#amreading – Page 17 – Jean's Writing

Do you know how to write a good book description?

Published on May 5, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell27 Comments

You know the kind I mean.

It’s a small blurb that goes on the back of your book.

Then another one a bit longer that will sell your book. At least we all hope so.

I only wrote about a dozen before I settled on one that I thought was pretty good. Then I had to write a short version and a long version.

In all honesty, I may rewrite it again before I give the final okay to publish. It’s hard to know when something is good enough. You know what I mean?

I’ve read and read what makes good copy. Everyone has a different opinion, but most agree that the description needs to hook the reader.

Again with the hooks. Seems this term is one of the most important in writing. It pops up everywhere.

With all my reading and rereading books like mine in addition to successful writer tips, here is my takeaway on a decent book description. Fingers crossed mine is good enough to catch a reader.

There’s no magic formula. Too bad, I had high hopes.
First sentence – make sure people know what your book is about.
Don’t bore the reader to tears. If the description is boring, no one wants to read the whole book.
If possible end your description with a cliffhanger.
Think ad, not summary. Make it pop and sizzle.
Make it short and simple.

I hope these tips helped. Like I said, I keep tweaking mine.

Do you have any tips to add?

Please share!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

THE 11 INGREDIENTS OF A SIZZLING BOOK DESCRIPTION by Mark Edwards

Creating Promotional Copy That Works: Book Descriptions by Marcy Kennedy

So, tell me what do you think?

Published on April 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell32 Comments

I really need to know.

Little nervous, pausing to wipe sweat from my keyboard.

Okay, I’m ready

Little Princess will soon make her debut!

But before she does, I need your advice!

Here is a copy of her book cover I’m considering.

Please let me know what you think. This is a picture book for preschoolers. Square, 8.25 x 8.25 inches.

Do be candid but also kind.

02-825

back cover

Should I do something totally different?

Any suggestions?

Thank y’all so much for your help!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to become a better writer

Published on April 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

My catch up letter for the A-Z Challenge letter is

R= Read

Read, read and read some more, that’s how.

This is what you, my writer friends, have taught me. That, if I want to be a writer, I must read and read a lot.

Not just read trade books on how to improve the craft of writing but I read for pleasure.

Why should a writer read for pleasure?

For pure joy and love of reading.
Inspiration.
Plot themes and ideas.
Word-play and usage.
Analyze the genre.
Analyze the twists and turns.
I always learn something new.

I continue to read. So that I can continue to write.

Books that tell a story I can savor long after I turn the last page. Some are old friends, some are new ones, and some are short stories that pop up in my inbox from great bloggers.

Do you read to become a better writer?

Do you think reading makes you a better writer?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Below are links to read more tips on better reading your way to better writing.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

5 Ways To Be A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing in The Process Belle Beth Cooper

Seven Books To Read Before You Start Writing Your Own by Vani at Scroll In http://scroll.in/

How to Use Reading to Become a Better Writer at Write to Done

Want to Be a Better Writer? Read More by Mike Hanski

Do you know which questions you need to ask?

Published on April 24, 2016April 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Today’s A-Z Challenge letter is Q

Q= Question

Why? But why?

The whine of a toddler is like nails on a chalkboard after hearing that one word for the thousandth time. But Mom’s will take a deep breath and answer as best they can.

Why do we put up with the constant questions?

Because questions are important.

Teachers encourage children, telling them there are no dumb questions. Curiosity is not what kills the cat, it is what builds worlds, cures diseases and invents the internet.

Questions lead us down the path of discovery. One question leads to another and another and like bread crumbs to new kingdoms.

Questions can prod you when stumped and breathe new life into your character or situation.

And if you’re lucky, questions and answers will piece together and make a great story. Or at least a good one.

So what questions need answers?

What is the story about?
What is the point of the story?
Who are the characters?
What are they doing?
Where are they going?
What do the characters want?
What do the characters feel?
Are the characters believable?
Where does the story happen?
Where does it end?

And the all important question…

What if?

Over and over a wide-eyed toddler stares up at their mom demanding to know why about everything in their ever-expanding world.

If you do the same of you story and characters , you might find the world you’re writing ever-expanding too.

If you’d like to read questions that successful writers ask when they write, I’ve added some links at the bottom of the page.

What questions do you ask when writing?

Do you map out certain questions to answer before you start?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.