Creative writing – Page 79

So, tell me what do you think?

Published on April 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell32 Comments

I really need to know.

Little nervous, pausing to wipe sweat from my keyboard.

Okay, I’m ready

Little Princess will soon make her debut!

But before she does, I need your advice!

Here is a copy of her book cover I’m considering.

Please let me know what you think. This is a picture book for preschoolers. Square, 8.25 x 8.25 inches.

Do be candid but also kind.

02-825

back cover

Should I do something totally different?

Any suggestions?

Thank y’all so much for your help!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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

How to become a better writer

Published on April 25, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

My catch up letter for the A-Z Challenge letter is

R= Read

Read, read and read some more, that’s how.

This is what you, my writer friends, have taught me. That, if I want to be a writer, I must read and read a lot.

Not just read trade books on how to improve the craft of writing but I read for pleasure.

Why should a writer read for pleasure?

For pure joy and love of reading.
Inspiration.
Plot themes and ideas.
Word-play and usage.
Analyze the genre.
Analyze the twists and turns.
I always learn something new.

I continue to read. So that I can continue to write.

Books that tell a story I can savor long after I turn the last page. Some are old friends, some are new ones, and some are short stories that pop up in my inbox from great bloggers.

Do you read to become a better writer?

Do you think reading makes you a better writer?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Below are links to read more tips on better reading your way to better writing.

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

5 Ways To Be A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing in The Process Belle Beth Cooper

Seven Books To Read Before You Start Writing Your Own by Vani at Scroll In http://scroll.in/

How to Use Reading to Become a Better Writer at Write to Done

Want to Be a Better Writer? Read More by Mike Hanski

Do you know which questions you need to ask?

Published on April 24, 2016April 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Today’s A-Z Challenge letter is Q

Q= Question

Why? But why?

The whine of a toddler is like nails on a chalkboard after hearing that one word for the thousandth time. But Mom’s will take a deep breath and answer as best they can.

Why do we put up with the constant questions?

Because questions are important.

Teachers encourage children, telling them there are no dumb questions. Curiosity is not what kills the cat, it is what builds worlds, cures diseases and invents the internet.

Questions lead us down the path of discovery. One question leads to another and another and like bread crumbs to new kingdoms.

Questions can prod you when stumped and breathe new life into your character or situation.

And if you’re lucky, questions and answers will piece together and make a great story. Or at least a good one.

So what questions need answers?

What is the story about?
What is the point of the story?
Who are the characters?
What are they doing?
Where are they going?
What do the characters want?
What do the characters feel?
Are the characters believable?
Where does the story happen?
Where does it end?

And the all important question…

What if?

Over and over a wide-eyed toddler stares up at their mom demanding to know why about everything in their ever-expanding world.

If you do the same of you story and characters , you might find the world you’re writing ever-expanding too.

If you’d like to read questions that successful writers ask when they write, I’ve added some links at the bottom of the page.

What questions do you ask when writing?

Do you map out certain questions to answer before you start?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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

25 QUESTIONS TO ASK AS YOU WRITE by Chuck Wendig

7 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Write Your Novel by Christine Barcellona

5 Key Questions to Ask as You Write Your Novel by CS Lakin

How to share more great posts at once!

Published on April 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Stepping away from my swift crawl to catch up with the A-Z Challenge, so I could share a recent post from Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life by Sally G. Cronin. Not just because yours truly is right smack dab in the middle of her page but because I thought the concept of showcasing several writers one post a great idea.

Hope you enjoy, read and make new friends.

Welcome to this week’s look at the creative posts written by bloggers here on WordPress this week. I am only one woman (I say this modestly) so, unfortunately, it is beyond me to read every won….

Source: Mention in Dispatches – Shopping with Mother, Disappearing Eagles and Tibetan Rites

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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