Do you think your novel could be a novella?

Published on March 15, 2016May 3, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell17 Comments

This is something I’ve considered before.

Novel or Short Story, Part 2

Maybe I just need to wrap things up and call it a day.

Writing a novel is a daunting task. A finished novel, after editing and cutting, will be about 60,000 words. Which means I need to write about 80,000 or more. Gotta give the editor plenty to slash out of the manuscript. Sigh…

So maybe I should consider changing my goal.

Have you ever considered the novella?

There is a lot more wiggle room regarding word count, with a novella. Usually between 30 to 60,000. With fewer words, comes fewer characters, fewer scenes, and fewer conflicts. Story structure is still very important but with the novella, things happen fast. There isn’t time to drag out the tension nor room to waste words.

No, we must get to the point quickly, leading the reader to the climax with little detours.

How would you go about taking your current WIP and turning it into a novella?

Make an outline using 3 acts
Limit the characters to those necessary to the purpose of the story
Edit out unnecessary characters and subplots (this is hard)
Limit to one single but satisfying conflict, question or goal
Increase and build the pace toward the final conflict during the 3rd act.

Want to read more about writing a novella read the following article from Bridget over at Now Novel

How to write a novella: 6 essential tips

What do you think? Do you see a novella in your future?

Do you think it would be harder or easier to write a novella?

Still want more? Click and read Part 1:

Why Not Turn Novel into a Short Story?

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Do you think writing a picture book is easy?

Published on March 8, 2016May 2, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell32 Comments

Well, I did!

And was I in for a rude surprise.

Yes, this little picture book was a lot more difficult than I ever imagined.

But I’m getting closer to the finish line.

This little Princess is almost here.

I’m working on covers now.

Coming into the home stretch and shooting for an April launch! Whoo hoo.

Sometimes I’m so naive. I’d really thought this picture book would be easier than my first book, Tryouts for Ben. Boy was I in for a big surprise. I’m beginning to believe, size doesn’t matter. LOL

A book is a book, and the work involved to bring it to readers, no matter their age, is all the same. As a writer, I want to always produce a great product and that takes a lot of time and work. An editor is just as valuable for a children’s book as for a 600 page historical novel.

Concept and idea matters. In fact, I’m learning as with every story I write, everything matters.

If you’re interested in writing a children’s book the following articles may help you get started.

How To Develop Children Story Ideas and Create Picture Books

10 TIPS FOR WRITING CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS

Writing Picture Books for Children

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the cover for my new book.

Too plain? Suggestions?

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

Are you a late blooming success story?

Published on March 1, 2016February 28, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

Do you think age and experience help with the creative process?

I do!

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Age is just a number.” Usually it’s said by some young, smart ass who doesn’t know a thing about dealing with arthritis, gray hair, forgetting where they left the car keys, or retirement. But hey, one day they’ll understand.

However, writing is one thing that is not regulated to the young. Not like skiing, swing dancing, or any of the other crazy things our knees let us enjoy in our 20’s.

No, writing is only limited by our imagination. I believe age can enhance imagination from interesting to downright bizarre. Not to mention we have more time to write.

I wrote an article about writing advice last week, today I’d like to give my readers, and myself, a piece of advice. As with walking, we place one foot in front of the other to begin a journey. So it is with writing. Placing one word after another we start a journey of words. And…

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Keep writing, just keep writing and don’t stop.

Who knows when you might write that one amazing story that sets the world on fire?

It could be the next time you sit down at your computer. So just keep writing. Even if it’s nonsense. Let the ideas and words pour out and see where they lead.

Thank you C.S. Lakin for the article below.

This post gave me hope, that before I leave this earth I might, just might write something worth reading. All I have to do is keep writing one word at a time.

How Writers Can Take a Lesson from Late-Blooming Writers by author J. M. Orend.

So readers, tell me, has your writing, like fine wine, improved with age?

Leave me a comment and reach out to me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you know how to protect your blog content?

Published on February 29, 2016February 28, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Back it up!

What happens if your blog crashes?

We back up our computers, or should, but unfortunately most of us assume the internet keeps our web stuff safe. But what if?

You’ve spent months, maybe even years on your blog and what if one morning you woke up to find it gone?

Starting from scratch is a nightmare. Not to mention an overwhelming feeling of loss. All those posts, stories and articles gone, floating around in cyberspace.

So if you haven’t done it already, take a minute and back up your website to your hard drive.

Here is how-

Go to WordPress Admin Page (dashboard.)
Find “Tools”
Under Tools open “Export” Page
On the “Export Page” select “Posts”
- Here you can select “All”
You can also select “Pages,” etc.
- Everything selected?

Okay, still with me?

Next, at the bottom of the page, click “Download Export File” Button

A message from WordPress pops up stating you will receive an email link to the file.
Once you receive this email. Simply click on the link and save to your hard drive.

Now when you back up your computer, your website is backed up too. Safe and sound.

Just don’t crash your computer the same day the internet is taken over by aliens from Mars.

If y’all are really good housekeepers, my apologies for this old information.

But for us sloppy people, it’s a good reminder to stay electronically organized.

What about it folks?

Do you back up your blogs on a regular basis?

What about your computer? Do you back it up to an external hard drive?

If so how often do you think is necessary for either process?

Once, twice a year or more often? Inquiring minds want to know.

Happy Leap Year Every One!

Talk to me in the comments section or on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.