Books – Page 26 – Jean's Writing

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

Want to know what goes great with your morning coffee?

Published on June 3, 2016June 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

A wonderful review, that’s what!

Absolutely nothing goes better with coffee.

Yes, waking to a text and email, from Reader’s Review notifying me of a 5 Star review, was better than pancakes.

Be sure and click on the above image to read the review. She’s now available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. com.

Now back to work on the next book.

I’d love to hear from you!

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 need a new landing page?

Published on May 31, 2016November 26, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

As you’ve noticed by now, I’ve redesigned my website.

Why? Because the more I read about landing pages, the more I became convinced I needed one. I mean everyone likes to feel a firm foundation under their feet. Right?

A landing page is not just a place to showcase your books, but it gives your website a home. It also gives people an opportunity to reach out to you. A landing page makes your website recognizable, instantly.

When someone lands on your website, they will know instantly where they are and why.

You can put anything you want on a landing page. A small bio, a picture of your dog, links to your books or other publications, an email form….

Anything!

So what do you think? Do you need a landing page?

Below are links that explain a lot about pages and how to decide if a landing page is right for your website.