#amwriting – Page 98 – Jean's Writing

A big thank you and Happy Holidays to my readers

Published on December 9, 2015December 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Without you my year would’ve been very boring.

This year will be very special for our family. It will be the first time in over 3 years that my kids and grandkids will be in the same country for Christmas. To say I’m excited is an understatement!

But no matter the greeting, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy St. Lucia Day, Happy Ramadan or Eid, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Omisoka, or even a Joyous Yule Day, my wish is that you will have a safe and wonderful month of December.

May we have peace on earth, understanding and compassion for our fellow humans. How to say Merry Christmas around the world.

Thank you so much for making my year a great year!

happy holidays

Want to know more about how different people celebrate? Click here.

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Do you know how to get permission?

Published on December 8, 2015December 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Music inspires the soul.

But let me tell you, getting permission can get complicated.

I am a big Country Western Music fan, but to be truthful, I enjoy all music, from Rap, Hip Hop, Country to Classical. One of my favorite memories is of the radio always on and always filling our house with music.

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A good song is just a story set to music which often spurs on a thought and then that thought blooms into another story. At least that’s how it works for me.

Which is why I found David Hewson‘s article regarding song lyrics so enlightening. Read for yourself… Click HERE.

I once wrote a flash fiction piece where I used a line from an old hymn. The piece called Precious Memories. The piece was long listed on a couple of contests and got great reviews. However, I’ve yet to publish it. After reading this article I did a lot of research and think I’m in the clear. Whew! Close one.

Let me tell you, I’ll follow Mr. Hewson’s advice and avoid song lyrics from now on.

How about you? Have you ever used a song for inspiration? Ever used the lyrics in a story?

Does give one pause, doesn’t it.

In addition to doing the usual Google search, you might find this Public Copyright site useful.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell!

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Are you still searching for the perfect gift?

Published on December 7, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Tryouts for Ben may not be perfect, but it’s damn good if I do say so myself!

And there is still time to get this book before Christmas!

There is nothing better than a book that encourages a kid to succeed.

Buy Tryouts for Ben Today!

Add it in a stocking hung over the mantle with care, give it to a teacher for her library, a nephew, niece, or neighbor – please share!

Buy and review this writer will be eternally grateful! Click on Ben and order!

Please Tweet and share on Facebook!

Don’t forget you can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell and jean.cogdell on Facebook.

How to understand the difference

Published on December 7, 2015December 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Between Flash Fiction, Micro Fiction or a Short Story, that is.

Me, I really enjoy writing Flash. It’s quick and gets my juices flowing. Writing a quick flash takes my mind places I never expected. My imagination starts humming like a well oiled machine.

Mark Lees talks about Keeping it Short and Sweet- Flash Fiction

I agree with Mr. Lees, in that Flash Fiction leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader. In Flash everything is not spelled out or tied up in a bright red bow. The reader can envision all sorts of beginnings and endings.

The constraints of word count, prompts or both help me with the discipline of writing. Watch this quick video on writing Flash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVGTtrTXhkA

Want to try your hand at Flash?

Here are a few publications to get you started: 101 Words, MashStories, Ink Sweat and Tears, The Writer’s Arena, Flash Fiction.net, Flash Fiction Online, Brevity Magazine.

For more go to The Review Review.

To keep up with what’s happening in the world of Flash Fiction search #flashfiction on Twitter.

Join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.