Kiss Your “As” Goodbye: A Simple Grammar Trick for Better Fiction

Published on September 11, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

I love gentle reminders and “Tricks” that make editing easier. Readers, I hope you enjoy Kristen Lamb’s Blog on how to kiss your “As” goodbye.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Today, AWESOME W.A.N.A. International Instructor and author-editor-teacher-extraordinaire Marcy Kennedy is here to guest post about a dreaded topic—GASP—grammar. Yes, I admit it. I’m a Grammar Nazi. I remember correcting my eldest nephew when he was learning to talk. Steaks are good, people are well. Chickens are done, people are finished. We raise crops, and rear children.

This was being a good auntie.

Then he went off to first grade…

His teacher asked him if he was done, and he matter-of-factly replied, “Chickens are done, people are finished.”

So yes, I’ve had to learn to not be a jerk about grammar (and gently correct the kiddos even though I was cheering inside). But take heart, if a Grammar Nazi makes an error, we get 543 e-mails correcting us.

Even Grammar Nazis oops. We need refreshers and ALL need a fresh set of eyes on our work because a lot of…

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To Edit or not To Edit

Published on September 8, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Cartoon man erasing a document. A vector illus... — http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/165814011

Thank you readers! You are so gracious and you make me want to do better.

I'm my own worst critic. I write, edit, rewrite, edit and chase my tail.

Post, edit, rewrite, post, edit... Well you get the idea.

Can’t seem to help myself. I tweak my writing over and over sometimes to distraction.

However, I do think with each change I learn something about myself and my writing. Good or bad to be determined.

For me, writing is a journey of learning, failing, and tiny successes. One day, who knows maybe a big success or two. But what would a journey be without nice traveling companions. Because let’s face it, sending our words out into the world for all to see, read and possibly tear apart is just plain scary.

So I thank each and every one of you guys for nudging me along with your words of encouragement and kind critiques.

Below is a revision from last weeks Five Sentence Fiction: Darkness I couldn’t leave this piece alone to save my life. LOL

Let me know if you think my tweaking helped or hurt.

Tell me how many times do you write and rewrite a blog post, or WIP?

Do you learn from the process or become more frustrated?

Walking After Midnight

Clouds filled the sky, hiding the moon as dense fog lifted from the forest floor hiding my steps.

My heart fluttered in relief as tiny flickering lights appeared illuminating a narrow path. They twirled and danced, leading me toward an archway formed by low hanging limbs, and I hoped against hope, I’d found an exit.

One by one, with a final wink the lights passed through the passageway. I groped like a child waking in the night, and I stood once more blind, lost in the darkness wishing for faeries.

Four ways to revise a scene

5 Draft Method

New Writers Practice, Practice, Practice

Walking after Midnight

Published on September 5, 2014February 26, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Walking after Midnight

Clouds filled the sky, hiding the moon as a dense fog lifted from the forest floor.

My heart filled with relief as tiny flickering lights appeared illuminating the narrow path.

They twirled and danced, leading me to an archway formed by low hanging limbs an archway I hoped was an exit from the forest.

One by one, with a final wink the lights passed through the archway.

I groped like a child waking in the night, as I stood once more blind and lost in the darkness wishing for faeries.

FSFdark-darkness-girl-light-lost-Favim.com-118417 — Source: http://lilliemcferrin.com/five-sentence-fiction-darkness/ Reuse license assumed.

If you’d like to join in the fun with Lillie McFerrin Writes click on the link Five Sentence Fiction.

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week she will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week’s word: DARKNESS

Summer is Over

Published on September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Homework

Well, school’s started.

Your house is quiet.

Time to get writing.

But let’s be honest, letting go of those hazy, lazy days of summer is not easy. This summer I’ve enjoyed reading for pure pleasure and daydreaming of sandy beaches.

Are you mocked by your computer screen too? Mine stares at me like a two-year old who doesn’t understand the word no.

However, I’m determined to get my groove back and shake out the cobwebs. At my age, not an easy thing.

So it’s back to basics, and homework. Prompts to get the rust off and articles, books and websites that remind me how to write. Yes, I need reminding.

I’ve listed a few of my favs. Hope they help you get going this fall.