Creativity – Jean's Writing

Do you know what today is?

Published on April 2, 2019April 3, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY!

Thanks to my favorite Ape, and Jo Robinson for reminding me!

International Childrens Book Day

And a happy birthday to one of my favorite authors, Hans Christian Anderson. I’m sure there isn’t a parent in the world who doesn’t know The Little Mermaid. But did you know it was written in 1837? Just goes to show you good books last forever.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t showcase my children’s books. I hope you’ll head over to Amazon and check mine out. While I in no way stand alongside Hans Christian Anderson, I’m very proud of my books. Easter is coming and a book makes a great gift.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to give the gift of imagination. So, y’all give a book and light a fire of creativity in a child today. You never know who you might inspire to become the next great author.

Don’t have any little ones to gift a book? Teachers everywhere are in need of good books. There is always a place to make a reading impact. Ask around.

To read more about this holiday, check out these websites…

USBBY.org

Fun Holiday – International Children’s Book Day

Days of the Year

PS:

I’m currently finishing up my next picture book and searching for just the right editor and illustrator. Interested? Or know someone who might be interested? Use the Contact me button to let me know.

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AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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Time to let your hair down and have fun

Published on March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Jean M. CogdellLeave a comment

But, stay safe!

Here’s wishing everyone a fun Fat Tuesday.

Eat, drink and be merry! It’s time for Mardi Gras!

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AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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What do you think about first point of view?

Published on February 21, 2019February 18, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

Which do you prefer second, third or multiple?When I first began, writing in first person POV was frowned upon. Many bloggers insisted it was a hallmark of a novice. This was frustrating as hell because I love writing in 1st POV.

Now I understand that’s not what determines you, as a writer. Each writer is unique as is their story. A good story stands out no matter the POV.

There are pros and cons to everything, even the chosen POV. However, good stories are good and the only thing (IMHO) that waves the red flag of a novice is bad editing.

Thanks to one of my favorite bloggers for sharing…

10 Advantages of Writing a Single-POV Story (What I Learned Writing Wayfarer) by K.M. WEILAND

Why I like first person POV…

Understanding who is narrating the story is simple. No flipping back and forth to refresh my memory on the who.
The narrator’s journey gives a closer connection to the POV and story.
Focus of the story, plot, and the theme are more direct.
Subplots and supporting characters are directly connected to the narrator.
Single POV calls for tighter writing. (I love writing flash.)

Bottom line there is no right or wrong POV. We all must be true to the story.

Tell me…

Which POV do you prefer? Why?

Have you tried your hand at the other POV’s?

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How to be more productive as a panster

Published on February 11, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Try applying ‘living in the moment’ to your writing.

Sounds easy, right? Well, not for me. But the more I thought about the idea, the more I began to realize that is how I write. I write as my characters interact in their moments. Mindfulness is not just for day-to-day living, but for writing too.

Stay with me. Don’t let your mind wander.

Did you ever try to cram more and more into your day? And at the end feel as though you’d accomplished nothing? Me too.

After reading Writing By the Seat of Your Pants by Karen Bell-Brege, I began to understand how pansters are like improv artists.

Pansters let the characters improvise the flow of their story. We do not hold them to an outline.

What it means to write ‘live in the moment’?

Improv is storytelling. Weave the bold, weird and unusual into the story.
Focus. Focus on the immediate action in the story. Don’t think about anything else but what is happening on your screen.
Say yes. I loved this tip. Stuck? Start the next sentence with yes…
Even the darkest story has humorous moments. Add a little laughter to the tears.
Remember objects, everyday objects and even imaginary objects, add realism to the story. Look around the area your character is in at the moment. Show the reader what you see.
Show movement. Characters move, show your readers what they are doing.
Listen. Listen not just to what your characters are saying, but to the noises around them. Is there a radio, tv, diners, birds, etc.?

These are just a few of the tips I gleaned from Karen’s article. Head over to her post and tell me what you think.

Have you ever wanted to add humor to your story?

Do you stay in the moment with your characters?

Have you ever thought of writing as improv?

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AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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