How to write in the in-between

Published on November 24, 2015November 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Weird, I know.

But how many times do we get bogged down in the muck of too many details? A small scene involving backstory or an effort to flesh out a character quickly turns to an info dump.

Or we lean the other way by not giving enough info to engage the reader.

Maybe I’m the only writer out there with these problems. But I don’t think so. My biggest problem is I lean toward too little in an info scene. That can leave a reader scratching their head, not sure what’s happening.

As a writer, finding a good balance is important.

Give the readers the information needed to understand the theme, and characters without going off on a boring tangent.

In theory, it sounds simple.

However, I’ve found writing those in-between scenes anything but easy or simple. Why? Because every scene, big or small, should have a life of its own.

So if you’re struggling with a particular scene, the following article might give you a push in the right direction.

Alex Limberg over at Write it Sideways, gives us 4 suggestions for writing those types of scenes. Suggestions that keep the story moving.

Stash, Trash or Refresh: The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Boring In-Between Story Parts

Tell me, do you struggle with the in-betweens? Let me know in the comments section and follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

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Are you Timid, Nervous or Couragous?

Published on November 20, 2015November 19, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

I’ll admit, I fall somewhere between Timid Tammy and Nervous Nell.

For a positive, happy person, blowing my own horn is not easy. I don’t like to ask for help or favors. I’m a terrible salesperson. I believe in me, but the idea that others might find value in what I’ve accomplished sounds a bit far-fetched.

Hiding behind a computer screen is a lot easier than speaking face-to-face with a group of strangers. I fumble with “the ask.”

I even found it difficult to help my daughter sell her Girl Scout Cookies. Now that’s just plain pitiful. I mean, who can’t sell GS cookies. Everyone loves them. But I ended up buying more than we sold. Of course loving the Peanutbutter patties helped.

I wonder, do all authors get a case of the jitters when it comes to selling their work?

Surely, I’m not the only writer out there who fears rejection. Maybe I’m not the only one who relates to the Lion in Oz.

I’m curious. Let me know where and how did you market your book?

Did you go to a local bookstore? Library? Call all your friends and relatives?

Spatter Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media sites?

What was your experience? Are you a good salesperson?

I found this article very encouraging, I hope you do too.

Opinion: Asking Takes Courage posted on ALLI November 16, 2015 by Mohana Rajakumar

Talk to me in the comments and please remember to check me out at my @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

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Need a good read for the weekend?

Published on November 12, 2015November 11, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Well, I’ve got two for you!

First up, I received an advance copy of this book and boy am I glad.

The Knowing by Ninie Hammon is a hold on to your seat, gripping story that will give you nightmares.

She is the author of one of my all time favorite books, The Memorie Closet. Her new release The Knowing is just as amazing. Can’t wait for the next one.

Page one and I was hooked! Ripped from the headlines, this book is every parents nightmare, Shooter on campus of elementary school. The impact of the shooting on the characters will give any reader pause. Lives are changed as everyone searches for answers.

I’m not a big believer in angels or demons and so I rarely read books on the subject. But, I could not put down The Knowing. The writing and her ability to weave a remarkable story, kept me reading. Move over Stephen King there’s a new bestseller in town.

Congrats! To Ninie Hammon, she hit this one out of the park.

My next recommendation is-

Take Off Your Pants – Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker.

If you are like me, you’ve more “how to” books than you’ll ever read. But this is one you must add to your library. She makes planning your book simple.

Don’t like to outline? No problem.

Prefer to write by the seat of your pants? No problem.

This book gives a plan for combining the best of both writers.

Plus, Ms. Hawker explains “character arc” in terms even a kid can understand. For the first time ever, I “got it.”

This book changed my entire thought process on mapping out a book.

If you’ve had trouble with outlines and characters, I recommend you read Take off Your Pants!

So there you have it, two books for your weekend reading pleasure.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think, read any good books lately? And please join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
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PS:

Coming soon! My children’s book Tryouts for Ben!