Jean's Writing

Is the bad guy evil or just irritating?

Published on May 24, 2018May 15, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

So, what is the difference between an evil person and an aggravating person?

A villain is evil but not always the antagonist.

An antagonist is not always evil and therefore not always the villain.

Confused yet?

Well, hang in there. In an article by Annika Griffith, she explains the difference.

Just because someone in your book opposes the protagonist doesn’t make them evil. That makes this character an antagonist.

But, a character who opposes your protagonist with evil actions can become a villain.

Hang on, stay with me.

However, a character whose evil actions and motives are harmful to the protagonist, now that’s a villain.

What all this gibberish means is that the villain and antagonist can be two different characters or the same person.

Villian:

Evil actions and/or motives
Doesn’t always oppose the protagonist
Can be the protagonist in the story
Is a character “type” not a plot role

Antagonist:

Aren’t evil, just a pain in the ass for the protagonist
Motives or actions aren’t evil
Is a character who conflicts with a protagonist
Opposes and causes conflict with the main character
Is a plot role and says nothing about their character or personality

Clear as mud right?

Well, I think Ms. Griffith explains it better, so click on the link below and get the nitty-gritty. Then meet me at the water cooler.

If the villain is not always an antagonist, do we need both in a story?

Do you use both or combine the attributes into one character?

What do you think? How do you interject a character conflict into a story?

The Difference Between Villains and Antagonist by Annika Griffith

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

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Hump Day Mistakes

Published on May 23, 2018May 9, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Good or bad, it’s time to get the book done!

Published on May 22, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

And after a little vacation, I’m determined to make it to the finish line.

I know, you’ve heard this song and dance from me before. Ha Ha. Yeah, I know but family comes first. So, I’m off to Paris to watch my lovely granddaughter graduate from high school. However, when I return my laptop is gonna be smoking.

For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be enjoying family and the beautiful sites of Paris and attempt to trace my heritage in Scotland.

But not to worry, I’ve studied hard on the subject of writing and blogging, scheduling posts to share in my absence and we can still keep in touch. Plus the info I’ve managed to garner will help me get back in the saddle myself when I return and finish my damn book.

In addition to staying committed to my readers and blog, I’m dedicated to attacking my unfinished manuscript. Below is another terrific article to encourage me and maybe you to finish what we start.

Tips for Committing to Getting Your Book Done! by Lauren Carr

I learned from Ms. Carr is that we all have a Writer’s Zone. A time when we do our best writing. Find that time and maximize it.

Your Writer’s Zone could be a game changer.

Break time, meet me at the water cooler.

When is your best writing time?

Have you found your writing zone?

Do you know when you’re in the zone?

Do you find it easy or hard to get into the zone?

Want to know more about getting into your writing zone? Then click and keep reading.

13 Tips For Getting Into The Writing Zone, Just In Time For NaNoWriMo By E. CE MILLER

YOU CAN FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

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

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Want an excellent way to sell your books?

Published on May 17, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Earlier in the week, I discussed the need to prepare for your first book signing event, but there are other ways to sell a signed copy of your book.

How about autographed, signed copies direct from your website?

That’s right. You can offer signed copies of your book to readers. This is something I hadn’t thought of until I read an article sent to me, from Janice Hardy written by J. Kathleen Cheney, @jkcheney .

The biggest question I have now is…

Do people care about signed copies of children books?

I’m not sure. So, I haven’t set up a retail page yet. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to sell a signed copy if it was requested. Hint, hint.

Another thing that has held me back from setting up an online store, is time. Time away from writing. I don’t want anything else to take my attention from, blogging, and writing. Life takes enough of my time and attention.

From what I understand, setting up an online store, may not be complicated but can be time-consuming to maintain. Just like everything else on the internet, if you want it to be successful you must babysit the darn thing.

Okay, meet me at the water cooler and let’s talk.

What do y’all think about signed copies of kid books vs novels?