Writing – Page 145 – Jean's Writing

How to understand the difference

Published on December 7, 2015December 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Between Flash Fiction, Micro Fiction or a Short Story, that is.

Me, I really enjoy writing Flash. It’s quick and gets my juices flowing. Writing a quick flash takes my mind places I never expected. My imagination starts humming like a well oiled machine.

Mark Lees talks about Keeping it Short and Sweet- Flash Fiction

I agree with Mr. Lees, in that Flash Fiction leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader. In Flash everything is not spelled out or tied up in a bright red bow. The reader can envision all sorts of beginnings and endings.

The constraints of word count, prompts or both help me with the discipline of writing. Watch this quick video on writing Flash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVGTtrTXhkA

Want to try your hand at Flash?

Here are a few publications to get you started: 101 Words, MashStories, Ink Sweat and Tears, The Writer’s Arena, Flash Fiction.net, Flash Fiction Online, Brevity Magazine.

For more go to The Review Review.

To keep up with what’s happening in the world of Flash Fiction search #flashfiction on Twitter.

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It’s the happiest time of the year!

Published on December 4, 2015December 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Are you busy buying gifts yet?

Bet many of you will get busy with a long list this weekend.

If you’re searching for ideas for your writer friends, check out the following links. I mean, who would’ve thought about a way to capture those thoughts in the shower!

22 Gifts for Writers That Are Way Better Than a Boring Old Notebook By Betsy Mikel

The Top 20 Most Original Gift Ideas for That Fucking Writer You Know

Popular items for gifts for writers

Another great gift for your writer friends is to buy their book.

If you’ve already bought it, write a review for Amazon or Goodreads. That would be a terrific gift! This kills 2 birds with one stone.

Buy the book (gift to the writer) give the book away to kids, teachers (teachers are always in need of more books) or friends who love to read.

Happy shopping!

I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

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How to find the right theme

Published on December 3, 2015December 2, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

What do you want your reader to get from your story?

What is your theme?

Do you know the idea, insight or lesson that you want to convey?

Is your theme universal? Will it work for a different story?

Can the them apply to me, you or anyone?

Theme is a message, a proverb, and is all inclusive.

Will one of these proverbs fit the story you’re writing?

The 50 most important English proverbs.

The subject of your book might be love, friendship, wisdom, or hate, but you still need a universal theme that expresses the subject.

Check out this list of proverbs by subject.

Not enough? How about 101 English proverbs?

Maybe you’re wondering why I’m talking about all these various themes. Well, I’ve been reading a great book on story plot and apparently theme is important to the plot.

Plot Perfect by Paula Munier

Ms. Munier gives step by step charts and explanation on how to find your universal theme.

I highly recommend her book to help you develop richer characters as well as a deep plot connected with subplots.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Let’s learn the latest writing tips together, and join on Twitter @jeancogdell and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
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The Incredibles 2 plot teased by Brad Bird: ‘It connects to first film then goes somewhere different’

Where and how to find new ideas

Published on December 2, 2015December 2, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Writer’s block?

Nope, just out of gas. Or out of ideas.

Where a writer finds their ideas is different for every writer. And there are times when we feel plum empty.

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If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to stop, look around, listen and daydream a bit. Then start asking lots and lots of questions.

A while back I touched on the subject of questions, but I’m beginning to understand, asking questions is more important than I first realized.

Not just for the sake of a story, but for ideas too.

Neil Gaiman wrote that he makes up ideas as he daydreams, and when he’s bored. He then begins to ask questions, adding to the “What if…”, “I wonder….”

Angie Sage wrote for The Guardian that she didn’t believe in writer’s block. She explains that running out of ideas may mean your story is just stuck.

What advice does Ms. Sage offer for a stuck story?

She gives us examples of how to jump-start and get back on track.

Roseann Biederman gives us 6 ways to Find Great Writing Ideas

Where Do You Get Your Ideas…? By Michael A. Banks

In his article, Mr. Banks makes a really good point. Although ideas are all around us, the challenge is to recognize the good ones.

I think that may be my issue. Sometimes I get an idea but don’t follow through because I don’t recognize it as a good idea. So, I dismiss it before, the idea has a change to take root.

Grab hold of the mundane, find, conceive, develop and convey your next idea.

What about you? Do you throw out perfectly good ideas because of self-doubt?

What is your creative process?

Do you daydream, or search for ideas elsewhere? Prompts, brainstorming, newspapers, TV, a song, or from conversations?

Talk to me.

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