5 Ways to Stretch Your Word Count

Great info! Thanks Ryan.

Knowing how to enhance a story is always a plus.

One of my go-to tricks is using The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi or one of the other three Thesaurus books available by Angela and Becca. These guides help a writer show rather than tell certain traits.

Okay readers, give – what is some of your favorite tips for stretching a scene?

As always, I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Stepping out of my comfort zone

Today I’m taking a giant leap way, way out of my comfort zone.

Gulp…

I’m so glad it’s audio, and not video. No one wants to watch me sweat bullets or chug water to wash away the dust of fear.

Not sure how this will go but…

if you’d like to hear what this Southern lady sounds like, head on over to Blog Talk Radio at 12:30pm PT, or 2:30pm CT (Texas Time) and listen in to:

Empowering and Inspiring Women Globally with Dianna Bellerose

I can’t begin to say how delighted and flattered I am that Dianna Bellerose opened her radio forum to me. Just hope ya’ll won’t be disappointed. The internet and self publishing have empowered writers everywhere to let their voice be heard. So guess time for me to speak up too.Slide1

Now if I can just keep my foot out of my mouth I might get through the hour.

I hope you can give the show a listen, and do let me know what you think because as always…

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Heart wrenching YA 4.5 Star Read

Note to self:

Once again, remember when 2790 readers rate a book 4.5 stars, it’s gonna be worth my time.

Why I’m ever skeptical is beyond me.

Who doesn’t love Cinderella?

Rebecca Donovan writes a unique, sick, and twisted Cinderella story in Reason to Breathe. What an imagination. She keeps the reader on edge waiting for a happy ending. As I was sucked into the unbelievable cruelty of the life of Emma and I gladly overlooked any editing issues as I rooted for her survival. Just when I thought things could not get worse, they did and the pace quickened giving my nerves no time to relax.

I guess it’s true, a good story trumps all. I can see why young adults love Rebecca Donovan.

Why, you might ask if I liked it so much, did I give the book only 4.5 stars?

Because of the ending.

The ending left me wanting.

I understand this is book one of a three book series and cliffhangers are essential for a series, however I still prefer a more satisfying ending.

The ending left me distraught, and confused, so much so that I immediately downloaded the second book. A success for Ms. Donovan.

For me the Prologue of book two, Barely Breathing, would’ve been a perfect Epilogue for book one. I could’ve slept well that evening and savored the first book before launching into the next one.

Print List Price:        $9.99Kindle
Price:                      $2.99
Kindle Unlimited:   Free

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Wonder why your writing submissions suck?

Are you too picky? Aim too high? Or just too timid?

Becky Tuch gives 8 reasons why.

Looking for a place to submit your story?

Check out the Call for Submissions at NewPages

Then read articles like the one from Lynne Barrett  where she explains what editors want.

Remember even if you write the perfect story, it may not be perfect for the editor reading your submission. Take heart and keep submitting.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!