Books – Page 46 – Jean's Writing

Anatomy of a Best-Selling Story—Structure Part One

Published on May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Prose is not a novel. Kristen Lamb explains why we can write lovely vignettes but fall short completing a 80-100,000 word novel. Can’t wait for the next helpful post.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Structure Matters

Writers must understand structure if they hope to be successful. Yes, it might take five years to finish the first novel, but if we land a three book deal, we don’t have 15 years to turn in our books. Also, in the new paradigm of publishing, writers who produce more content have greater odds of making money at this writing thing.

Understanding structure helps us become faster, cleaner, better writers. Structure is essential to all stories, from screenplays to novels to epic space operas.

Plotters tend to do better with structure, but even pantsers (those writers who write by the seat of their pants) NEED to understand structure or revisions will be HELL. Structure is one of those boring topics like finance or taxes. It isn’t nearly as glamorous as creating characters or reading about ways to unleash our creative energy.

I’ve run my 20 page Death Star Critique…

View original post 1,659 more words

My 5 Star Friday Recommendation is Something Different

Published on May 1, 2015April 28, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

This is not my usual genre, if you’ve read some of my recommendations you understand. I’m more of an intense, thriller kinda girl. However, like pacing in good writing, on occasion I need to switch genres and slow down my pace in reading.

To be honest, I chose this particular book because of my love for quilting. Until my fingers stopped cooperating, I loved to quilt and enjoyed teaching my girls how to make a memories through the art. However, this book isn’t about quilting. It’s a heartwarming story about strong women and their successes, failures, their loves and losses living in a small Texas town.

Strong women are not exclusive to Texas.

Throughout time women everywhere have done, and still do, what needed to get the job done and protect their families. Ms. Bostwick tells the story of these women with a large dose of humor and charm.

I found this a quick and easy read. Sorta like tubing down the Guadalupe on a hot Saturday afternoon enjoying the scenery and fun with friends. Afterward arriving home a little tipsy, tired, and sunburned, but none the worse for wear. 5gold-star3

So with the satisfied feeling of someone who just got home from vacation, I give Between Heaven and Texas 5 stars.

So if you enjoy books by authors like Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs, or Sherryl Woods I think you’ll enjoy

Between Heaven and Texas (Cobbled Court Quilts Book 6) by Marie Bostwick.

Kindle Price:	$2.51
Kindle Unlimited:	Free

Celebrating the finish line

Published on April 29, 2015April 29, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

`Z = Zero`

Zero, none and done.

It’s the Zero-hour, and here we are at the end.

We all made it to the finish. I’m so glad I participated. Had I missed this challenge I would’ve missed meeting so many great people. Because of this challenge I wrote with more discipline to meet my goals. Fingers crossed I’ve formed a new writing habit.

I hope we see each other again and often after we’ve finished the 2015, A to Z Challenge. I’ve clicked to follow many of your blogs and look forward to seeing your names in my inbox.

So here is the last segment of Rachel and who knows with my new found writing routines I might even finish the book. Thank you for all your kind comments and encouragement.

Rachel leaned forward, her cell phone pressed to the windshield. A soft sigh escaped when she read the words No Signal.

“So what’s your story, Jase?”

Jase stared for a second and then a slow smile crinkled on his tanned face.

“Well, we can listen to a radio playing more static than Garth Brooks or we can talk?” Rachel said, “We could start with what does Jase stands for?”

He reached forward and silenced the radio. “Jason Cole Branson at your service Officer.” He answered with a wink.

God, he was one cocky cowboys. At least she hoped that was his worst fault.

“Okay, tell me a little bit about Jason Cole Branson.”

He leaned across Rachel his right arm stretching toward the glove compartment.

“Whoa, what’re you doing?” She said.

Her hand slid to her belt comforted by the sidearm.

“Hold on, don’t go getting all excited. I’m not going to pull anything.” He said.

Jase shook his head in disbelief at this trigger happy woman. “You wanted to know who I am, well here.”

He tossed the leather wallet in her lap and slammed the compartment closed.

“You’re a sheriff?”

“Yes Ma’am, and if you’ll tell me what’s going on maybe I can help.”

For the first time all day Rachel felt relief. She wasn’t riding off into the sunset with some crazed maniac, but another fellow officer of the law.

Leaning back against the passenger door, she relaxed and began talking. Who knows, maybe she could use his help. At least his blue eyes and good looks would make for pleasant company.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter!

This Weeks 5 Star Book Recommendation

Published on April 24, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Searching for a good book to read this weekend?

5gold-star3 If you’re ready to curl up with a good book here is another five-star recommendation from me.

Whether it’s a thriller, mystery, love story, historical romance, or YA dystopian series they all must have one thing in common, the theme must grip me. The story must grab me, hold me, enthrall me or cause me to suspend belief for a few hours. The books I give a five-star recommendation do that and more.

Before I Go To Sleep: A Novel [Kindle Edition] by S. J. Watson

This story is disorienting, unique, unusual unnerving and gripping. Be prepared, this is a long book and once you get into it, like me, you may read until the wee hours of the morning.

The story is about a woman who wakes every morning with no memory. She doesn’t recognize the person in the mirror or the man next to her in bed. Working with a doctor, she begins a journal, keeping track of her days, trying to unravel her past and the mystery of who she is. What she discovers is not what anyone expects.