#amwriting – Page 4 – Jean's Writing

Are you writing hyphens in the wrong way?

Published on February 16, 2018February 15, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Writing with hyphens can be tricky business.

As with the word was, hyphens is another Achilles heel. Sometimes I sprinkle hyphens about like scattering rose petals at a wedding. Too many!

Even some of the grammar programs disagree. But if you’ve ever published an ebook you’ll see what I mean. And a strayed hyphen can get left behind in print books too.

Hyphens can throw off the formatting until the reader becomes confused as to the meaning of the word. Don’t make the reader turn back pages to figure out what’s happening.

So what to do with compound words?

Hyphen or not to hyphen that is the question.

And the answer can be found in a terrific article by Connie J. Jasperson which is filled with lots of do’s, don’ts and tips. Plus, she provides extensive words to remember. This is a definite bookmark.

What did I learn about using hyphens?

Even when using “made up” words, tread carefully.
- Don’t use unless your make-believe world will explode without it. (Oops)
Single words and don’t need a hyphen.
- I have started checking the Urban Dictionary for help on some words.
Only use a hyphen to ensure the meaning of a word.
- Like, roundup as in a rodeo, or round up as in a review or the next highest round number
Some compounds are improvised to fulfill a specific need.
There are permanent compounds and temporary compounds. (Who knew.)
When in doubt leave it out. Unless…
- Your intended meaning is clear without the hyphen, leave it out.
Add special words and names to your manuscript style sheet.
- Especially made up words.
- This will help ensure consistency in your manuscript.
Oh, and a hyphen is not an En dash or an Em dash.

So much is packed in her article, I encourage you to click on her link and read the entire thing.

Hyphens #amwriting By Connie J. Jasperson

Do you use hyphens Willie-Nillie?

What do you think?

Is this all old stuff to you?

Keep reading, here is another article on using this little devil.

The Punctuation Guide, Hyphen

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Is romance in the air at your house?

Published on February 14, 2018February 13, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

We never grow too old for romance.

Want proof? Just look at the romance genre. Sales continue to climb. I’m not talking just about erotica (smut novels per my daughter.)

Want to write a bestselling novel?

Add romance to the formula.

Whether you self-publish or traditional, write mysteries, women’s fiction, dystopian, YA, LGBT fiction, horror, or thriller, add a little romance and you’ve got a bestseller on your hands.

Why?

Because everyone loves a good love story.

Still not convinced? Check out the top Amazon 100 ebooks or the NYT Best Seller list and see for yourself. Read some of the book blurbs, I bet you’ll see lots of references to love. Even one of the hottest new YA futuristic book, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline mentions a love connection.

So tell me—

Could your current work in progress use a little romance?

Have you given much thought to how hot the romance genre is?

That’s it for today. Short and sweet because I’ve got a big romantic evening to plan.

So go curl up with a good romantic movie or book and get your groove on.

Another writer’s take on romance. Let’s Talk About Romance –By Jaq D Hawkins

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Have you lost that new writer feeling?

Published on February 9, 2018February 8, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell19 Comments

That love at first written word?

You know what I’m talking about. Don’t act like you don’t. That first blush of prose, your heart racing with each word you write. Oh, and remember when your first short story or flash fiction story was published? Ah, love sweet love.

Short story, flash fiction, and Drabble – writing the great American novel couldn’t be much harder. Wrong. I have so much to learn.

Thank you, Sacha Black, for your recent post.

7 LESSONS I WISH SOMEONE HAD TAUGHT ME BEFORE I STARTED WRITING

It feels good to realize I’m not the only writer on the planet to stumble through the writing process.

I too had to face the fact, learning takes time. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks but it may take a little longer and a lot more patience.

What I gleaned from Sacha’s lessons:

I’m not alone. We can all learn to write better.
Writing a short story is not the same as writing a novel.
Research is a black hole.
Studying is a black hole.
Reading can suck you into a black hole.
BLACK HOLES will distract me from writing.
Focus on learning one writing technique at a time.
Feedback should come from objective writers.
Benchmark what other authors write. Deconstruct specific sections, dialog and figure out the why and how.
Break down competition. Covers, chapters, length, etc. How will mine stack up?
Make friends. Writer friends who tell me the truth. Sometimes the truth is overrated.
Write-I should make more time to write. Shouldn’t we all?

Sacha goes into more detail on her blog, and you’ll probably get something totally different than I did so click and read the whole thing. You’ll be glad you did.

Were you naive when you first began writing?

What have you learned since you wrote your first story/book?

If you could share one lesson with the beginning writer (you), what would it be?

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Are you embarrassed to share?

Published on February 2, 2018February 1, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

Say it loud and proud.

4 magic words, not to be confused with 3 wishes.

I’m writing a book.

But as Fiona Quinn explains, there are 4 words that can magically open windows to information. I’m writing a book.

There are lots of places to get information. You know me, I’m a Google-it nut. But on occasion, you may need the help of a professional. And the best way to get them to open up and share their expertise is these 4 magical words—I’m writing a book.

From now own, I’m not going to be shy about using them. I don’t know about you but I always hesitated when someone asks how I spend my time. But time to put my big girl britches on, square my shoulders and speak out. Never know where these 4 magical words might lead me. Thanks, Fiona!

I’m writing a book.

Guest Post: Four Magic Words by Fiona Quinn

Facts are as important as grammar, and punctuation. So as you go through your editing process, be sure and check the facts. Large and small are important.

Do you have trouble sharing that you’re writing a book?

Have you used experts for advice? How’d that go?

Are you shy about your writing? Why?