fiction – Page 39 – Jean's Writing

Stepping out of my comfort zone

Published on May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Today I’m taking a giant leap way, way out of my comfort zone.

Gulp…

I’m so glad it’s audio, and not video. No one wants to watch me sweat bullets or chug water to wash away the dust of fear.

Not sure how this will go but…

if you’d like to hear what this Southern lady sounds like, head on over to Blog Talk Radio at 12:30pm PT, or 2:30pm CT (Texas Time) and listen in to:

Empowering and Inspiring Women Globally with Dianna Bellerose

I can’t begin to say how delighted and flattered I am that Dianna Bellerose opened her radio forum to me. Just hope ya’ll won’t be disappointed. The internet and self publishing have empowered writers everywhere to let their voice be heard. So guess time for me to speak up too.

Now if I can just keep my foot out of my mouth I might get through the hour.

I hope you can give the show a listen, and do let me know what you think because as always…

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Heart wrenching YA 4.5 Star Read

Published on May 22, 2015May 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Note to self:

Once again, remember when 2790 readers rate a book 4.5 stars, it’s gonna be worth my time.

Why I’m ever skeptical is beyond me.

Who doesn’t love Cinderella?

Rebecca Donovan writes a unique, sick, and twisted Cinderella story in Reason to Breathe. What an imagination. She keeps the reader on edge waiting for a happy ending. As I was sucked into the unbelievable cruelty of the life of Emma and I gladly overlooked any editing issues as I rooted for her survival. Just when I thought things could not get worse, they did and the pace quickened giving my nerves no time to relax.

I guess it’s true, a good story trumps all. I can see why young adults love Rebecca Donovan.

Why, you might ask if I liked it so much, did I give the book only 4.5 stars?

Because of the ending.

The ending left me wanting.

I understand this is book one of a three book series and cliffhangers are essential for a series, however I still prefer a more satisfying ending.

The ending left me distraught, and confused, so much so that I immediately downloaded the second book. A success for Ms. Donovan.

For me the Prologue of book two, Barely Breathing, would’ve been a perfect Epilogue for book one. I could’ve slept well that evening and savored the first book before launching into the next one.

Reason To Breathe (The Breathing Series, Book 1) by Rebecca Donovan

(2,790 customer reviews)

Print List Price: $9.99Kindle

Price: $2.99

Kindle Unlimited: Free

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Is Your Story PRIMAL?—Anatomy of a Best-Selling Story Part 6

Published on May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Great info. Thanks for reminding me about IMDb.com. Not only a good resource for loglines and summary help but just plain fun.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Geiko Caveman.

Okay, so if you have read all the blogs in this series, you should understand what makes a scene vs. a sequel, understand the three-act dramatic structure. You also understand that the antagonist—or Big Boss Troublemaker—is the engine of your story. Without the BBT, your protagonist’s world would remain unchanged. The BBT’s agenda drives the story. It is the engine. No engine, no forward motion.

By this point, you should also be able to decipher a good idea from a not-so-good idea and then, once decided, state what your book is about in ONE sentence. You can have up to three, but let’s shoot for one.

Welcome to part SIX of my series on novel structure–whoo-hoo! Today we are going to discuss gimmick versus fundamentals of a good story.

First, gimmick. Here is the thing. There are only so many plots. DO NOT try to…

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Don’t you just love free stuff?

Published on May 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Thanks to the many bloggers I follow, and who follow me, the links keep coming.

This is a terrific free-bee should you need a beautiful photo for your blog, book cover, poster or whatever.

sign-up and receive notifications each time new pics are uploaded or just search for what you need. You’ll find beautiful, professional, high quality photos all free to use.