Blogging

Zemanta- The easy Way to Share Related Content

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 25 Comments

Day 2 6: #AtoZchallenge

Yeah, we made it. Today is the last post of the #AtoZchallenge. It has been a wonderful experience. For the letter – Z– I want to share Zemanta with you.

Zemanta is a browser extension that once installed provides recommended links and photos as related content (posts). It will load automatically as you write, allowing you to click on the specific content you wish to share. Proper credit for the articles and photos are provided by default. Below is an example of a post on Blogging Tips and the related content pulled up by Zemanta.

Zemanta 2

The content will show at the bottom of your post in either title  format:

Related

 

 

 

or thumbnail format based on your preferences in the settings.

Related2

 

 

This extension saves time and gives increases your authority, promotes, links to other writer’s content and increases networking.

To download the extension, click on this link.

I hope you will try it out and let me know what you think. Again, it has been my pleasure to participate in the #AtoZChallenge and to have met each one of you. I look forward to a long and engaging relationship in the Cow Pasture.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, and Contently.

A2Z-BADGE 2016-smaller_zpslstazvib

 

 

Xanthippe- Got a Bad Rap

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 20 Comments

 SpeakMind048ed91d06b0d844473848717d55cb60Day 24: #AtoZChallenge

I won’t lie; the letter X mystified me. I didn’t have a clue what to write – until I came across the word Xanthippe. What in the world is that, you ask?

Webster defines Xanthippe as an ill-tempered woman. She was also the wife of Socrates (5th-century bc ). Her allegedly bad-tempered behavior toward her husband made her the proverbial shrew.

I don’t know about you, but I’d wager Socrates had it coming. Can you imagine living with a Greek Philosopher? I’d be ill-tempered too.

Yep, we women can thank Socrates for creating the Socratic Method– “A form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue between individuals…”  R-i-g-h-t. I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening than having a cooperative, argument with my husband (Not).

I can see it now. What woman wouldn’t want her husband throwing questions at her, like darts, on the pretense of stimulating critical thinking?

Not only did Socrates find his wife disagreeable, but he didn’t like her looks either, referring to her as “undesirable.” This from a man described by Plato ( one of his students) as “short and stocky, with a snub nose and bulging eyes, which always seemed to be staring.” I hate people who stare!

Seriously? Are you still wondering why Xanthippe had a bad temper? Not me.

My guess is she didn’t like Socrates debates, and he didn’t like her answers. Too bad. He’s lucky she didn’t kill him and write him into a parchment novel. Women sure do get a bad rap.

“By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher” Socrates. Tweet This.

Yeah, if you ask me, old Socrates had it coming.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, and Contently.

A2Z-BADGE 2016-smaller_zpslstazvib

Pinterest for Writers

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 22 Comments

Day 16: #atozchallenge

If you’re like me, keeping up with all the social media sites is a daunting task, and it’s difficult to know where to spread the time and effort.

PinterestOne website worth paying a bit more attention to is Pinterest. When I began checking out this site, it was more about finding design tips, funny quotes, or recipes. I had no idea it was something I could utilize as a writer. Setting up an account is easy, and it’s free.

Here are a few pointers:

  1. Use the same name for you account and user name. The URL will look like this – https://www.pinterest.com/sheilamgood/
  2. Use the same photo you use on other sites; this helps with reader recognition.
  3. Create a short bio. Link other social networks to Pinterest.
  4. Download the Pinterest browser extension – when you see something Pin it.
  5. Add a Pinterest widget to your blog. Go to settings and click widget.
  6. Create boards:
    • Your interest
    • Tips for writers
    • Services you may offer – freelance writing, editing, reviews
    • Your products: Books, etc.

Advantages of Using Pinterest

  1. It’s another avenue for bringing recognition to your blog or writing.
  2. Provides the opportunity to promote your books.
  3. A place to showcase your area of expertise.
  4. Opens doors for paid writing gigs.

I have some reorganizing to do on my own, but what about you? Are you on Pinterest? Has it been beneficial to you as a writer? Want to know more about Pinterest? Check it out here.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, and Contently.

 

Naming Your Characters

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 28 Comments

Day 14: #atozchallenge

When William Shakespeare’s Juliet discovered Romeo bore the name of her enemy, she asked:

NameWordle“What’s in a name?
That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”

 I  respectfully disagree with Juliet. To me, a rose is a rose, is a rose, and I venture to say others feel the same. To call a rose by any another name would be nonsense.

We all have certain mindsets when it comes to names. For example, Billy Bob denotes an image far different than the name Randolph. Naming a child, Elizabeth Marie Kennedy Thornton (fictitious) makes us think privileged.

Names conjure memories both good and bad. Ever time I hear the name Gene I am once again in the 5th grade. Our brothers, sisters, or distance cousins all provide us a mental picture of a person. It’s from life experiences and the individuals that cross our paths in which we draw inspiration for naming the characters in our stories.

Important Points to Remember:

  • Match the name to the character’s personality. Channing is not likely to make readers think of a shy introvert.
  • Don’t get stuck on a letter. Sure it might be easier, but Carol, Cait, and Cami will make the readers head spin trying to tell the characters apart.
  • Assigning cute or unusual names is tricky. When done, the character’s personality must fit the name like a glove. The name, Apple, however, popular in Hollywood, is never going to make me think of anything other than a red delicious.
  • Tread carefully when naming a character based on someone you know. Get too close to the real thing and you might just have a family member on your back.

Helpful Resources for Naming Characters:

It isn’t always easy to come up with the right name, or one we think fits the character, but there are resources.

Naming characters can be fun or frustrating but don’t let it get in the way of telling your story. You can change names anytime, just write the story.

How do you choose the names of your characters?

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.