fiction – Page 14 – Jean's Writing

How do you know what your character is thinking?

Published on February 17, 2017February 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell20 Comments

How do you capture that ever elusive “voice?”

I find it’s sometimes hard to get out of my own head and into the mind of my character. To find that unique “voice.” Understanding the characters is paramount to understanding their actions and decisions.

So how do we do find the right “voice?”

The last thing I want is for all of my characters to sound alike!

I just finished reading a book called Voice by James Bell

This is a must read for writers. Mr. Bell keeps suggestions are simple and easy to understand. I will reread this book again and again. Of the many, many books on writing, rereading is not something I do often.

What helped me find a voice?

The “voice” should not be mine…
- Unless I’m writing a memoir
Images help…
- Pick an image that fits the character.
- Avoid people you know or famous people.
When searching for an image…
- Enter several descriptive key words.
  - Tall, dark and handsome isn’t enough. Get creative.
A journal can be a great tool…
- But write in the journal as if the character is writing. Not you.
Interview the character…
- Ask questions and write the answers from the character’s POV.

How do you capture the “voice” of a character?

Any tips to help me? Please share.

Want more? Check out Judy Reeves’s “A Writer’s Book of Days.“

Leave me a comment – I love 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! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Do you want to write stronger first person narrative?

Published on February 8, 2017February 6, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Ever feel like your first person POV is a little weak?

Me too!

I love finding just the right information at just the right time.

Recently, I posted thoughts on writing in different point of views, and what do you know…

I opened my email and read a post by Janice Hardy about writing in the 1st person. I love tips and tricks that make writing easier and hers are top-notch.

Here is what I learned reading her post.

Know when the story happened.
- Is character remember or experiencing the events?
- Current in the moment events and the protagonist is in the dark as much as the reader.
Know how much distance is between my character and the events.
- Distance in time and space determine the details.
- Distance determines how fresh their wounds or experiences.
Know how objective or emotional my character is because of the events.
- Time and distance can make details fade unless something happens to jog memories.
It’s important to decide if my protagonist is “in the moment,” “reflecting,” or retrospective.”
- Where the protagonist is in their life determines how to present the story.

Click on the link at the bottom and read Ms. Hardy’s post.

Tell me what you think?

Is this a new tip for you? Or old news?

Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts.

Go here to “like” my Facebook page. Facebook at jeanswriting . To connect with me, click the “write me” tab or follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

A Simple Trick to a Stronger First Person Narrative by Janice Hardy

How to encourage your kids to dream big

Published on December 2, 2016December 8, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell

And my oh my, it’s that time of year when kids wish for the moon.

Christmas sale ads are popping up everywhere! But games, new gadgets and brightly wrapped packages are not all kids dream about. christmas-sack-964342_640

Article after article tell us they have great aspirations for their life. They dream and plan to do big things when they grow up. As parents, teachers, grandparents, and writers we need to encourage their dreams.

My books are written to inspire any little boy or girl to reach for the stars.

At long last, A Reluctant Little Prince is available in print!

Give a gift that keeps giving all year-long.

I hope you’ll remember it’s never too early to instill the love of reading to a child.

Give a book for the holidays.

Click on the image and read a sample. They are now available at Amazon.com.

BOGO Kindle Matchbook is free with the purchase of a print copy.

What Kids In 2015 Want To Be When They Grow Up by Susan Adams at Forbes.

Top 15 Kids’ Dream Jobs by Alison Doyle

Check out this eclectic list from Mommy.me – What do you want to be when you grow up?

SURVEY SAYS! WHAT MOST KIDS WANT TO BE WHEN THEY GROW UP by Buzz Bishop

Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and kind reviews.

Are you giving books this holiday?

Who are you giving books to? Kids or adults?

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or click the “write me” tab or look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Help welcome a “Little Prince” and enjoy my video

Published on November 16, 2016November 15, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

He’s here!

A Reluctant Little Prince has arrived in e-book and soon the hard copy will be available.

I did a little promo using PowerPoint. Since this is all very new to me, the video thing, I’ve added reading links at the bottom of this post from other writers. I will probably play around with other programs, when I have time. Best of plans….

I hope y’all enjoy my promo.