#amwriting – Page 135 – Jean's Writing

How to discover your writing genre

Published on May 24, 2015May 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

What genre is your writing?

Thanks to Ryan over at A Writer’s Path for mentioning Literary Rejections.

The post explaining in detail the definition of each genre, is just one of the many posts over at Literary Rejections with a wealth of information for writers.

Hop over and find out which genre is right for you.

Hmm, so much to read, so little time.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Stepping out of my comfort zone

Published on May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Today I’m taking a giant leap way, way out of my comfort zone.

Gulp…

I’m so glad it’s audio, and not video. No one wants to watch me sweat bullets or chug water to wash away the dust of fear.

Not sure how this will go but…

if you’d like to hear what this Southern lady sounds like, head on over to Blog Talk Radio at 12:30pm PT, or 2:30pm CT (Texas Time) and listen in to:

Empowering and Inspiring Women Globally with Dianna Bellerose

I can’t begin to say how delighted and flattered I am that Dianna Bellerose opened her radio forum to me. Just hope ya’ll won’t be disappointed. The internet and self publishing have empowered writers everywhere to let their voice be heard. So guess time for me to speak up too.

Now if I can just keep my foot out of my mouth I might get through the hour.

I hope you can give the show a listen, and do let me know what you think because as always…

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Wonder why your writing submissions suck?

Published on May 21, 2015May 20, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Are you too picky? Aim too high? Or just too timid?

Becky Tuch gives 8 reasons why.

Looking for a place to submit your story?

Check out the Call for Submissions at NewPages

Then read articles like the one from Lynne Barrett where she explains what editors want.

Remember even if you write the perfect story, it may not be perfect for the editor reading your submission. Take heart and keep submitting.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Is Your Story PRIMAL?—Anatomy of a Best-Selling Story Part 6

Published on May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Great info. Thanks for reminding me about IMDb.com. Not only a good resource for loglines and summary help but just plain fun.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Geiko Caveman.

Okay, so if you have read all the blogs in this series, you should understand what makes a scene vs. a sequel, understand the three-act dramatic structure. You also understand that the antagonist—or Big Boss Troublemaker—is the engine of your story. Without the BBT, your protagonist’s world would remain unchanged. The BBT’s agenda drives the story. It is the engine. No engine, no forward motion.

By this point, you should also be able to decipher a good idea from a not-so-good idea and then, once decided, state what your book is about in ONE sentence. You can have up to three, but let’s shoot for one.

Welcome to part SIX of my series on novel structure–whoo-hoo! Today we are going to discuss gimmick versus fundamentals of a good story.

First, gimmick. Here is the thing. There are only so many plots. DO NOT try to…

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