#amwriting – Page 106 – Jean's Writing

Do you want to self-publish?

Published on October 27, 2015October 25, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Well, then you might want to read all that’s involved.

There are more steps to publishing than I ever imagined.

If you are considering the self-publish route this article will help in setting up your own publishing company.

Go to Stephanie Flint’s blog and read how to get started. She breaks the process down, step by step.

I’m in the process now. Just filed my DBA. Now on to the next step.

Thoughts on Publishing – Starting a Publishing Imprint

A big thanks goes to Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog for once more, hooking his readers up with a post chocked full of important information. Be sure and check out his blog to stay current with what’s happening in the writing world.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Together, let’s help each other improve our writing skills.

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Finding her courage

Published on October 26, 2015October 22, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Her smiled wavered and her finger trembled as she pointed.

“You’re sure?” he asked.

“Yes.”

One word was all she could manage, anymore might reveal the fear and doubt racing through her mind.

Before he could ask more questions, Casey stretched out on the cot. She closed her eyes and braced herself.

The ink darkened her skin and with this one little defiant act she began life anew. The butterfly freed of its cocoon settled on her hip. Fear lifted from her heart. Her hand no longer trembled. She was free.

Casey walked out into the bright sun a new skip in her step, and felt time roll back to the confident, strong woman she was before Trent. She vowed no one would control or abuse her again.

This was my contribution to Prompt 88 – Ink

Want to join in the fun?

Check out Mum Turned Mom website for this weeks prompt.

Leave a comment. Together we can learn the latest writing tips, and join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
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Don’t want to write like a dummy?

Published on October 23, 2015October 22, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Me either.

However, I must confess that I mix up the tenses.

Yep, it’s a curse. But for those of you who know me, know this is not breaking news.

The longer and more complex the sentence the easier it is for me to mix past, present and future. And as a result I feel as if I look like a writing idiot.

No matter how much I study and read on this subject, I still trip up more times than I like to admit.

How to avoid this is not simple, but it is fixable. Thank goodness for great beta readers. Y’all keep me from looking like too much of a doofus.

I loved a recent article at Coppyblogger.

Like I said, I’m always reading on ways to improve my writing skills.

Writing succinct, short and snappy sentences is one way to improve.

Learning to write within boundaries is another. These help not only the content, but also the rhythm of the story.

Another tip is to avoid modifiers and redundant words. I don’t worry too much about using unnecessary words during the draft process, because at that stage I’m more worried about getting my intent down. It’s during the editing when I slash out those little devils.

Reading this article reminded me to write tight.

Let me know what you think about writing shorter sentences.

Is this the solution for writers like myself who are tense challenged?

Of course I know we can’t write an entire book with short, choppy sentences, but maybe, just maybe we should consider less is more when it comes to long complex sentences. Like this one. LOL

Click, read and enjoy—

6 Simple Exercises to Help You Write Better Short Sentences [Free Worksheet] by DEMIAN FARNWORTH

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Together we can learn the latest writing tips, and join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

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