industry experts. Deadline: TBC Submit: first chapter (no more than 5,000 words), synopsis (no more than 500 words), plus entry form. Check website for full submission details and rules.

For more, check out the list of Book & Novel Writing Competitions put together by Christopher Fielden.

Anyone out there know of a good contest?

Let us know in the comments section because y’all know how much I love those comments.

Please click on the Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and whatever links to pass my post on to your friends.
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!