#amreading – Page 20 – Jean's Writing

How to ask the right questions

Published on November 27, 2015November 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

As a writer, I’m discovering more and more the importance of asking the right questions.

The questions are how we find good ideas for our writing. Questions make us work to think of answers.

I’m always on the lookout for more ways I can improve as a writer. Ways I can find incorporate good ideas in my writing.

On Wednesday, I gave you a link to a question that might spark the old brain cells. Robin Oliver suggested you ask the question “I am often asked…”

Then I read Jane Friedman‘s post. The lights flickered and I heard bells ringing as I realized just how many questions needed to be asked.

The Big Reason Why Agents and Editors Often Stop Reading by Paula Munier

Not just one to get started, but question after question throughout a story is what keeps the reader turning the pages.

Everyone knows the standards, – What if? – Who, what and when?

But what about…

If you applied those questions over and over in each scene?

Will he succeed? Who pulled the lever? Who ran by? When will she recognize her true love? What is he doing? Who does that belong to? Where did it come from? How did she find that?

See where I’m heading.

Now, you head over and read the Jane Friedmans post and let me know did this help?

Tell me in the comments and join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
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Tipsday: Writerly Goodness found on the interwebz, September 13-19, 2015

Do you think books add to the magic of Christmas?

Published on November 22, 2015November 21, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

At our house they do!

And not just the traditional, Night Before Christmas.

My children, and grandchildren love getting books for birthdays and Christmas.

After the dishes are washed, the Legos are scattered and the candy eaten, nothing beats curling up with a new book. For a little while, quiet descends throughout the house through the magic of a good book.

Now is the time to fill those stocking with gifts that last past Christmas morning.

I was so excited when my copies arrived this week!

Are there kids in your family between the ages of 6-9?

If so please add my book to your shopping list!

Just click on the picture and head over to Amazon.com!

Tell me do you give books at Christmas?

Please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
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Do you want paper or electronic?

Published on November 18, 2015November 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Remember the question, “Paper or plastic?”

What does this have to do with reading and writing?

Because I don’t believe hardback or paperback books are going the way of the dinosaurs.

I’ve two daughters, two son-in-laws, and five grandchildren. Although, they each have e-readers everyone of them prefers paper books to ebooks. They like the feel of a book. They all enjoy browsing the library stacks and bookstore shelves.

They even enjoy online shopping for books. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy the postman delivering a package to their door.

On occasion they do download an ebook, usually when they are in a hurry or traveling.

Me, I love my Kindle! I read more and faster on my e-reader. But I have to admit there is something profoundly personal about words on paper.

After the following article Darcy Pattison, I’m convinced more than ever that paperback books will last a very long time.

Think that as authors we need to make our books available in both.

I don’t foresee, in the immediate future, the demise of either medium.

EBooks for Kids? New Study Says Maybe Not By Darcy Pattison

What do you think? Which do you prefer? Which do your kids like best?

Let me know in the comments section. And follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Please don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

PS:

Please check out my new children’s book Tryouts for Ben.

Are you stuck in a blog rut?

Published on November 16, 2015August 6, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Well, get out of that ditch and read something new!

I know there are blogs, blogs everywhere!

Probably more blogs popping up than weeds in my yard.

So which ones do we follow? Read?

There is only so much time in each day. As writers, we need to stay current, not just in the writing world, but in everything else too. What is trending? Who is doing what? Elections, fads, fashion and family.

You might want to start with the following article.

Nellie and Co., listed 12 top awesome blogs to read and follow. After all, no ones get stuck in a rut, reading the same ole same ole day after day.

AWESOME BLOGS AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING THEM

If you’re looking for fresh reading click the link to get you started.

Let me know when you find interesting new blogs. Are you following any of these?

Please look for me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.