Writing – Page 143 – Jean's Writing

How important is it to stay connected?

Published on December 16, 2015December 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

I heard a very successful writer and blogger say that he attributed his success to staying connected.

Well, isn’t that a lightning flash revelation? Not.

Staying connected can be fun, informative, but also a time suck. I often use it as an excuse I can ignore the house, the dog and my characters. After all the Queen isn’t showing up for a white glove inspection this week and my characters haven’t been very cooperative as of late, so I might as well play on the world-wide web. Right?

I mean laughing at the latest Meme on Facebook, or reading a cool short story post, is a lot more fun than cleaning toilets or arguing with a stubborn protagonist.

Sigh… Now don’t go sounding like a mom. I know, I know. Company is coming – Santa is near so I and there are presents to buy and packages to wrap, not to mention a character to kill. So little time and so much to do.

What is that old Nike commercial? Something like for the love of God just do it! No that doesn’t sound quite right.

But you get the idea. Sorry for the gripe post. Sometimes it helps. LOL

Okay, time for me to get busy and find where my characters are hiding. Olie, olie, oxen free….

Ever overwhelmed? How do you deal?

Got any tips for me?

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PS:

I was actually pretty productive this week. This is me patting myself on the back.

Want to give your best pitch?

Published on December 15, 2015December 14, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Learning to write a good logline is the best way.

Do you write that logline before or after you’ve written that novel? First and you’re ready to go when the time comes to share your novel. But everyone has their own system.

I think it’s important to write it first. And then put it on a post it note where you can see it every day. Sort of like a guiding sign post.

I use my logline, my elevator pitch if you will and to stay on target. Sometimes I might need to revise, rewrite or tweak it a bit. Like I’m doing today. But as long as I can see it, I can keep writing.

It helps me to get back to the basics. Not to get bogged down in explaining so much too soon.

Giving that elevator pitch to ourselves every day, reminding us what the end game is, helps keep the story on track and avoids a lot of story derailment.

If you’re looking for a formula to help read – Writing a Killer Logline.

Also, JAMES BURBIDGE gives 10 TIPS FOR WRITING LOGLINES

Remember a logline gives the gist of your story in one or two sentences.

Doesn’t give everything away and doesn’t mention names.

How to write a logline.

I’d love to read some of your loglines. Please share with us in the comments section.

Here’s the logline on my post it note.

“In a small nowhere town, a young girl finds a strange book, and soon learns the true meaning of be careful what you wish for.”

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to write characters that breathe

Published on December 14, 2015December 11, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

We all want to breathe life, not only into our characters, but also in the places in our stories. I want people who read my stories to see everything in their mind in living color.

One technique is to interview the characters. And to scout places as if needed a TV production.

So have you ever thought about casting your characters?

Or do you write the story and work in the characters as you go?

Do you map out the characters before hand?

Or do you plan out and plot, the characters during the outline process?

I used to etch out a general list before writing and then flesh them out as I wrote.

That works fine for a short story or flash piece, but I’m finding that for a longer novel I need to do more work before writing.

I recently listened to a writer who approaches his characters as if he were casting them for a play. He goes through the process of interviewing different people in his head until he finds someone in real life, other stories, TV shows etc that fits the general profile of his character.

Then, as he builds the character he adds pictures and descriptions to his file. This tool enables him to keep the character in his mind as he writes.

He does the same thing with places. Need a boat dock, search Google Images for a picture that matches the one in your head. Same thing for town, restaurant, airport, well you get the idea. This writer builds a scrapbook that tells his story with pictures and captions before he begins to write.

With this scrapbook he has an idea of where his Protagonist and friends live and work.

What do you think?

Have you ever build a make-believe scrapbook for your characters?

Here are some links to help with character building:

Casting, Development, Tips & Templates, Bio, FYCD

Now watch this tip on how to fleshing out a real living and breathing character.

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Do you believe in luck?

Published on December 11, 2015December 11, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

This is a piece I wrote when the State Fair came to town. Thought I’d trot it out for something different this morning. Stretch my muse and make her exercise a bit today. Hope you enjoy my little flash.

“Spin to Win.” The guy called out to anyone who passed.

“Wanna take a chance?” Carla nudged my shoulder with hers.

I shook my head and kept walking. My destination was straight ahead and to the left. Madam Zena’s was located in the shadows away from the glaring midway lights and the barking carnie.

“I thought we were gonna have some fun. When did you stop believing in your good luck?” She let out a frustrated sigh.

Carla was right, I had an old rabbit’s foot in my purse, and a lottery ticket for next week drawing. Plus, I do love a good bingo game. I’m always looking for a new exciting adventure and dragging her along with me. In my pocket, I clutched my key ring and rubbed a small, silver charm. The four clovers hadn’t brought me any good luck yet, but I couldn’t give up hope.

How could I resist the posters and flyers that plastered the town advertising the small carnival? Most of the girls at work thought the rides were dangerous and cheesy. They were right. But Carla, didn’t have a problem tagging along with me. Friends forever, she was always willing to tag along. Why, I’d bet a whole month pay she’d even run away and join up with the circus if I double dog dared her. I’m so relieved I didn’t dare her. I’m so very relieved.

I tipped my head back and stared at the rusty cars swinging from the Ferris wheel. Loud, tired music drew my attention to the carousel where faded and chipped horses moved in slow motion. There isn’t anything exciting about this sad carnival. I wouldn’t be asking Carla to join this, whatever it was.

“There.” I nodded toward a door decorated with a moon and stars.

“Alright, now you’re talking. She can tell us where to find the Prince Charming of our lives, and then we can get out of here.” Carla said.

“I don’t want to find a guy.”

I didn’t bother to explain. All Carla ever thought about was boys. I stepped forward and opened the door. The darkness wrapped around me like a cold fog. I shivered as someone walked over my grave. Goose bumps marched up my bare arms. I no longer felt cute in my white tank-top and denim shorts. No, instead I felt naked, vulnerable, and exposed. Standing here in this tiny room, I wasn’t sure a full Kevlar vest would give me any comfort.

“Hello?” I said.

The darkness swallowed my voice. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Hello.”

A match flared. I jumped back and landed on Carla’s foot.

“Damn, Lacy watch what you’re doing. That hurt. We going in, or what?”

“Yeah, sorry. I….”

A small flame flickered and we both turned to focus on the old crone lighting candles in the middle of a small round table.

“Come in, come in, have a seat. I’m Madam Zena,” she said, and with a gnarled and feeble hand waved us toward a round table.

We eased into the room and into the chairs. I stared at Carla, she showed no recognition, no sense of déjà vu. The sounds of music and calls to the fun seekers faded. My eyes focused on the crone sitting across from us. Before I could ask for her help, she spoke.

“Spin to win.” And with a wave of her bony hand the table began to spin.

Her laughter filled the room and the candles sputtered leaving us in the dark. Someone screamed. It was me.

I awakened to calls from the midway. “Here, little lady, over here. Spin to win.”

We stood at the entrance. Not again. Tears filled my eyes as I walked back through the midway. I just wanted to find my way home. I’d had enough adventure.

“Wanna take a chance?” Carla nudged my shoulder.

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