How to find the right title for your novel

Published on April 27, 2016April 27, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

No? Me neither.

But, with the help of a lot of wonderful bloggers and writers who post “how-to” info, I’m getting better at understanding what makes a good title.

My word for the A-Z Challenge and the letter T is:

T=Title

Over the past year, I’ve read a lot about titles and to be honest, I think I chose the wrong one for Tryouts for Ben. It was number five or six in a long list of working titles. But by the time that little book was ready I couldn’t decide and I all but flipped a coin. Not a good way to pick a final title.

So, how do you pick a good title for a book?

Most writers start with a working title, and usually as the story progresses other titles begin to emerge. Or so I’ve heard.

Other writers, probably more seasoned pros, know at the on-set just the perfect title. That would not be me. Just in case you were wondering.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a title is worth much more.

Whether shopping at B&N, browsing the stacks at the library or scanning Amazon for something to read, the first thing I read is the title. I often reject a book based on the title.

Your title is the first hook of your book.

Doesn’t matter if it’s a romance novel, thriller or children’s book, the title is the first words of your book a person reads.

Okay, just what have I learned this past year?

As always, I still try to learn from my mistakes. (Ben)
Research is important for the title too.
A title should peak the reader’s curiosity. Get their attention.
It needs to give the reader an idea of what’s inside the cover.
Don’t get locked in with the “working title.”
Look inside the story for words, phrases or names that might serve as a title.
Don’t try to be too clever.
Try the title out on friends and family. Some will like it, others won’t but listen to the why of both.

For your reading pleasure, head to the bottom of this post and find out more about picking the best possible title for your book.

How do you pick a title?

Do you have any suggestions on picking a better book title?

Do tell!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

PICKING THE PERFECT BOOK TITLE by Tucker Max

4 Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Title For Your Book by Karen Woodward

ADVENTURES IN TITLING by Kate Kearns

How to write a good story

Published on April 26, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Or tell a good story–

What’s the difference?

One makes you a writer the other is…

My letter for the A-Z Challenge

S= Storytelling

To me telling a story is easier than writing one. And because I enjoyed telling stories I thought writing stories would be a cinch.

Well, I’ve learned the joke was on me.

Yep, after reading the many great writers and bloggers floating around on the web, I realized how little I knew about writing.

I wasn’t even sure I understood the English language. Somewhere I evidently missed a class or a dozen.

At least, Y’all weren’t into shaming and finger-pointing. Instead, you stepped up, taught and encouraged me as well as any other writer who asked for help.

So what did I learn about storytelling?

Telling a story is easier than writing a story. Telling a ghost story as you sit around a campfire is different that writing a ghost story on paper. For one thing, it’s harder to scare the pee out of a group of third graders without a flashlight.
I gotta have a theme. But leave the preaching the Reverend at First Baptist. If my readers want a sermon, they’ll attend church not read my book.
A good plot equals good action. However, that doesn’t mean I need to blow the hell out of everybody that doesn’t get shot. Just means a story needs to move forward and wrap up satisfactorily .
Know my characters – intimately. So much so, that by the time my book is ready for publication I’m sick of them. Why? Because if I don’t know and understand my characters, how can I expect the readers to understand them?
I better know what the hell I’m writing about, and where the story is going, especially if I want to explain these things to my reader.

One last thing.

If you enjoy listening to books on tape check out these online Storytelling blogs as a way to get back in touch with the art of storytelling.

Story Center

National Storytelling Network

Story Teller

Do you find telling the story easier than writing the story down?

Do you think there is a difference in storytelling and writing a story?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Below are links to read more tips on better reading your way to better writing.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

For Tips on how to write that story better check out these writers:

Short Story Tips: 10 Ways to Improve Your Creative Writing by Dennis Jerz and Kathy Kennedy

What Makes a Good Story? By Aaron Shepard

Want to Improve Your Writing Skills? 5 Fun Storytelling Exercises to Try By Marian Schembari

How to become a better writer

Published on April 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

My catch up letter for the A-Z Challenge letter is

R= Read

Read, read and read some more, that’s how.

This is what you, my writer friends, have taught me. That, if I want to be a writer, I must read and read a lot.

Not just read trade books on how to improve the craft of writing but I read for pleasure.

Why should a writer read for pleasure?

For pure joy and love of reading.
Inspiration.
Plot themes and ideas.
Word-play and usage.
Analyze the genre.
Analyze the twists and turns.
I always learn something new.

I continue to read. So that I can continue to write.

Books that tell a story I can savor long after I turn the last page. Some are old friends, some are new ones, and some are short stories that pop up in my inbox from great bloggers.

Do you read to become a better writer?

Do you think reading makes you a better writer?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Below are links to read more tips on better reading your way to better writing.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

5 Ways To Be A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing in The Process Belle Beth Cooper

Seven Books To Read Before You Start Writing Your Own by Vani at Scroll In http://scroll.in/

How to Use Reading to Become a Better Writer at Write to Done

Want to Be a Better Writer? Read More by Mike Hanski

Do you know which questions you need to ask?

Published on April 24, 2016April 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Today’s A-Z Challenge letter is Q

Q= Question

Why? But why?

The whine of a toddler is like nails on a chalkboard after hearing that one word for the thousandth time. But Mom’s will take a deep breath and answer as best they can.

Why do we put up with the constant questions?

Because questions are important.

Teachers encourage children, telling them there are no dumb questions. Curiosity is not what kills the cat, it is what builds worlds, cures diseases and invents the internet.

Questions lead us down the path of discovery. One question leads to another and another and like bread crumbs to new kingdoms.

Questions can prod you when stumped and breathe new life into your character or situation.

And if you’re lucky, questions and answers will piece together and make a great story. Or at least a good one.

So what questions need answers?

What is the story about?
What is the point of the story?
Who are the characters?
What are they doing?
Where are they going?
What do the characters want?
What do the characters feel?
Are the characters believable?
Where does the story happen?
Where does it end?

And the all important question…

What if?

Over and over a wide-eyed toddler stares up at their mom demanding to know why about everything in their ever-expanding world.

If you do the same of you story and characters , you might find the world you’re writing ever-expanding too.

If you’d like to read questions that successful writers ask when they write, I’ve added some links at the bottom of the page.

What questions do you ask when writing?

Do you map out certain questions to answer before you start?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.