How to transform your writing into beautiful magic

Published on March 14, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

I’m not talking about witches and warlocks. Nor, voodoo, potions, or card tricks.

Deception TV Show — Photo curtsey of IMBD

I’m talking about rhythm that unlocks magic in a story.

Makes you want to dance.

Every story has a rhythm. A story can stop and stutter like a car running out of gas. Or purr along like a smooth luxury car, as the rider enjoys the view. Or take your breath away thrilling you with the speed and power of a race car.

Which type of rhythm describes your story?

How a story flows, transforming words into poetry. Lyrical writing produces a rich, layered, evocative, and beautiful story. Rhythm creates and connects emotion to your reader.

WAIT. Don’t stop reading. NOT talking poetry or song lyrics. I’m talking musical storytelling.

About writing a story that moves the reader on a deep, emotional level. Words with musical magic. To write a story that takes my breath away with images and movement. That’s my goal.

So far here’s what I’ve learned about writing with rhythm:

The brain loves music.
Readers recognize rhythm in a story.
Creates a mood.
Pace determines rhythm.
Repetition is effective.
Avoid purple prose. (too many adjectives)
Vary sentence length.
Rhythm makes words dance on the page.
Use soft and hard sounds.
Tension and release, add rhythm to a scene.
Write with your ear. Listen for music in the words.
To be, is, and was suck the music out of the sentence. Substitute with verbs.
Adjectives next to nouns sound better than a preposition.
Music can help. So, I’m gonna listen to more music.

One day, I hope to write something worth remembering. Words that transform the reader and leave them wanting more.

What about you? Do you write with rhythm?

Have you ever thought about the rhythm of a story?

Do you have a tip to help me add beautiful, magical rhythm to my words?

Want to read more about rhythm writing? Check out the articles below.

Rhythm in Writing: How to Make Your Words Swing and Swirl by Henneke

5 Tips About Writing with Rhythm By Mark Nichol

Does Your Writing Have Rhythm? By Jami Gold

Choose words for sound. Improve your Alice Effect By Jack Hamann

Poetry: Making Music with Words by Melissa Donovan

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This is what they don’t tell you about becoming a writer.

Published on March 20, 2015March 26, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

It’s damn hard and scary as hell.

Equipment?

That brand new, super fast laptop with all the bells and whistles doesn’t a writer make. Although the salesman swore your book would almost write itself. But you do find it easier to waste time as you are sucked into more and more social media websites. Those dancing cats are funny.

A room to work?

You work like a dog clean out that tiny room the one with the ugly chair and lamp, a years worth of old magazines, tax files and unpacked boxes. Yeah, that room. Now that the old desk shines like new and is free of dust and clutter writing should be a breeze.

Accessories

A small printer sits on the edge, filled with paper at the ready. On the right is a mug from your husband. Writer at work. His idea of being supportive.

A muddled brain…

Late last night your eyes refused to close, your brain refused to quiet and sleep was nowhere to be found. You had enough story ideas for several breakout best-selling novels. Not to mention all the blog posts you could write. Now, as you sit in your new ergonomic chair, your mind goes blank. As blank as the white unlined paper stacked in the printer on your left.

The only thoughts filling your mind now are nagging doubts.

What works for me?

Continue reading “This is what they don’t tell you about becoming a writer.” →

Waltz Across Texas

Published on August 2, 2014August 2, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Waltz Across Texas

I’d never planned to stop dancing to the music. The music I loved, but life happened.

A whiff of sawdust, the twang of a guitar or the taste of a cold beer and I’d long for another place another time. Long to recapture that which was lost, but I’d waited too late.

Or so I’d thought, until last night when in your arms, safe and secure, the years fell away, music filled the air and we waltzed across time.

This was my contribution to Lillie McFerrin Writes Five Sentence Fiction

Five Sentence Fiction – Secure

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’s word: SECURE