Writing – Page 192 – Jean's Writing

One Lavender Ribbon – 5 Stars

Published on April 16, 2015April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

One Lavender Ribbon [Kindle Edition] by Heather Burch

I along with over 4300 other readers, I loved this book.

This was a big surprise to me. I’m not much for walks down memory lane. However, this is a beautiful book.

I finished this book in one day. Of course I accomplished nothing else. This book brought back memories of another time, another conflict, and another young man far from home who wrote beautiful letters. The readers who just didn’t “get” One Lavender Ribbon are quite lucky, because, like the character Will, I doubt they understand war. I hope they never do.

This beautifully written book gets 5 stars from me.

Print List Price:	$12.95
Kindle Price:	$4.99
Kindle Unlimited:	Free

Franken-Novel, Perfectionism & The Dark Side of Critique Groups

Published on April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Need help with a critique group? Read Kristen Lamb’s latest post.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

After six years in critique her novel was “perfect.”

Critique groups can be wonderful. They can offer accountability, professionalism, and take our writing to an entirely new level. But, like most, things, critique groups also have a dark side. They can become a crutch that prevents genuine growth. Depending on the problems, critique groups can create bad writing habits and even deform a WIP so badly it will lose any chance at resonating with readers, thus being successful.

The key to avoiding problems is to be educated. Not all critique groups are worth our time. Some critique groups might have limitations that can be mitigated with a simple adjustment in our approach.

Traditional Critique Groups

Many of you have attended a traditional critique group. This is the “read a handful of printed pages or read so many pages aloud” groups. Traditional critique groups have some strengths. First and foremost, they…

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Metaphorically Speaking or Writing

Published on April 16, 2015April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

M= Metaphor

a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing to show or suggest that they are similar
an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else
a figure of speech where you state one thing is another thing.

A comparison unrelated or contradictory objects with at least one common characteristic. To achieve more power, use a metaphor rather than a simile. Using “like”, “than”, or “as” can water down the image but a good metaphor creates instant understanding.

Rachel paid the ransom and her mind flooded with relief when her screen returned to normal. This idiot was dumb as dirt if he felt safe. No way would she allow him to get away with attacking her.

“Mac,” Rachel said into the phone. “It worked.”

“Good, I’m on my way. Wait for me,” he said. “Rachel?”

“I can handle it. You know what they say? One riot, one Ranger or in this case one dumb hacker.”

Mac chuckled. “Yeah, but help from the Agency didn’t hurt.”

“You’re right. Thanks for the spy stuff. I’ll phone later.”

For more information on using metaphors read:

http://www.copyblogger.com/magnetic-blogging/

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-analogy-and-metaphor.htm

http://www.westmaneditorial.com/analogy-vs-metaphor-vs-simile-whats-the-difference/

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/metaphor-examples.html

Thank you so much for sharing my posts on Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media. But most of all I thank you for taking the time to read and leave encouraging comments.

Use Lust to add dimension to a story.

Published on April 14, 2015April 14, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

L = lust

Something for writers to think about when plotting a story.

Showing lust doesn’t always mean an intense sexual scene. Although, I love a good steamy book as much as anyone but I’m talking about using lust in a story to bring it alive.

Writers who show lust add a different dimension to their story.

Without it the story or character can fall flat become apathetic or indifferent. So will the reader. Writing filled with lust will keep the readers turning the page.

Rachel hated waiting, but for now all she could do was wait for Mac’s call. She paced the floor, teed off at some unknown hacker. Red hair had little to do with her outrage. How dare someone expect her to pay a ransom to unlock her own files.

She lunged for the ringing phone.

“Finally.” She snapped.

“Took some doing, but I think I’ve found him.” Mac said.

“You think? I need you to know.” Rachel loosened her grip on the phone and took a deep breath.