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Do you start stories with a nutgraf?

Published on March 1, 2015March 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Nut what?

Sunday afternoon and I’m breezing through my emails. I need to pay bills, after all, it’s the first of the month. However, my inbox is overflowing. But we all know it’s more fun to read emails, than pay bills. Click, delete, click, read a little, click, read a good story, click… whoa.

Nut what? I continued reading IMITATION IS PART OF BEING A WRITER, by Jane Friedman. So intrigued, I clicked on the links she provided and kept right on reading. Love it when I discover new information that makes me a better writer. Thanks, Jane.

Nut…

Nutgraf is slang for the editorial heart of a story.

It tells the reader what the story is about and why the reader should care.

Next link I learned from Theo Pauline Nestor, who explains on her blog WRITING IS MY DRINK, not only what a nutgraf is but how to use a nutgraf “trick”. (Also spelled Nut Graf or Nut Graph).

Maybe you’re shaking your head, thinking, Jean, you didn’t know what a nutgraf was? Nope, I didn’t, but I do now and I’m excited to practice.

Do you want to know?

Head on over to and read NUTGRAFS FOR MEMOIRS AND PERSONAL ESSAYS to begin your quest.

Happy writing!

Just Add Cowboy by Sean Bernard

Can you write a kiss?

Published on February 28, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Romance writing is not my genre.

However, it’s good to step out of our comfort zone and stretch those writing muscles every now and then. After reading A Writer’s Path today I decided to try my hand at writing a kissing scene.

How would you write a kiss?

It’s not as easy as I thought. In fact I revised the tiny little piece below several times. I’d be embarrassed to give you the number.

Welcome Home

I watch, listen and wait. Outside, gravel crunches under tires, the car door slams, and his boots echo against the walk. My heart synchronizing with the pounding of his steps.

The door opens and I’m wrapped in his warm embrace. Nose to nose, heart to heart, I bask in his love. Our lips meet, and his kiss feeds my soul. At last, I can breathe. My joy, my life is home.

Thanks Ryan for the inspiration and the tips .

Get additional inspiration over at GalleyCat . Find tips from 20 Authors.

I hope you will have a bit of fun and give it a try.

Post your kissing, love scene, in the comments or leave us a link to your blog.

Remember the Good Times

Published on February 25, 2015February 25, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

“No, I don’t remember. There’s only so much room in my brain, something has to go.”

That’s my go-to answer for when I don’t remember shit, for when I’ve forgotten names, birthdays or to pay the bills.

I wish I could select which memories to throw away and which ones to store for safe keeping. If I could, I’d make sure just happy memories filled my mind, because everyone should remember the good times.

Thanks to Lillie McFerrin at Five Sentence Fiction, for prompting me to write five sentences.

This week’s prompt – FORGOTTEN

Hop over and join in the fun. Write five sentences today. Share with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.

How to send books to your Kindle

Published on February 25, 2015March 1, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Get the Send To Kindle download now! Free and easy!

The Last Safe Place — $2.99 at Amazon.com

This software lets you send books and documents to your Kindle with ease.

Thanks Ninie Hammon for the tip and link for the new click & send Kindle software.

Can’t wait to read The Last Safe Place.

I love Twitter. That’s how I found Ms. Hammon and her blogs. After you’ve check out all her books be sure and click on her Blog for Writers. You’ll find a wealth of info there.