Creative writing – Page 17

How to write the best opening scene?

Published on February 7, 2018May 3, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell17 Comments

How much action is too much?

Writing action in a story isn’t always easy.

At least not for me. Because I’m currently struggling with this very thing. The first couple of chapters have to be right or I can’t move on. I go back and forth trying to get that balance just right.

Writing the balance between action and story in those first few chapters is crucial to hooking a reader. Too much action and I risk exhaustion, too little and I may bore the reader to death.

So where does a story really begin?

I recently read a great article about starting at the true beginning of a story.

“When you are looking for your story’s true beginning, look for the first event that changed your character’s path.” M.L. Keller

Ms. Keller reminds us that we need to connect dots with a change to move our story forward.

Great advice for this writer.

So, seems I need to find the catalyst that changed things for my protagonist and start there. Link events with other changes to propel the story forward. Hmmm. This may be doable.

After I read her article a couple more times or maybe six, maybe I’ll get it. LOL

Click on the link to Ms. Keller’s post below and see what you think.

Opening Action: how to make it work By M.L. Keller

Are her tips helpful to find the true beginning of your story?

Do you think it’s important to write action in the beginning?

Are you guilty of writing too much backstory too soon?

Got any tips for writing a terrific first chapter?

Please share your thoughts!

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Are you embarrassed to share?

Published on February 2, 2018February 1, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

Say it loud and proud.

4 magic words, not to be confused with 3 wishes.

I’m writing a book.

But as Fiona Quinn explains, there are 4 words that can magically open windows to information. I’m writing a book.

There are lots of places to get information. You know me, I’m a Google-it nut. But on occasion, you may need the help of a professional. And the best way to get them to open up and share their expertise is these 4 magical words—I’m writing a book.

From now own, I’m not going to be shy about using them. I don’t know about you but I always hesitated when someone asks how I spend my time. But time to put my big girl britches on, square my shoulders and speak out. Never know where these 4 magical words might lead me. Thanks, Fiona!

I’m writing a book.

Guest Post: Four Magic Words by Fiona Quinn

Facts are as important as grammar, and punctuation. So as you go through your editing process, be sure and check the facts. Large and small are important.

Do you have trouble sharing that you’re writing a book?

Have you used experts for advice? How’d that go?

Are you shy about your writing? Why?

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Is your monster really scary enough for nightmares?

Published on January 31, 2018January 31, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell17 Comments

Monsters lurk about in many forms.

Doesn’t have to be Big Foot or a dragon. A hateful neighbor or classmate, a work colleague, even a stranger on the street can be monsters in your story.

One man’s monster is another man’s pet. A monster can live in the protagonists past, their imagination or in a secret held close. It can take the form of an illogical or logical phobia, or a real flesh and blood monster.

The trick to writing about monsters as well as fantasy creatures is in the description and then escalating that fear. Bringing that fear to life is the goal of writers.

Readers love to feel the fear of a character. The right description determines whether a character is a paper doll cutout or a 3D believable personality.

Now Y’all know how much I love my cheat sheets, so guess what? Seems there is a list for just about everything. After reading the websites below, I combined some of the high points into an infographic for my readers.

Here is what I learned from the sources below…

A phobia is a great way to start scaring the bejesus out of your readers. Give your protagonist a phobia and build on that.

Want more information? Click on these links!

WHAT MAKES A MONSTER SCARY?

MONSTERS AND CREATURES VOCABULARY WORD LIST (282)

Monster – Quotes And Descriptions To Inspire Creative Writing

Monsters and Mythical Beasts Vocabulary Word List

Tell me…

Do you have trouble describing scary scenes or monster?

Did these tips help you with descriptions?

Do any of your characters have a phobia? Gonna give them one now?

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What was that? I heard something.

Published on January 29, 2018January 30, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell18 Comments

Was it a car backfiring or a gunshot?

In the dead of night, you might not be sure. No one heard the noise but you. So you try and describe what you heard. Ever happen to you?

Describing sound is sort of like grasping at smoke. One drifts through your fingers and the other fades from your mind until they are gone.

As a writer, I find describing a sound is harder than describing an object. A picture or an object or a location is easier because I can see it. Well, what’s a writer do?

How about a new tool that lets you hear the sound you are trying to describe?

Y’all know me. I love tech gadgets. Especially when it’s at my fingertips.

Last week I discovered several websites for sounds.

First up is…

Soundsnap.com

Want to describe a gunshot? Well, SoundSnap has 4592 variations from which to choose. Choose the type of gun and where. Is your character firing a single gun in a large room or loading and firing a rifle at a target practice. Outdoor, indoor, or at a target range?

(https://www.soundeffectsplus.com/product/gun-gunshot-single-01/)

What about the sound of ocean waves? Crashing, soft, against pebbles, sand, clifts or big rocks. SoundSnap gives you 281 different choices.

Everything from sports, crowds, shoppers, crying, you name it. Barking dog? What type of dog? With SoundSnap you can find it all from every day mundane to the gross and bizarre. The choices are only limited by your imagination.

This app is so much fun. It’s tree to join or you can subscribe to a monthly membership. Also, you can purchase a sound. On occasion, you may find a few sounds that are free to download. SoundSnap even gives you information as to who submitted the sound.

AND it is always FREE to listen.

So now when you look up pictures to help with a description, you can now look up sounds to give your story a bit more realism.

Want FREE? Try…

https://www.soundeffectsplus.com/

https://www.zapsplat.com/

Once you register, you can download sounds for free.

Another place to find specific sounds for purchase is …

Airborne Sound — **http://www.airbornesound.com/**

And of course, there is always…

https://www.youtube.com

The good thing about YouTube in addition to sounds you can also find videos. However, I found it a little more difficult to narrow down to a specific individual sound.

Ever wish you could hear a sound to better describe it for your readers?