#writingtips – Page 34 – Jean's Writing

Do you want to know just the right word?

Published on March 20, 2017March 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell26 Comments

Happens to me more than I’d like to admit!

I’ve found a tool to help!

I’m on a roll, typing like a maniac.

Until I stumble over a word.

My writing comes to a screeching halt. A word isn’t right. But I don’t want to stop my progress. After all, I’m a writing maniac. So I use a placeholder, I’ll come back to this section later and figure out the right word or words to convey my thoughts.

However, I’ve now got an itch I can’t scratch. That thought, that missing word or phase will not leave me alone.

Ever happen to you?

My protagonist whispers he can’t work like this, it’s too unprofessional.

Sigh, okay, I cave, save what little progress I’ve made and return to my placeholder. So I…

Think, think, think, I’ve got nothing.
Look up the placeholder word. Huh? Not even close. What was I thinking?
Check thesaurus. What the hell?
Ask my protagonist. He’s left for coffee. Hope he gets two because my brain must be asleep.

Oh happy day! I StumbledUpon a great new website!

If y’all used this like forever, keep your gloating to yourself. Let me enjoy my new toy.

OneLook’s thesaurus / reverse dictionary

This is a cool tool to find the word to match an idea or phrase. Maybe you’ve used the standard search available from the home page, which shows you a list of definition links for any word you type in. However, this is the reverse:

Onelook reverse-

Has filters.
- Starts with, Number of letters, Related to, Rhymes with, Sounds like, etc.
A browser link for easy access.
- Instructions click here
A Wildcard option.
- Go to the FAQ page This is cool.
Generate a group of words on a subject.
- books, cheese, TV shows, etc…
Find answers.
- longest river in the US, friend of Big Bird on Sesame Street, etc.

Have you been using this reverse dictionary?

Think you might find this useful in the future?

Talk to me – comments are my all time favorite things.

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.

Do you need to know what to expect?

Published on March 16, 2017March 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

When you ask someone to read your book?

Well, Evie Gaughan writes on her blog what to do and what to expect for writers.

Reviews: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

I couldn’t agree more with her points. Begging for reviews is terrible practice but reviews authors must have.

So how do we keep our dignity?

Remember our manners. Say please and thank you.
Be gracious, we’re asking a big favor and may not always like the answer.
Tell the reviewer how important they are. Authors need reviews.
Agreeing to read our books is deserves our gratitude no matter what.
Let the reviewer know you value their time.
After going for the ask, let it go. Forget about it.

What do you think?

Are we becoming too rude with our expectations?

How do you find reviewers?

Talk to me – I love comments.

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

If you love new blog tips, this is for you

Published on March 15, 2017March 14, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Never again have to dig through dozens of blog post to find the most popular ones.

All you have to do is stick them on top for all to see.

Okay, maybe this trick is new only to me.

Maybe y’all knew this all along but be kind and pretend so I can enjoy my excitement for just a second. I just love new tips!

I was so excited when I opened up my favorite Ape’s website and read how to add sticky notes to my website. Hey, it’s the little things in life. LOL

So, just in case I’m not the only blogger in this big worldwide web that doesn’t know how y’all can head over to the Ape’s and read How to make a WordPress Sticky Post?

First, try on my blog, eureka! Success!

Is this a trick you could use?

Did you already know about sticky notes for WordPress?

Did you try it?

Talk to me – comments are my all time favorite things.

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

Do you know where to look?

Published on March 13, 2017March 9, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

For that next book idea?

There’s nothing new under the sun.

In other words, no new ideas. Even inventions are the result of a previous idea or invention. One thing always leads to another.

So where do other writers get their ideas?

They steal, from each other and everyone.

From movies, books, TV, newspapers (a great source for SF), or their great Aunt Fanny.

Remember, everything old is new again! That’s where.

I know, enough clichés. But you get the point. Click and read this terrific article about Michael Crichton and how he turned the ideas of others into best-selling books with his own twist.