creative – Page 6 – Jean's Writing

Mark your calendar

Published on January 21, 2015January 24, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Ready Set Go

Opportunities in Writing

With the New Year comes new opportunities to submit your writing. There’s something for everyone who writes. Have some fun and get those keyboards clicking.

`January 23^rd:`

Ann Summers. Whether you’re inspired by fantasies or personal experiences, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, we’re not fussy) and write us a steamy story of 750 – 1,000 words by 23 January 2015.

January 30^th:

deadline for Grey Matter Press, Dark fiction publisher Grey Matter Press has opened submissions to its next anthology tentatively titled, MONSTERS, featuring a collection of horror stories that explore the darkest monsters who dwell among us—mankind. – For additional info click here.

February 8^th:

Flash Fiction Chronicles GUIDELINES The contest is open for eight days only. Anyone may enter. All entries must be in English and submitted through our submission manager. Our regular daily prompts will be suspended during the length of the contest. The complete guidelines will be published with the prompt on February 8. Click on link for all the information.

Now through February 15^th:

MASH Stories. The second no-no is missing the deadline. MASH stories runs every quarter, meaning every three months and a total of four times a year. The deadline for the current competition is 15th January 2015, and the winner will be announced on 15th February 2015.

April 1^st:

Lascaux 250 The next 250-word fiction contest will take place 1 April to 30 June. We’ll begin accepting submissions on 1 April but won’t begin posting them until 15 June.

May 31^st:

Words with JAM First Page Competition 2015. It’s that time of year again. We’re looking for the most captivating first page (up to 400 words) of a story. Entries can be from a novel published, unpublished, a part written novel, or simply a first page written purely for the competition. Entries will be judged anonymously.

Do you know of any good opportunities for submission?

My fellow writers and I would love to hear from you.

Let us know, feel free to leave the links and facts in the comments section where other writers can find the information.

Have you practiced today?

Published on May 22, 2014May 22, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Thanks to Lillie McFerrin for reminding me to practice, practice, practice. Sometimes I get so busy with my WIP, and life in general, that I forget how important it is to practice my writing.

Five Sentence Fiction is a great place to do just that. So again, a big thank you to Lillie.

If you are looking for a place to work on your skills check out FSF.

Below is my Five Sentence contribution this week. Enjoy.

Let me know how you practice. Do you have a favorite site or routine? Leave a comment and the link. Thanks.

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.

The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week: ANCHOR

All week people came to attend the celebrations.

They honored her with words like groundbreaking, innovative and pioneer.

She accepted their admiration; after all, she’d worked long hours to arrive at this pinnacle in life.

She’d dodged bullets, survived mergers and interviewed presidents.

As she listened to her well-meaning friends, she grew weary from the weight of her accomplishments, and now she just wanted to go home.

Separating the chaff

Published on January 29, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

I’ve noticed more and more everyone appears to be on the same wave length. Not that I mind, because my in-box is overflowing with knowledge. However, I try and pick out the nuggets. As with all trends this one will soon fade and another take its place. So, I’m making notes and hope I won’t forget which file I’ve stashed all this wealth.

I’ve not had a lot of time to write, life happened, but I’m reading and studying. Maybe you’ll find some of these nuggets helpful too.

Ever have trouble with character names? Thanks to TWL, here is a fun one I hadn’t thought of: Use a combination of the names of your favorite authors. TWL is a blog with tons of great ideas for research. A new one for me was setting up Google Alerts.
Trouble writing about your life? Do it in 20 statements.
And of course, who of us hasn’t had trouble with the middle? Check out the Kill Zone blog for ways to navigate the muddy middle blues.
If you are looking for ways to describe emotion, weather, or negative traits the Writers Helping Writers is a must read.

There are tons more, but these offered something unique. If you’ve found a post, that has helped you in your writing, let me know. Let’s pass it on.

Do it For Pleasure

Published on December 15, 2012December 15, 2012 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

My novel stalled over the summer, but then I remembered why I’d started this book. It began as a project for my granddaughters. A recent conversation with one of them prompted me to get off my procrastinating duff and get busy. I’d allowed myself to be sidelined by many of the blogs and self-help articles on how to write, sell and publish.

My Inbox filled to overflowing, reading one after another, soon I’m sucked in, and the day is gone. Now don’t get me wrong, nine out of ten are terrific and worth reading if that’s how I wished to spend my time, but I’ve got a novel to write.

Since that day things have been progressing much better. I’m still not moving at lightening speed but after the holidays, I plan on no excuses.

After the events in Connecticut yesterday, I’m reminded once more how precious time is and if I’m to finish my novel before my grandkids have kids of their own, I will keep my goal in sight. So, I’ll do my best to remember the only accolades I want or need for this book are the ones coming from five adoring fans who think I’m great no matter how many copies I’ll sell. They are my target audience.

Should anyone else enjoy the words I put between the first page and last, well that’ll be icing on the cake. Now I’ve some writing to do for the love of some young readers and the pure pleasure of writing.

Stay motivated.

Jean