Blog – Page 44 – Jean's Writing

A writing tip worth reading

Published on February 8, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Get your story pacing right.

I’ve read many writing tips on story pacing. Bet you have too. Wish it were as easy as moving to the beat of a good song. If it were, I’d set up a metronome next to my computer. For me though getting the pacing right in a story is often times a combination of magic, mystery and dumb luck.

However, this morning’s newsletter from On The Premises, a Web-based fiction magazine, was an ah-ha moment for me.

In spite of a story, submitted for publication, flooring the judges with a killer ending the story was rejected.

Why was that story rejected?

Tarl Kudrick, co-publisher of On The Premises, explains in plain English their thought process and provides helpful suggestions too.

… I found its first half predictable and slow [… .]

Get a couple of good writing techniques.

… If you find yourself writing “the boring part” just to get to “the good part,” here are two techniques that should help[… .]

This critique helped me and I hope it will help you too.

Mr. Kudrick goes into detail on how to cut the purple prose get to the point and keep the story moving.

… What’s the absolutely shortest possible way to get the critical information to the reader?[…]

Free to submit – Cash prizes

On The Premises challenges writers to produce a great story based on a broad premise supplied by the editors. Entrants pay no fees, and winners receive cash prizes in addition to exposure through publication. The winners are published in new issues every four months. Opportunity for feedback and critiques are available.

Please share this tip with your Twitter and Facebook friends. Thanks!

Publish or Perish, so the saying goes.

Published on January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

A writer must write.

Give away, post on Facebook, Tweet, blog and yes sell. It’s possible to get your words out there.

Looking for a place to sell your work?

Check out the markets listed at Brainstorms & Bylines and NewPages. I bet they have a place for just about every writer.

Connect with other writers. Find writing prompts.

Go to 100 Word Challenge for Grownups or Five Sentence Fiction or Describi. There you’ll find prompts and story games to stir your creative juices.

Did you find a place to submit?

Do you have a special place you prefer to submit?

Share, leave a comment and give us the scoop.

Good Luck!

The magic happens here

Published on November 25, 2014December 8, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Jean’s Writing – Five Sentence Fiction: Irritation

Like every other writer in the world, I decide to write a best seller, a hell of a book.

How long could it take, thirty days, ninety days?

Soon the printer is out of ink, I’m flipping over used paper, and my annoyance grows as I consider this may take a year or a millennium.

My damn computer has become a source of irritation not inspiration as words fail to appear.

I’m ready to concede no great story is forthcoming, all hope is lost, and then the magic happens, not with massive fireworks, but with a tiny spark, I hear the voice of my muse.

Join in the fun and see what five sentences you can contribute:

Head on over to Lillie McFerrin Writes

One Lovely Award

Published on November 16, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

I’ve been nominated by the sensual Elsa Holland for the One Lovely Blog Award. She has humbled me with the honor and her words of encouragement.

Thank you Elsa!

one_lovely_blog_award

This is my 4th Blog Award nominated by my peers. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. No words can properly thank my readers. This award requires I tell you 7 things about myself, so here goes.

I’m an optimist, believing things will get better.
Living with chronic pain, I’ve learned to live.
I love Peanut M&M’s. (best with a glass of red wine)
Enjoy curling up by the fire with a good book. (can’t wait until it’s mine)
Love to travel, wish I could do more of it.
Love, love, love an afternoon nap.
As an introvert, I still find people fascinating. (must be the writer in me)

Now for the second requirement, link back to blogs I enjoy reading. You must check out, in addition to the amazing romance writer and blogger Elsa Holland, the following: