Writing – Page 155 – Jean's Writing

Do we overdo some words?

Published on October 19, 2015October 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Are we using words correctly?

We all know about waste words, but what about over doing the descriptive words? Has the definition changed? Research, research, research, now I’ve got to research my words. Sigh.

No one wants their writing to be boring. But in our quest to use different words and mix it up a bit, sometimes we miss the mark. At least I do. Thankfully, I’ve a great critique partner who reigns me in. Thanks Sheila!

In my effort to get my reader to see what is in my head, I often times use a superfluous (fancy, right?) word when a plain one would work better.

Writers on the Move published a post by Melinda Brasher that made me rethink these types of words. Head over and read…

Your Character’s Smirking…or Is He? Synonym Pitfalls.

What do you think? Are any of these words tripping up your story?

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Time to resurrect writing prompts

Published on October 15, 2015October 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Time to get back in the saddle.

Writing prompts help my imagination as well as my writing skills, so time to do a few.

First up is from Julia’s Place

100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups = Week#170 “but she saw”

Resurrection

Faye stopped in mid-stride. It wasn’t possible, but she saw her. She just saw her dead mother in Macy’s. On feet weighted by lead, and legs made of rubber, she retraced her steps. Faye stared at the fall sweaters and leather boots. No one moved among the display. Sun glinted off the glass and there she stood, her mother. Faye gasped, and covered her mouth. She smoothed her skirt and brushed at invisible wrinkles. Her mother matched Faye’s movements. When did this happen? When had she morphed into the old woman reflected in the glass?

Have some fun. Take five and see where 100 words take you.

Do you use poetry to inspire?

Published on October 13, 2015October 13, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I love poetry. Can’t write it worth shit, but I love reading beautiful words.

The movement is so different from other writing. Poetry evokes emotion in the reader, and it can inspire your characters too.

So it’s little surprise that poetry is used in a lot of YA books. I understand why poems and poetic references, are effective in YA stories A teen lives in a flux of angst and poetry speaks to the emotional roller coaster they live on.

Over at The Guardian, Ciara Murphy explains the importance and effect of poetry in YA stories. From John Green’s Paper Towns poetic metaphors, to Ally Condie’s Matched series (one of my all time favorites) where she uses banned poems by Dylan Thomas and Tennyson.

Today it seems as though poems have been regulated to Meme’s, but maybe it’s time to give poetry another look.

Have you considered using poetry, new, or old, to spur a story forward? If not maybe it’s time to see just what poetry can do for your stories.

Pop over and read…

Why is there so much poetry in YA/teen lit? by Ciara Murphy

Let me know what you think. Can poetry improve your writing, or do you think the idea lame?

Do you want someone to read your story?

Published on October 12, 2015October 11, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Then maybe it’s time to submit something.

Here are a few places to wet your feet with a short story, flash fiction or an article. So go on and show your stuff. Then let us know where to click and read.

Mash Stories deadline for next contest submission is 15th October 2015

Nevermore Horror contest Submissions close on October 20th

Novel Opening Chapter & Synopsis Competition over at Flash500. This is an annual competition: closes on 31st October.

A flash fiction Flash500 competition where the prize money truly reflects the skill required to encapsulate an entire story in just 500 words. Next closing is 31st of December.

Words with Jam Short Story Competition 2015 closes 31st October 2015.

Writers’ Village contest deadline is midnight GMT 30th November 2015

For various publications, be sure and check out NewPages.

I’ve been so busy with my book, I haven’t had a lot of time for contests and articles. However, I’m thinking it might be time to get back in the groove.

What about you? Do you have several works in process at one time or are you single-minded with each project?