Jean's Writing

Practice makes perfect, writing with prompts

Published on August 5, 2016August 3, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

And so I keep practicing.

If you’re looking for a good place to start, check out Describli for inspiring prompts.

Here is my latest contribution to one of their prompts– Soft footsteps.

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I stopped, frozen in place and waited for the sound of soft footsteps. The quiet stillness around me gave me pause. Had I’d imagined him? Dim streetlights did little to push back the night. My eyes blinked against the darkness, hoping to see something. But not even the moon ventured past the thick clouds to help me.

Next time Abe offers to drive me to my car, I’ll say yes. I eased forward on the balls of my feet and like a child tip-toed toward the corner. All I had to do was make it a little further to the bar on the corner. Safety in numbers, right? I’d worry about my car later.

The footsteps behind me grew louder, less careful. I wasn’t the only one who spotted the neon sign. Fear gripped my throat. I no longer cared about the noise of my heels against the pavement. My eyes focused on the flashing Miller Lite sign in the window. I ran.

The door to Mitch’s Bar & Grill opened. Yellow light framed a man as he stepped out onto the sidewalk. Relieved to see another person, I called out as I dashed toward the alley’s end. Strong arms wrapped around me. A gag choked off my air as a dirty glove covered smothered my scream.

Oh God, he is real. I really wish I hadn’t taken that shortcut. alley-990959_640

Have you practiced with any prompts lately?

I’d love to read them, leave me a link in the comments section.

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

A real thought-provoker from the great Flannery O’Connor

How to know if your book is the right length

Published on August 4, 2016November 22, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell19 Comments

The words come and the words go, but where do we stop, I don’t know.

Some days I’m ready to stop after one paragraph. Other days I think the story will be a saga the likes of War and Peace. Not! But truth be told, I just hope to write something somewhere in the middle. A story that a few people, other than my family, will enjoy reading.

measuring-tape-953422_640

Then there is the question, how long or short is enough?

Apparently, it depends on the genre. I’ve written about this before, but it seems I’ve more to learn.

This article Word Count for Novels and Children’s Books: The Definitive Post By Chuck Sambuchino breaks it down by genre.

Like with most “rules,” there are exceptions. However, if you’re the least bit like me, you like to have a general goal to shoot for.

So here’s a cheat sheet for you!

Literary novel: 80,000-90,000 good average.
Memoir: Same as Literary Novel.
Short Stories: 1,000-25,000
Novellas: 25,000 – 55,000 words, over 55k you’re so close you might as well expand it into a novel.
Literary saga: 100,000-110,000 (over that and you might want to consider a series.)
Science fiction and fantasy: 90,000-100,000 on average. However, some can go to 115,000. Readers expect this genre to be lengthy.
Westerns: 50,000-80,000 is the range for this genre, so aim for the middle.
Middle grade is a bit tricky. Depending on age and subject matter, shoot for 20,000– 55,000. Younger kids = lower word count. Older teens = higher word count.
Young Adult (YA) genre, according to Chuck gives the writer more flexibility. Somewhere in the 55,000-70,000 range is a safe bet. Science fiction or fantasy can go a bit longer.
Children’s Picture Books: Standard is 32 pages and no more than 500 words.

LitRejections Word Count Genre Guidelines

What is the Ideal Word Count for a Novel? by CG Blake

Ask The Agent: Your Novel Word Count Guide and More! BY BREE OGDEN

How close are you to reaching the right word count for your genre?

Do you worry about “word count” or just write?

I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment or click the “write me” tab. You can also follow me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to inspire your writing

Published on August 3, 2016August 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

Is your life busy?

Have you given all to family, friends, co-workers? And how about those bloody characters that will not leave you alone? My characters often wake me from a dead sleep poking me with ideas like little cartoon devils brandishing pitchforks.

devil angel-1294116_640 — www.pixabay.com

Ooh, write this. No, write this!

My notebook is filled with ideas. However, I here lately, can’t seem to focus on just one long enough to finish!

I need to concentrate and get the job done. But, all my characters pop in and out of my mind like kids playing with a revolving door. Maybe I’m a bit crazy. Hmm, that’s a possibility.

Time to recharge, and get inspired.

dirty-martini-847234_640 — www.pixabay.com

If you’ve never visited TedTalks, today’s a good day. Fix a cup of coffee, tea or your favorite cocktail (make mine a dirty martini.)

Ready? Now sit back, listen and get recharged.

What inspires you?

How do you quiet your mind and focus on writing?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Thanks for sharing this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to surround yourself with the best

Published on August 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Follow, read, and learn from the best; that’s how.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to improve.

Whether, blogging, writing the great American Novel, or publishing the best darn kids book possible, I want to find techniques that work.

Who knows, maybe I’ll eventually produce a bestselling novel one day. Anything is possible, right?

bestsellers-67048_640 — Bestseller – http://www.pixabay.com

In case you missed the list of best websites put out by The Write Life in January, here it is.

The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2016

January 25, 2016, By Marisol Dahl

So many great writers, so little time. What to do? What to do?

Do you have a favorite blogger/writer you read religiously?

Do tell; I need to know!

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.