Tag: Creativity

How to improve your writing with these simple rules

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Do you feel like rules stifle your creativity?

That too many rules, like cooks, ruin the outcome?

Well, following the rules need not be confusing. Thanks to Barbara Delinsky boils down the rules of writing to 5 easy to understand and follow.

  1. Homework.
    • Research will help you write about everything. Thank goodness for Google. Personally, I love researching a new topic. Too bad I get lost in all the cool info.
  2. Likable characters.
    • Everyone loves to cheer on the heroine and boo the villain. Don’t overdo their attributes.
  3. Scene purpose.
    • Write scenes that don’t distract or slow down your story.
  4. Move it, move it.
    • Keep the pace moving forward. Readers prefer heart-stopping speed to eloquent prose.
  5. Edit, and edit some more.
    • Edit everything. Edit typos, flow, context, inconsistencies, repetition, and boredom.

There you have it, my take on How to Write Like Delinsky: Five Rules Of Writing by Barbara Delinsky

Head over and read Barbara’s post and let me know what you think.

Do you follow her rules?

Have one of your own to add?

Are you a rule breaker or follower?

 

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Find out how to stop killing your voice

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

And let readers know your works by your voice.

As soon as I opened my mouth, friends knew it was me, even before caller ID.  All I had to say was hey.

Although I’m not particularly fond of teasing about my accent, I do want anyone who reads my book to recognize my writing. In a good way of course. Don’t you?

A few days ago I wrote tips on how to avoid writing like a newbie, which is my biggest fear. Even bigger than selling no books. Well, maybe they’re both my number one fears. A writer can have two at the top right? Anyway, the previous post was about how the pitfalls of word choice can show your newbie-ness. Seems there are way too many pitfalls to avoid. Thank God for Beta readers and Editors. Of course, I have to finish the manuscript and swallow my insecurities and turn my baby over to them. I think that’s also why I procrastinate on finishing the damn thing. But back to the topic at hand.

Anytime I can find a tip to help improve my chances of producing an amateurish, embarrassing book, I leap on it.

Kiara Mijares at The Writing Cooperative gives us three tips to help in her article –

Click and read — You’re killing your writing voice. Here are 3 ways to stop

What I learned about keeping my writing voice alive.

  • The first thing I need to remember is to use my voice!
  • Like I often admonished my kids, “Think before you speak.” I need to apply the same principle to writing. After all, we’re speaking our story on to paper.
  • Again, as a mom, many a time, I reminded my kids, “You best remember who you’re talking to.” Another lesson I need to apply to my writing. As Kiara points out, we are striking up a conversation with a reader.
  • As with any good conversationalist, learn to listen. Listen to the reader. If a conversation is one-sided it becomes a speech.
  • Keep story tight and concise. Cut like a maniac with a switchblade.
  • Don’t stop to edit when writing that first draft. (A big problem for me.)
  • Speak aloud as you write to avoid sounding like a robot and to find a natural rhythm. (Hmm, this might help me stop editing as I go. Gotta try it.)

What do you think? Any of this ring a bell?

Does a reader instantly know you’re voice?

Have you ever thought about speaking aloud as you type?

What is your number one fear as a writer?

 

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How to avoid writing like a newbie

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Use the right word in the right place!

Know your Homophones!

Ah, English class 101. Ugh. Hated diagrams, homophones, spelling and confusing pitfalls of a word choice. All I wanted to do was read and write stories. You know, fun stuff.

But alas since I didn’t memorize all the hard stuff, refresher courses are required from time to time as the article by  reminds me.

Melissa wrote a piece on the homophone compliment vs. complement. One letter (e) changes the entire meaning of the word.

Homophone

To make our life a bit easier I’ve found a few links for homophones. Check these out below and bookmark them for the future. Because if you’re like me one day you’re gonna get caught with a homophone in the wrong hanging out in the wrong place.

PS:

I thank the Gods for Spell Check because I’m terrible at spelling. But, do remember Spell Check programs will not pick up on homophones because they are spelled correctly. So watch out for these pesky minefields.

As usual, meet me at the water cooler and tell me what’s on your mind.

Do you remember all lessons from your English classes?

If homophones aren’t your biggest problem, what does trip you up?

 

 

Click and read.

Homophones: Compliment vs. Complement  by 

List of Homophones

The world’s only complete homophone list

Grammarist

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