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How to write a good one-sentence pitch

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell18 Comments

Don’t you just love how-to writing instructions?

I know I do!

You must admit, DIY is a lot easier with a little help from friends.

Working Men cartoon characters Jeanswriting.com

That’s why I absolutely love an article from Karen Cioffi and Writers On The Move!

I admit, writing a one-sentence pitch is hard and something I’ve yet to completely agree. But I keep working on it. That’s why I was so excited to read this easy explanation of what does and does not work. And why!

When selecting a book to read, the first thing I read is the pitch. If that is too confusing or convoluted I pass. Why? Because that pitch is a good indicator the story inside will be more of the same.

Karen gives examples of how and how not to write a pitch/logline for your book. She explains why one is so important and even gives us a formula. I just love formulas.

Be sure and click on the link below and write your one-sentence pitch.

The One Sentence Pitch for Your Manuscript

Got it?

What did you think?

Did her tips help you write a better pitch?

Now you show me yours and I’ll show you mine. Ha Ha.Me Bitmoji Tee hee Jean M Cogdell

All kidding aside, share your pitch in the comments I’d love to read it.

Here is a one-sentence pitch/logline for my WIP.  Here goes… Me Bitmoji Gulp Jean M Cogdell

An aspiring author is thrilled when she meets a literary agent and mystery buff who agrees to become her mentor; thrills turn to chills when the agent shares a story plot about two women who get away with murder – a fictional plot, the agent plans to become a reality with the writers help.

What do you think? Be gentle, I bruise easily.

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Related articles

What is the best word for restaurant?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Do you use the best word to describe an eatery?

Like everything else in the world, one word doesn’t fit every location. And that includes where your characters choose to have a meal. I mean how many times can you write “they went to a restaurant?”

If you’ve followed my blog very long, you know I love lists.

I make lists for everything. Grocery lists, to-do lists, bills due, birthday lists, belated birthday lists, and then there are my writing lists. Like special words lists, descriptive words, adjectives, character lists, names to consider, see I love lists.

The problem is I often forget a list. Like arriving at the grocery store and leaving my must-have list on the fridge.

The good thing about writing is so many of errors can be fixed or changed during rewrite and edits. Thank God for rewrites! Or not. Wish I were a great writer that could spew prose like a whale clearing its blowhole. One and done. No rewrite needed! Now that would be something.

Well, I’ve rambled on enough. Without further ado here is another list for you guys. Thanks to my favorite Ape sharing a great writing tip sheet, by Mark Nichol, listing a lot of different words for a restaurant. Click on the link below to read all 60.

60 Words for Types of Restaurants By Mark Nichol

I made a short list from my own archives to show how you can take a basic list like mine and expand it to something wonderful like Mark’s. 

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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You need to double your Amazon security

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell24 Comments

You heard right.

Time to double security and protect your books on Amazon. 

Now, not only do I need to work on this year’s taxes, but looks as if I may need to work on my Amazon account.

What the hell? Hackers are now invading Amazon? You’ve got to be kidding me.

I feel as if I’m playing Wack-a-Mole trying to avoid hackers and stupid people. This is getting ridiculous. I change my passwords from time to time, but now I’ve got to do more to keep these crooked jerks out.

 

Thanks to Janice Hardy over at Fiction University for the warning.

Here’s what I learned today about Amazon Security…

  • Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) accounts are linked to my regular Amazon account.
  • Hackers attempt to break into customer Amazon accounts every single day.
  • If a Hacker gains access to my Amazon account they have access to my KDP.
  • A Hacker will change my password, locking me out of all my accounts.
  • Two-step verification is the best way to protect both.
  • Set up two-step verification through my Amazon account.

Two-step verification is a pain in my butt. There I said what most of you are thinking. But getting back control of KDP and the books you’ve slaved over for months is more important.

Click on the link to read the entire article and get step-by-step instructions on how you can protect yourself and your Amazon accounts.

Is Your Amazon Account Secure? By Janice Hardy

Do you use two-step verification with accounts?

Did you realize if a hacker gets into your Amazon account that KDP is toast?

Do you have a security tip you can share?

 

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How to transform your writing into beautiful magic

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

I’m not talking about witches and warlocks. Nor, voodoo, potions, or card tricks.

Photo curtsey of IMBD

I’m talking about rhythm that unlocks magic in a story. 

 

Makes you want to dance.

Every story has a rhythm. A story can stop and stutter like a car running out of gas. Or purr along like a smooth luxury car, as the rider enjoys the view.  Or take your breath away thrilling you with the speed and power of a race car.

Which type of rhythm describes your story?

How a story flows, transforming words into poetry. Lyrical writing produces a rich, layered, evocative, and beautiful story. Rhythm creates and connects emotion to your reader.

WAIT. Don’t stop reading. NOT talking poetry or song lyrics. I’m talking musical storytelling.

About writing a story that moves the reader on a deep, emotional level. Words with musical magic. To write a story that takes my breath away with images and movement. That’s my goal.

So far here’s what I’ve learned about writing with rhythm:

  • The brain loves music.
  • Readers recognize rhythm in a story.
  • Creates a mood.
  • Pace determines rhythm.
  • Repetition is effective.
  • Avoid purple prose. (too many adjectives)
  • Vary sentence length.
  • Rhythm makes words dance on the page.
  • Use soft and hard sounds.
  • Tension and release, add rhythm to a scene.
  • Write with your ear. Listen for music in the words.
  • To be, is, and was suck the music out of the sentence. Substitute with verbs.
  • Adjectives next to nouns sound better than a preposition.
  • Music can help. So, I’m gonna listen to more music.

One day, I hope to write something worth remembering. Words that transform the reader and leave them wanting more.

What about you? Do you write with rhythm?

Have you ever thought about the rhythm of a story?

Do you have a tip to help me add beautiful, magical rhythm to my words?

Want to read more about rhythm writing? Check out the articles below.

 

Rhythm in Writing: How to Make Your Words Swing and Swirl by Henneke  

5 Tips About Writing with Rhythm By Mark Nichol 

Does Your Writing Have Rhythm? By Jami Gold  

Choose words for sound. Improve your Alice Effect By Jack Hamann   

Poetry: Making Music with Words  by Melissa Donovan 

 

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