Writing – Page 114 – Jean's Writing

Do you ever have a love-hate relationship with writing?

Published on June 13, 2016June 12, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Or, am I the only writer in the world that gets a love-hate relationship with a new project?

Every time I start a new piece, large or small, children’s or adult’s I am madly in love until…

Do you know what I mean?

Do you reach a point where the characters talk back? Give you lip (as Mom used to say)? Don’t want to cooperate?

Damn irritating if you ask me. After all, the work I’ve done plotting out the story, etching out a scene, researching a place and dressing them beautiful clothes, the least the bitches could do is cooperate. Don’t you agree?

Seems after all this work everything should just fall into place. Words, one by one into lines, making lovely sentences building an amazing story that rivals a Lego work of art. Ah, if only writing a best seller was so easy. Instead, of interlocking Lego blocks, the damn thing falls over like something stacked up with uneven cardboard grocery boxes.

Ever happen to you? What do you do when you reach this point? How do you get everyone back on the same page and going in the same direction?

I’ve decided to go read for a while and let them think about the error of their ways. Then I’ll come back and try to whip everyone back into place. Sigh…

A writer’s work is never easy.

As always, I’ve linked articles by writers a lot smarter than I am for your reading pleasure. Look at the bottom.

I’d love to hear from you! Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

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Write Your Novel – Keeping Track

Novel writing tips: How to keep your novel on track

Tips for Keeping Track of Vital Information in Your Novel

Author Interview: Margret Geraghty

What is the best way to write a story?

Published on June 10, 2016June 9, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Is there a best way or just a different way?

Ever lay awake with a story running around in your head like a demented hamster on one of those little wheels?

That happened to me last night. And after tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, I came up with a plan.

Index Cards.

I laid out the story on index cards in my mind. note-147603_640

Now I’ve never used this technique before. But that’s what worked last night. After I’d planned the story one index card at a time, I was able to finally drift off to sleep.

I’m not usually a planner. Nor am I a total pantster either. I’m somewhere in the middle. I jot down a story summary and go from there. However, this morning after enough coffee to clear the cobwebs I opened a pack of index cards, no telling how long I’ve had these things and, began writing.

So far, I like the process. I’ll keep you updated as to how it goes, if this works for me or not. Because jotting down my thoughts on these cards is just the beginning. Now I must convert these cards into scenes and the scenes into chapters. That’s the tricky part.

I understand a lot of you like Scrivener and use the index cards there. I’ve never tried that. Hmm, maybe…

Google how to write using index cards and whoa! Everyone seems to have a different take on how to use them. Some of the techniques are more detailed than an old-fashioned outline.

The point is there is no right way to plot out your story.

Whatever works for the writer is the right way. And there are lots of ways to write a story. Whether you begin with an outline, a summary, a query, index cards or just sit down and write like the bats of hell are after you. It’s all good.

Y’all tell me, do you use cards or post-it notes?

What is your favorite method to write or start your story?

My inquiring mind wants to know. Leave me a comment or

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

And as always, there are great links at the end of this post. Keep reading.

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Notecarding: Plotting Under Pressure

Using Index Cards To Outline A Novel

25 WAYS TO PLOT, PLAN AND PREP YOUR STORY

List For Writing A Book

How to show who you are in a bio

Published on June 9, 2016June 8, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell27 Comments

What does your “about” page tell your readers?

I’m terrible at writing a bio. And it seems every publication, website or blurb wants one a little different. I probably have at least 10 or more saved to “adjust” for the next one.

Too many times, my bio reads like dry toast. All crunchy, tasteless and bland. However, I do try to smear on a little honey or jam to make it more palatable.

Today I read a post about writing bios that made me smile.

I’m not sure I would apply this for a professional bio but it did give me pause. The author is reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously and to let our readers get to know us. After all, no one wants to be friends with dry toast.

But I do think her suggestion goes a long way on an about page or post. So in the spirit of getting to know each other better here goes.

I know…

I couldn’t run a mile if my life depended on it. I hate exercise. The bad guy would get me for sure.
I love country music. Texas Two Step is in my blood. And whoever said “dancing was foreplay,” knew what they were talking about.
I love a good book but couldn’t tell you which genre is my favorite. However, if I want to fall asleep fast, non-fiction will do the job.
I love bubble baths but rarely take the time to enjoy one. Showers are faster.
My husband is my biggest fan and even after 5 decades that man can turn me on with a look. And Lord help me if he gets close enough to kiss my neck.
I’m a writer. Never thought I’d write children’s books, but surprise!
The more I learn about writing and blogging, the little I know. Sometimes I feel real dumb.
I grew up in the South and learned to never discuss politics with friends, but this year it’s been hard to keep my mouth shut.
I enjoy a good dirty martini or a cold Miller Lite, depends on my mood.

So there you have it. A bit of my heart and soul revealed to you. Nothing about me being an amazing writer or the failure of “Big Publishers” to pick up on my genius. No just a little glimpse of me.

If you’d like to read the post that prompted me to share, the link is at the bottom.

Now it’s your turn.

Give one tidbit about yourself in the comments.

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

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A Dead Simple Way to Write a Creative Bio

How to make a plot into a story

Published on June 8, 2016June 7, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Just what is the difference?

Doesn’t a good plot automatically write a good story?

Nope. Nor does a good idea turn, as if by magic, into a good story.

I have a notebook filled with good ideas and files filled with outlines that go nowhere. A lovely outline doesn’t make a good story, and few of my outlines are lovely. A story is more than a series of events.

So just what makes a good story?

A story makes the writer and reader feel something. It has the power of persuasion. I included the writer because if I don’t feel persuaded, my readers certainly won’t. A writer’s job is to ensnare the reader to the degree they are willing to suspend belief and believe the impossible. That’s my goal.

Want to know more?

Chuck Wendig takes a concept that is unexplainable and gives us as close to an explanation as is possible. I hope you get as much from his post as I did.

Click and read WHAT EXACTLY MAKES A DAMN GOOD STORY?

Now go forth and write that damn good story.

I’d really like to know, so tell me…

How do you recognize a good story?

Do you start with an idea or character?

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.