#amwriting – Page 72 – Jean's Writing

What is the best way to write a story?

Published on June 10, 2016June 9, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Is there a best way or just a different way?

Ever lay awake with a story running around in your head like a demented hamster on one of those little wheels?

That happened to me last night. And after tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, I came up with a plan.

Index Cards.

I laid out the story on index cards in my mind. note-147603_640

Now I’ve never used this technique before. But that’s what worked last night. After I’d planned the story one index card at a time, I was able to finally drift off to sleep.

I’m not usually a planner. Nor am I a total pantster either. I’m somewhere in the middle. I jot down a story summary and go from there. However, this morning after enough coffee to clear the cobwebs I opened a pack of index cards, no telling how long I’ve had these things and, began writing.

So far, I like the process. I’ll keep you updated as to how it goes, if this works for me or not. Because jotting down my thoughts on these cards is just the beginning. Now I must convert these cards into scenes and the scenes into chapters. That’s the tricky part.

I understand a lot of you like Scrivener and use the index cards there. I’ve never tried that. Hmm, maybe…

Google how to write using index cards and whoa! Everyone seems to have a different take on how to use them. Some of the techniques are more detailed than an old-fashioned outline.

The point is there is no right way to plot out your story.

Whatever works for the writer is the right way. And there are lots of ways to write a story. Whether you begin with an outline, a summary, a query, index cards or just sit down and write like the bats of hell are after you. It’s all good.

Y’all tell me, do you use cards or post-it notes?

What is your favorite method to write or start your story?

My inquiring mind wants to know. Leave me a comment or

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

And as always, there are great links at the end of this post. Keep reading.

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Notecarding: Plotting Under Pressure

Using Index Cards To Outline A Novel

25 WAYS TO PLOT, PLAN AND PREP YOUR STORY

List For Writing A Book

How to show who you are in a bio

Published on June 9, 2016June 8, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell27 Comments

What does your “about” page tell your readers?

I’m terrible at writing a bio. And it seems every publication, website or blurb wants one a little different. I probably have at least 10 or more saved to “adjust” for the next one.

Too many times, my bio reads like dry toast. All crunchy, tasteless and bland. However, I do try to smear on a little honey or jam to make it more palatable.

Today I read a post about writing bios that made me smile.

I’m not sure I would apply this for a professional bio but it did give me pause. The author is reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously and to let our readers get to know us. After all, no one wants to be friends with dry toast.

But I do think her suggestion goes a long way on an about page or post. So in the spirit of getting to know each other better here goes.

I know…

I couldn’t run a mile if my life depended on it. I hate exercise. The bad guy would get me for sure.
I love country music. Texas Two Step is in my blood. And whoever said “dancing was foreplay,” knew what they were talking about.
I love a good book but couldn’t tell you which genre is my favorite. However, if I want to fall asleep fast, non-fiction will do the job.
I love bubble baths but rarely take the time to enjoy one. Showers are faster.
My husband is my biggest fan and even after 5 decades that man can turn me on with a look. And Lord help me if he gets close enough to kiss my neck.
I’m a writer. Never thought I’d write children’s books, but surprise!
The more I learn about writing and blogging, the little I know. Sometimes I feel real dumb.
I grew up in the South and learned to never discuss politics with friends, but this year it’s been hard to keep my mouth shut.
I enjoy a good dirty martini or a cold Miller Lite, depends on my mood.

So there you have it. A bit of my heart and soul revealed to you. Nothing about me being an amazing writer or the failure of “Big Publishers” to pick up on my genius. No just a little glimpse of me.

If you’d like to read the post that prompted me to share, the link is at the bottom.

Now it’s your turn.

Give one tidbit about yourself in the comments.

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

A Dead Simple Way to Write a Creative Bio

How to make a plot into a story

Published on June 8, 2016June 7, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Just what is the difference?

Doesn’t a good plot automatically write a good story?

Nope. Nor does a good idea turn, as if by magic, into a good story.

I have a notebook filled with good ideas and files filled with outlines that go nowhere. A lovely outline doesn’t make a good story, and few of my outlines are lovely. A story is more than a series of events.

So just what makes a good story?

A story makes the writer and reader feel something. It has the power of persuasion. I included the writer because if I don’t feel persuaded, my readers certainly won’t. A writer’s job is to ensnare the reader to the degree they are willing to suspend belief and believe the impossible. That’s my goal.

Want to know more?

Chuck Wendig takes a concept that is unexplainable and gives us as close to an explanation as is possible. I hope you get as much from his post as I did.

Click and read WHAT EXACTLY MAKES A DAMN GOOD STORY?

Now go forth and write that damn good story.

I’d really like to know, so tell me…

How do you recognize a good story?

Do you start with an idea or character?

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.

Do you know how to write a book review?

Published on June 7, 2016June 6, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell81 Comments

I must confess, writing a book review is very hard for me.

You’d think as a writer, writing a book review would be easy. It’s not.

But reviews are as important to writers as water to fish. Writers need book reviews. The best way to get is to give.

So I set out to learn more about writing a good review.

I used to adhere to the old saying, “If you can’t say something good say nothing.”

Now I go with, “In everything, there is some good. Look for it.”

When you write a review, it’s important to find that “something” good to say.

Even for books that aren’t my genre, and even for those that make me cringe, I search for something good to say.

Things to look for…

Did the title or the cover get your attention?
Identify the genre.
Identify the audience (age.)
Identify the Point of View.
Is there a theme or common thread throughout the story?
Does the book or authors style remind you of another’s?
Review don’t critique.
Were characters loveable, believable, scary, or memorable?

Information to include in a review…

Include the name of book and author as well as the length of the book.
An opening hook. (ask a question, give a hint, etc.)
What you enjoyed. (character, line, writing style, etc.)
Who might enjoy this type of book?
A short summary. But remember this is not a book report.
A wrap-up or closing. (If you didn’t particularly like the book, this is a good place to sandwich the bad with good.)

Review example:

(Author’s name) new book, (book title) is (what? funny, sad, moving, thrilling, haunting?) A (genre) in (where or time?) is about (what? war? girl? boy? love? death?) It’s about (a brief summary.)

(who?) will enjoy reading (book title). I found this book to be (quick, detailed, engrossing, lengthy, informative, etc.) Readers who enjoy (genre) may like (title.)

Final tip:

If you’re unsure how to word your review, read other reviews in the same genre. Go to Amazon.com, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.com and read reviews until you are comfortable with the process.

So, do tell…

What advice can you offer to this struggling reviewer?

Do you find writing book reviews easy or hard?

Keep reading, good articles below on the art of writing a review.

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.

How to Write a Book Review by Bill Asenjo

Writing a Book Review Contributors: Allen Brizee

Book Review Writing Template By ERIC JAMES ANDERSON