fiction – Page 32 – Jean's Writing

Do you use poetry to inspire?

Published on October 13, 2015October 13, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I love poetry. Can’t write it worth shit, but I love reading beautiful words.

The movement is so different from other writing. Poetry evokes emotion in the reader, and it can inspire your characters too.

So it’s little surprise that poetry is used in a lot of YA books. I understand why poems and poetic references, are effective in YA stories A teen lives in a flux of angst and poetry speaks to the emotional roller coaster they live on.

Over at The Guardian, Ciara Murphy explains the importance and effect of poetry in YA stories. From John Green’s Paper Towns poetic metaphors, to Ally Condie’s Matched series (one of my all time favorites) where she uses banned poems by Dylan Thomas and Tennyson.

Today it seems as though poems have been regulated to Meme’s, but maybe it’s time to give poetry another look.

Have you considered using poetry, new, or old, to spur a story forward? If not maybe it’s time to see just what poetry can do for your stories.

Pop over and read…

Why is there so much poetry in YA/teen lit? by Ciara Murphy

Let me know what you think. Can poetry improve your writing, or do you think the idea lame?

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Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

How to say I’m sorry

Published on October 1, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

My apologies, I regret, please forgive me, I’m sorry….

Well, you get the gist, but I’m totally sincere.

I’m sorry for limiting my request to those of you who have small children in your household.

As one of my readers pointed out that I was a bit shortsighted with my previous request for Beta Readers. And she was so right. Just because a person may not have small children in or around the house doesn’t mean they cannot recognize the good/bad/ugly/silly/mistakes in a children’s book.

Now with hat in hand, I’m asking for ANYONE who is willing, to be a Beta Reader for my small book.

If you can help this writer out, please email me at jeanswriting@jeancogdell.com and I’ll forward you an e-copy or a pdf copy.

If you missed yesterday’s post, here is a bit about my project.

About my book:

The story is about a little boy named Ben, who doesn’t believe he is any good at sports. Growing up in the shadow of an older sibling, who is a star athlete, can be difficult.

At the insistence of his parents, Ben discovers he can do anything if he tries and in the process make new friends.

This book is for young readers, between the age 7-9 yrs old and Grades 2-3, who are bridging the gap between early readers and chapter books.

PS

Although Harry tried, I’m not sure he’s up to the task. I tried, one bark for good, two barks for bad and a growl for mistakes. He just played dumb. Like he didn’t know what I was talking about.

After years of hiding my words from the world, I have found my voice

Published on September 9, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

I’m thrilled this rainy morning to brag on a special person. My sister, and fellow writer Sheila Good featured today over at —

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Thank you!
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How do you use a writing prompt?

Published on August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Y’all know how much I love prompts.

When my brain is dry as dust and I’m scraping the bottom for ideas seems as if a writing prompt lights a fire and once again I’m off and running.

But what is the best way to use a writing prompt?

Recently, I read an article that gave me more food for thought about the use of writing prompts.

How to Use Writing Prompts to Become a Better Writer By Emily Wenstrom

She gave suggestions how best to use prompts to become a better writer as well as a published writer. I suggest you hop over to The Write Life and read this great article on getting the most out of writing prompts.

Are you getting the biggest bang possible from a writing prompt?

Let me know your technique in the comments section. I love new tips. Please pass this post on to your Facebook and Twitter pals.
If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!