Name Your Critique Group

Published on August 6, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

The good, bad and ugly of a critique group.

She did it again, provided a wealth of information for writers. So, I just had to pass on these great tips. Click here to read Anne R. Allen’s blog, posted Sunday, August 3, 2014 where she explains the good, bad and ugly of critique groups. Awarded by Writer’s Digest in 2013 as one of the Best Websites for Writers, she never fails to deliver great insight and timely information.

Sometimes we don’t get to pick what type of group is available in our area. Don’t let that discourage you from becoming involved.

As Ms. Allen writes, if you know how to read between the lines, you can benefit from a critique group.

She describes ten groups, and how to glean the best from each leaving a better writer.

Have you ever been crushed by #5) The Punctuation Police?

Ever sat down with a red face after your story was cut to ribbons by #10) The Vicious Circle?

Or wonder how on earth you’d fit in with #4) The Poetry Slam?

Ms. Allen’s post is filled with tips on what to ignore, how to read between the lines and best of all how to come away a better writer.

Read and find out where does your group fall.

I hope y’all enjoy reading her post as much as I did.

Happy writing.

Waltz Across Texas

Published on August 2, 2014August 2, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Waltz Across Texas

I’d never planned to stop dancing to the music. The music I loved, but life happened.

A whiff of sawdust, the twang of a guitar or the taste of a cold beer and I’d long for another place another time. Long to recapture that which was lost, but I’d waited too late.

Or so I’d thought, until last night when in your arms, safe and secure, the years fell away, music filled the air and we waltzed across time.

This was my contribution to Lillie McFerrin Writes Five Sentence Fiction

Five Sentence Fiction – Secure

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I 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: SECURE

Do you have too many emails?

Published on July 22, 2014July 22, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

How many new emails did you get today?

100, 200, more?

Do you subscribe to more blogs and newsletters than you can read? Me too.

Let’s not forget the time we spend checking Twitter, and Facebook, which leads to cute videos (I mean educational videos) or photos.

I’ve started applying the one in, one out system. It’s something I used with my kids to keep them from accumulating tons of junk. Sound familiar?

You can try my system.

One in – One out.

If I subscribe to a new blog or newsletter I must unsubscribe to one.

If I save an email, I delete an old saved email. (You know the emails with the little colored stars, check marks or whatever by them)

What tricks do you use to find quality over quantity?
How do you purge your inbox?

I may have to begin a new system soon: One in – Two out.

Sigh, still have too many unread emails.

Share your secrets to a clean inbox in the comments section.

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A dream come true

Published on July 11, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

This week’s writing challenge from

Five Sentence Fiction

( Lillie McFerrin Writes ) is based upon the prompt: Pages

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week Lillie posts one word for inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.

Below is my contribution from a WIP:

From the moment she’d lost that first tooth, Lizbeth believed in faeries. Now, the proof lay open in her lap, its pages glowing with letters that shimmered and drawings that sparkled. The air hummed, alive, electric like the coming of a storm. She continued to whisper, watching in awe as the magical words breathed life into the enchanted fey.

One by one their wings fluttered, and unfolding as Monarchs from a flower they stretched lifting from the page.

(excerpt from a WIP)