fiction – Page 10 – Jean's Writing

Write with confidence when you discover your strength

Published on May 19, 2017May 18, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell20 Comments

Identify what you’re good at and grow stronger.

That’s right. We stand a little taller and walk with confidence when we’re proud of something. So play to your strong stuff.

It’s also important to think about our weaknesses.

Me, my biggest weakness is tenses. I mix up the present and past tense all the time. Can’t help it so I’ve learned to accept this as a flaw and seek out help from grammar experts. Oh spelling, I’m terrible at spelling. Thank God for spell check.

A strength, imagination. I have a vivid imagination. Some of the crap that pops in my mind would get me committed to a state institution if I shared it all. LOL

But another weakness I have is finishing the damn story.

I’ve dozens of story starts, but like a coon dog with a good nose, I run off every time the wind blows a scent my way. There are dozens of files on my computer and several notebooks lying around with story ideas. Sigh…

So how does knowing all of this help make me a better writer?

We can write to our strengths if we know what they are.

In the article below by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod suggests that once we identify our weaknesses we can find workarounds or get help.

Becoming a writer: Why knowing your strengths and weaknesses MATTERS by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod

She gives a long list to get you started. I’ve shared a couple of my weakness and strengths, now what about you?

After you read her article, let me know what you think.

Did you find a strength or weakness on her list?

What is your writing strength?

Care to confess a weakness?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

PS: If you’re in the McKinney area, stop by. I’d love to meet you.

Seeking Advice – Audio Book Creation

Published on May 18, 2017May 17, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Thanks to Don Massenzio for asking the question so many writers need to know!

And, big thanks to the wonderful community of writers who answered Don’s call.

Pop over and read:

Source: Seeking Advice – Audio Book Creation

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Do you want advice help from the great Steven King?

Published on May 17, 2017May 16, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Do you want advice help from the great Steven King? I said it before and I’ll say it again.

Want to write well? Learn from the pros.

One of my all time favorites is Steven King. I mean who doesn’t love getting the bejesus scared out of you just before bedtime? Mr. King knows how to do just that. Anyone read “It?”

Back to what we can learn from the great “King.”

22 lessons from Stephen King on how to be a great writer

Here’s what I gleaned from an article at Business Insider. FYI- #9 and #12 are my favorites.

Turn off the TV and read more. Okay, no sacrifice there.
Brace yourself. Sorry, nothing prepares me for disappointment and rejection.
Stop wasting time being a people pleaser. A good writer is bound to step on some toes.
Write for yourself. (yep.)
Start with the tough stuff first. Hmm, gonna think on this some. There are times it’s all hard going.
Turn off the damn social media. Shut out the world and write.
Don’t write like you’ve got a stick up your ass. Using words readers must look up every third sentence is not a good idea.
Avoid adverbs. Seems I’ve heard that before. And don’t get too long-winded with the paragraphs.
Don’t pick grammar correctness over the story. Love this one!
Description is an art. I do love it when a passage paints a picture.
Keep the background in the back of the story.
Tell it like it is. Write what is real about real people.
Take risks, jump and write like no one is reading.
You don’t need a crutch like booze and pills to be creative. Stay sober and write.
Don’t be a mimic. Be true to yourself.
Write what’s in your head, like telepathy.
If you don’t take your writing seriously, no one else will either.
Write each day. Not sure I agree with this one because sometimes life gets in my way. Just saying. Sorry, Mr. King.
Three drafts in three months! Not in my world. But I could dream.
Finished? Let it rest before going further.
Cut, cut and gut. We’ve all heard how important it is to trim the fat.
Balance! Keep a good balance in your life.

So tell me? What did you get out of Mr. King’s 22 tips?

Which are your favorites?

Do you find reading about other authors helpful?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

‘The Mist’ Trailer: Stephen King’s Great Novella Heads to Television

Is Amazon’s new policy meant to be a fake-out for buyers?

Published on May 15, 2017May 12, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

The Independent Book Publishers Association thinks it will hurt writers and publishers. And I think it will confuse buyers.

The Texas Association of Authors keeps us pretty well-informed in the professional world of writers and publishers. Thank the good Lord!

So for all my friends out there who aren’t in Texas, or aren’t members of the IBPA, I wanted to pass on the information. It appears that Amazon will be giving priority to third-party sellers! Yep, you heard that right.