Creative writing – Page 60

What would happen to your story in a fire?

Published on September 30, 2016September 26, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell36 Comments

Or a flood, or should someone steal your computer?

I don’t know about you but, I’d have a freaking heart attack! laptop-fire

We’ve all know to back up our work. I do this religiously to an external hard drive. A hard drive that is in my closet, that would burn up with my laptop and house in a fire.

Geesh! Give me a minute while I bang my head on table.

September 15, 2016, the Associated Press reported about a fire. Nothing unusual about fires, they happen every day. Unless you are the victim. As was the case for Gideon Hodge a novelist that realized his only copies were on a laptop inside.

Mr. Hodge rushed past firefighters into the blazing inferno to save his computer.

superman-meme

Man dashes into house to save laptop, 2 completed novels from fire in New Orleans’ Broadmoor neighborhood BY MATT SLEDGE

So all of this got me to thinking. I better find a better way to back up my work. I have a lot of finished and unfinished stories on my computer.

But which is the best storage service to use?

I’ve used Google Drive for docs and pics I wanted to share but not for storage. I may give this another look as it is super easy to use. Google Drive is encrypted using SSL, the same security protocol used on Gmail and other Google services. 15 GB of storage won’t last forever but I can buy more as needed.

I’ve also used Dropbox in the past. It too is very easy to use and crosses many platforms. Dropping between my MS laptop to my Ipad with no trouble at all. The free version is only 2GBs but here again, I can buy more if I need it. Dropbox also allows you to encrypt each file for security.

I’ve tried Evernote for small things. I don’t know how it would work for larger items such as a manuscript.

For now, I’m leaning toward Google Drive.

But there are a lot more out there, including tips for Mac users. Check out this post:

Ask the Writers: Which Cloud Storage Service Do You Use by Laura Tucker

What about you?

Do you have a safety net for your writing?

Don’t let all of your blood sweat and tears be lost forever.

Which one do you use?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

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Can an attitude adjustment make your story better?

Published on September 26, 2016September 22, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Well, maybe. Sometimes just like kids our characters need an attitude adjustment.

A change in attitude at our house could save my kids a world of grief. And me a lot of aggravation. Parents reading this know exactly what I’m talking about. wooden-spoon-adjustment

The mood in our house could go from calm and peaceful to stormy in zero to sixty seconds if someone couldn’t find their shoes or if one of their siblings “stole” a favorite toy.

If only I had a dollar every time I’ve said, “Watch your tone, young lady.” or “Child, you better change that attitude.” I’d be very rich.

Why am I talking about tone and atmosphere?

Because I’m learning how important it is to put these two things at the beginning of a story.

I’m currently reading Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules Kindle Edition by Steven James and one of the things he talks about is setting the tone and atmosphere for the story.

Mr. James explains the reader becomes enmeshed in their surroundings from page one. So it’s important to set the stage early, to create a mood, and tone that is consistent with promises you’ve made to the reader.

In a story, we establish the mood through the setting. Such as in music, layout, weather, room decor, lights, etc.

The tone is something else. That is conveyed through dialog. The voice, dialect, rhythm, and style that tells the story.

“You better change your tone girl.” Another admonishment my daughter has heard me say a few hundred times. In a few clipped words, she could convey acid like sarcasm that’d peel paint from the wall.

Image result for attitude adjustment maxine meme

I’m not even half-way through Mr. James book but I can tell you it will find a permanent place in my library.

What do you think about setting the tone and establishing the mood as we write?

Do you have a tip that would help set the atmosphere? Do share!

Another great article on creating mood click: Creating the mood of a story: 5 tips for strong atmosphere at Now Novel

Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules by [James, Steven] — **Click and read a sample**

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New Book: Anatomy of a Song

Are your adjectives in the right order?

Published on September 21, 2016September 16, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

Ever wondered why a certain sentence doesn’t work?

You’ve written beautiful adjectives to describe your heroine but the sentence comes off too much. The words trip across your tongue as if your mouth is filled with marbles.

After reading a tweet that went viral, I now understand why this happens.

The adjectives must be in the correct order.

Opinion-size-age-shape-color-origin-material-purpose and last NOUN.

When we talk the words usually flow correctly. We don’t even notice it. But when writing sometimes a word ends up in the wrong place.

What is the tweet that gave me this ah-ha moment?

A tweet by Matthew Anderson. Matthew tweeted a screen shot from a book he was reading.

The excerpt is from The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase.

To read more about Matthew’s tweet and how to write the perfect phrase go to The Daily Buzz link below:

Do You Know This Crucial Piece of English Language Advice? by ALAN JUDE RYLAND

Have you ever encountered a problem with the order of adjectives?

Have you read either book?

What do you think about this rule? Does it make sense?

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How to decide on the best book cover

Published on September 19, 2016February 19, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

The cover of your book is a big decision.

We all want our book to stand out, to shine brighter than all the other books. Right?

But should you design your own or hire a designer?

I used Canva for one book, but I’m considering hiring a designer for the next book. Why? Because the more I read about book covers, the more I’m convinced a book benefits from a professional’s touch.

I think Bryan over at Become a Writer Today, has some terrific tips for a successful book cover. The idea of making a Pinterest board of covers is a great idea. With this type of board, whether you design your own or hire a pro, you have an idea for what is selling. I’d never thought of that, but that is now on my to-do list.

Click on the link below and read all of his tips.

Publishing a Book? Then You’ll Need a Eye-catching Cover by Bryan

Tell me…

Did you design your cover?

Or did you hire a pro? How did you find a professional designer?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.