Jean's Writing

Is your writing good or bad? Want to know?

Published on June 1, 2017June 2, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

You know when the writing in a book is good or bad.

It’s something we just know. But for some reason, we are blinded when applying the same standard to our own writing.

Because we get too close to the story. The characters are friends and family. And who wants to be mean to people we love? There are endless reasons.

But as writers, it’s important to know when our writing is good.

Want to know? Want to be a great writer? Keep reading.

“Bad writing is writing defensively; good writing is a way of making the self as vulnerable as possible.” Source: WHAT MAKES BAD WRITING BAD by K.D. Dowdall

How do you judge good writing?

Do you rely on friends and partners to tell you the truth?

What stood out in Ms. Dowdall’s article?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

PS: Almost here! McKinney Square Book Festival! See you there.

Do you know how to conduct an interview?

Published on May 31, 2017May 31, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell18 Comments

Writers need to understand their characters.

And what better way to understand a character than asking questions?

A while back I was inspired by Dan Alatorre to play around with character interviews. It was a lot of fun.

One of my readers loved the idea so much he took it a step further and did not one, but four interviews of the characters in his upcoming book. What a fun read!

Here is the link to the first interview. The other three are just as entertaining. I loved them all! Great job Budgie. You can definitely use these as marketing tools.

Blood Drive Interview 1: Christian MAY 16, 2017 BY BUDGIE BIGELOW

I think it’s great when an author like Dan, shares an idea and the idea takes on a life of its own.

If you missed Dan’s post here is the link:

Character Interview: Samantha (Sam) From Poggibonsi April 30, 2017 Dan Alatorre AUTHOR

Have you tried interviewing a character?

Think it’s something you might try?

What question would you like a character to answer?

If you missed my original post here’s the link:

How to conduct an effective, revealing interview

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Do you need a new writing cheat sheet?

Published on May 30, 2017May 29, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I’ve said once and I’ll say it again.

Want to know something, Google it!

That includes different ways to say a word.

Such as “went.” Who knew you can say someone went somewhere 250 ways. LOL

Thanks go to Writing Guide to Everything for this great list.

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

You won’t get lost with this valuable tool

Published on May 29, 2017May 23, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Writers, find your way with Google maps.

Write a richer story when you step onto the streets of your tale.

(Click & Tweet)

One day, I wrote a character stopped at Starbucks but turns out there are no Starbucks on that street. Duh! I assumed by now, a Starbucks existed on every street in America. I was wrong. Thank you, Google Maps.

If you have an Iphone you might enjoy the Apple Maps app. The 3D effect on a handheld device, although small, is fun to play with. Made me feel as if I was the character walking down my street.

With the maps tool, you can visit any town, drive down any street, and walk up to the door of any gin joint you choose. Will help you avoid my mistake and know for sure if there is a gin joint or Starbucks there. LOL