Are you crying as you write?

Published on August 31, 2015August 26, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Wow! This is, simply put, some of the best writing advice I’ve read in a long time.

Let yourself cry: Jennifer Niven’s inspirational top writing tips

I particularly like #4. No maybe #6 and #7. Wait, no, #9 is good too. Oh, forget it, I can’t pick a favorite. All 12 really hit home for me.

Her advice is simple in its beauty. Sometimes I think we as writers need to be reminded to stop and smell the story. To laugh, cry and fall in love with our story.

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Thank you!

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Don’t let fear stop you!

Published on August 28, 2015August 26, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Don’t let self-doubt rule your writing!

Head over and read 6 Things That All New Fiction Writers Are Mortally Terrified Of Hearing by EMMA LORD.

OMG! These are so true!

I broke out in a cold sweat reading her blog post. beaver-46243_640

Of course I could add another one, like…

Huh? I don’t get it?

Yeah, that would stink. Spend weeks, months or even years writing a story that no one “gets” it.

As a writer, what is your greatest fear?

Let me know in the comments.

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share with your friends. Let them know they are not alone. We all whistle in the dark.

Thank you!

If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Do you want a great tip?

Published on August 27, 2015August 26, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Well, I’ve got 3 editing tips for you!

If you’ve read any of my posts you know that I’m a bit weak when it comes to self-editing. Always searching for a new tool, new tip or a better way to edit my writing.

Should I ever find a shortcut for fixing my mixed up tenses, I’ll be over the moon happy.

Writing involves way too much DIY editing. So I rely on several editing programs, but no program is a substitute for a great hands on tip by a successful author.

Love, love, love when I learn something new that helps me!

Thanks to Rachel Carrera, Novelist for requesting editing tips and to Kristina Stanley for her terrific tips.

I really liked Kristina’s suggestion to keep a spreadsheet to track things like scene beginnings.

Scene beginnings! Never thought of that! Thanks Kristina.

Click here and read On Editing with Kristina Stanley for help with your editing process.

Now gotta go work on my spread sheet.

spreadsheet

Do you have a good self-editing tip?

Share in the comments!

You’ve made it this far, please give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.

Thank you!

If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Are you staying current?

Published on August 25, 2015August 24, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

What’s current in your genre?

Do you know?

Want to write YA?

Find out what they are reading and writing. Stay Young at Heart

A good place to start is WattPad.

One of my granddaughters, a writer of fanfiction, turned me on to Wattpad. There you can see what’s trending with the YA group, find contests and even test the waters, if you’re brave enough.

Are you writing murder and mayhem? Romance? Hot XXX? Or Children’s books?

So maybe you need to find out what is trending in those genres. A good place to start is with the best sellers list. Check out what everyone is saying about the top ten on Amazon, Goodreads and Barns & Noble.

I don’t have a crystal ball, and I’m not suggesting that you try to guess what the next big thing will be. However, I do believe it’s good to stay current.

For instance, LOL is now old school. Sigh, I was just getting used to using it. LOL RIP

Reading and writing are an important part of my life and I’m always looking for ways to improve. Staying current and reading good writing, no matter the genre never fails to help.

Do you think it’s important to know what everyone is reading?

How do you stay current?

How do you keep your writing from getting stale?

Let me know in the comments section and then share this post with your Facebook and Twitter friends.
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