Books – Page 19 – Jean's Writing

Do you want more oomph in your story?

Published on August 11, 2016August 11, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Well, Roz Morris over at Nail Your Novel gives us 10!

I love tip #3!

And if you’re like me working on your characters you’ll understand why.

But, hmm, tip #8 definitely gives me food for thought.

Click on the link below and keep reading.

Now that you’ve read the entire post, tell me which tip is your favorite?

When I work with a writer on their first serious novel manuscript, there are certain aspects they usually get right on instinct alone. There’s the content – a believable story world, characte…

Source: 10 eye-opening tips to add impact to your storytelling

Writing Characters Who'll Keep Readers Captivated: Nail Your Novel by [Morris, Roz] — **click to read a sample**

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab 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.

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

How to know if your book is the right length

Published on August 4, 2016November 22, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell19 Comments

The words come and the words go, but where do we stop, I don’t know.

Some days I’m ready to stop after one paragraph. Other days I think the story will be a saga the likes of War and Peace. Not! But truth be told, I just hope to write something somewhere in the middle. A story that a few people, other than my family, will enjoy reading.

measuring-tape-953422_640

Then there is the question, how long or short is enough?

Apparently, it depends on the genre. I’ve written about this before, but it seems I’ve more to learn.

This article Word Count for Novels and Children’s Books: The Definitive Post By Chuck Sambuchino breaks it down by genre.

Like with most “rules,” there are exceptions. However, if you’re the least bit like me, you like to have a general goal to shoot for.

So here’s a cheat sheet for you!

Literary novel: 80,000-90,000 good average.
Memoir: Same as Literary Novel.
Short Stories: 1,000-25,000
Novellas: 25,000 – 55,000 words, over 55k you’re so close you might as well expand it into a novel.
Literary saga: 100,000-110,000 (over that and you might want to consider a series.)
Science fiction and fantasy: 90,000-100,000 on average. However, some can go to 115,000. Readers expect this genre to be lengthy.
Westerns: 50,000-80,000 is the range for this genre, so aim for the middle.
Middle grade is a bit tricky. Depending on age and subject matter, shoot for 20,000– 55,000. Younger kids = lower word count. Older teens = higher word count.
Young Adult (YA) genre, according to Chuck gives the writer more flexibility. Somewhere in the 55,000-70,000 range is a safe bet. Science fiction or fantasy can go a bit longer.
Children’s Picture Books: Standard is 32 pages and no more than 500 words.

LitRejections Word Count Genre Guidelines

What is the Ideal Word Count for a Novel? by CG Blake

Ask The Agent: Your Novel Word Count Guide and More! BY BREE OGDEN

How close are you to reaching the right word count for your genre?

Do you worry about “word count” or just write?

I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment or click the “write me” tab. You can also follow me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

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

Do you want something light, fun and romantic?

Published on July 29, 2016July 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Temps here in Dallas hit the century mark last weekend. Bursting_Thermometer__Arvin61r58-300px

Weekends I decompress and reload my brain cells. Often I read one or two books just for fun. No studying how to be a better blogger or writer. I read just read for the sake of reading.

Last weekend was like one the perfect time to curl up with a light, fun book. No one wants a heavy meal when the heat index is 105.

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, or like light, romance you might enjoy My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White.

I can’t imagine many of us who didn’t get all mushy over Pride and Prejudice during our high school years. Ms. White lets us relive those feelings but also takes it a step further when her main character becomes obsessed with finding her real-life Mr. Darcy.

I debated back and forth between 4-5 stars but settled on 4 because of how Amazon defines 5 (loved it.) I really, really enjoyed My Mister Darcy. It was perfect for a hot, sunny summer afternoon.This romantic, nostalgic book will thrill Bridget Jones fans. It’s light, fun, and a quick read.

Karey White did Jane Austen proud with this well-written story about a naive, romantic young woman who refuses to give up on her dreams of happily ever after. Sigh…

When do you find time to read for pleasure?

Read any good books lately? Do tell.

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab 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.

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

Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Reviews

Published on July 28, 2016July 28, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I loved, loved, loved the information posted over at comfyreading this morning!

I’ve written a lot about writing book reviews. How to write a good review, who to ask and what should be included in a review. But, I failed you, my friends, when I left out this very important information.

Thank you, Kerrie, for giving us 7 important Do’s and Don’ts.

I especially loved her very first two Do’s:

Do know what the reviewer enjoys reading.

Think about it folks, if the person you are asking to review your book reads historical romance and you ask them to review your latest medical thriller, you lower the odds of a favorable review. Just logical. So do a little homework. Research their website before you ask. Spend a little time getting to know them.

Second, Do send a synopsis of the book.

It helps if they know what your book is about. Also, if your book is already published, send an e-sample through Amazon. By sharing a free book preview or embedding it on a website, anyone can read a sample of this book with just one click – no need for them to sign in or install an app.

I’d like to add one more to her list.

# 8: Don’t be offended if they decline.

On her list was don’t get upset if the reviewer doesn’t like your book. I add, don’t get upset if they decline to review the book. As Kerrie mentioned it might not be their genre. Or there may be other issues such as time. Everyone is busier than ever these days. Deadlines, kids, jobs, and their own stories to write. So be gracious if the person you ask says no. They don’t owe you an explanation.

I hope you will click on the link below and head over to comfyreading and read the entire post. It’s great!

Hello my lovely bookworms! I spend a lot of time talking about what to do in order to GET books to review, but today I wanted to switch gears a little and address authors that want to get their BOO…

Source: Do’s and Don’ts of Asking for Reviews

Can you add another “Do or Don’t” to the list?

What is one of your pet peeves for getting or giving reviews?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab 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.

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