Writing – Page 8 – Jean's Writing

How to prevent your well from running dry

Published on March 6, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

And keep new and fresh ideas bubbling to the surface.

So many times, more than I like to admit, my well of ideas dries up like a desert. But, then when I least expect it, BLAM, a new one hits me upside the head.

For instance, at dinner the other night a friend shared how much her grandson loved my book, A Reluctant Little Prince. She explained which character he loved the most and why. As I lay in bed that night, savoring her wonderful compliments, BAM, a new children’s book clobbered me.

But we can’t always wait for divine inspiration. There are way too many dry spells in between.

So, how do we keep the ideas flowing?

Thanks goes to Now Novel for a few terrific suggestions on how to keep the well of ideas overflowing…

Book ideas: 12 inspiring sources

Here’s the cliff note of what I learned…

Look to the Gods. Not praying and waiting, but check out various myths and superstitions are good fodder for a story. Have a favorite myth? Try rewriting it in the current day.
Historical events. Use for backstory. Rewrite events into your story.
Documentaries. Use a documentary to broaden your knowledge. Turn it into fiction by asking the “What if” question.
Journaling. Now I’m not good at keeping a daily journal, but I do keep an idea journal.
Central Idea section of Now Novel. Can’t wait to try this.
Search Archives. Historical and ancestry archives can be a treasure trove. Now Novel gives a couple of links to get us started. I can get lost in Ancestry stuff.
Inspiration from your favorite author. Again, ask “What if” and see how an idea can grow.
Find a new experience. Hmm, this one I’m going to think about a bit.
Short stories. Write or read a short story and try to develop it into a novel.
What if. We all know about this question. But try asking it about movies, as well as stories and see if a new idea comes.
Music. Not for me. I find music distracting instead of inspiring.
Creative constraints. This is used in short stories and flash fiction with word counts. But try writing about a character with constraints of some sort. Again, this one will take a bit of thinking for me.

As always, the article above gives us a lot more information about finding story ideas. I hope you’ll click on the link and read all about her 12 idea suggestions. Plus there are a few great links to check out.

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Time to let your hair down and have fun

Published on March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell

But, stay safe!

Here’s wishing everyone a fun Fat Tuesday.

Eat, drink and be merry! It’s time for Mardi Gras!

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AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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Can you really recognize a liar?

Published on March 1, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

We all like to think we can spot a lie from ten paces. But can we really? How many times has someone fooled you?

Why am I asking about liars? Because knowing how to spot one, is helpful in writing. If we know how people recognize when someone is lying we can use those signs for a villain. The body language of a liar is great fodder for a story.

Add body language of a liar to round out your antagonist.

So if you bullshit meter needs fine turning then check out this article on this subject…

10 Easy Ways to Recognize Liars by Lifespan

Here is the show don’t tell, tips I gleaned about liars.

Fails to make eye contact. Looks at the floor, ceiling or hands. Or, make eye contact with an unblinking stare.
Avoids using contractions. “I did not…” instead of “I didn’t…”
Answers question with a question to stall for time.
They fidget sometimes excessively with ear, nose, or pockets, purses or play with keys etc.
Turn away from the speaker, blink rapidly, smile falters. Cross their arms which is a sign of being “closed” to the subject.
Runaway talker. They might embellish their story to make it more believable.
Gets angry. Becomes defensive. Tries to divert attention on to another person.
Changes the subject to avoid answering a question.
Eyes are the big tip-off. Right-handed people will look up and to the left if trying to remember. If trying to make something up, they look to the right.
They may blink rapidly or rub eyes.
Sweating, blushing, trembling and difficulty swallowing may indicate a lie.
Don’t miss the micro-expressions. A fleeting smile, a furrowed brow, etc. Although quick, these can tell you a lot.