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Do you need to increase your word count?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

Feeling a bit stuffed? Now you need to write and write lots of words. 

Yes, it’s fun to relax and be with family, but now it’s time to get back on the horse and ride that WIP (work in progress) to the finish line. Or at least around the bend. 

Love, love those Amazon Black Friday deals too! 

But, now that you’ve finished your Black Friday shopping… 

How about a few tips to increase your word count? 

Then check out a post by Janice Hardy (link below). She gives us 3 ways to get the job done faster.

What I liked about her tips…

  1. Take a few minutes and make a list for each scene or chapter.
    • I’m a big list maker. This works better for me than outlines. Listing everything I want to accomplish in a scene gets my mind ticking and my fingers typing. Love this idea.
  2. Write a quick summary of what the POV character wants, and is trying to do.
    • I took a different approach with this tip. I looked at my list and made a quick (2-5 sentences) summary of each item.
  3. Remind yourself why a scene is important. Janice suggests you finish the sentence, I want to write this scene because…
    • Readers need to know is not a good reason. I liked this tip because it can avoid info dumps and bore the reader to death.

Get inspired, click on the link below and read Janice Hardy’s entire post. 

After you read her tips, which ones do you think will help you?

Do you have any tips to help me increase my word count?

Do you worry about word count? 

3 Ways to Boost Your Word Count Every Writing Session by Janice Hardy

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Writing and need help? Check out this terrific list

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Thanks to   over at Publishing… and Other Forms of Insanity, for providing us with such an extensive list of websites.

There is something here for every writer. There is information on queries, marketing, publishing as well as how to write a good book. So get ready because if you’re like me,  down the rabbit hole, you’ll go, once you begin to click. 

Which of the 27 websites is new to me?

  1. Agent Query.  Although I’m nowhere ready to send out queries, this will definitely go on my “hope to need” list.
  2. Free Writing Events. Yay! Who doesn’t want to submit without the added cost of submission fees? Oh yeah, this one is a definite must-read.
  3. The Grinder. Like Erica, I once used Durotrope until they became a paid service.  I can’t wait to check out this one.
  4. Jae Writer. Now this one sounds like the perfect website to learn more about the craft of writing. Count me as a new follower.
  5. Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL). Whoa! What writer wouldn’t want to get inside the mind of agents and editors?
  6. The Passive Voice. Again, a great blog to learn what agents think. Plus, a bit of legalese from an attorney.
  7. Pub Crawl. Here you can find an insider’s perspective from authors and publishing professionals. Cool!
  8. Savvy Writers. Almost a million followers!  Doris-Maria Heilmann blogs cover everything you ever wanted to know about publishing your book.
  9. Susan Dennard. Her blog is filled with writing and publishing resources for aspiring authors. Everything from story-telling to the finished book.
  10. Women Writers, Women’s Books. All things about women authors. Well, I definitely qualify.
  11. Writing Career. Provides places that actually pay writers. Alright!

Not bad! I’m familiar with 16 of the 27! Now I can’t wait to dive into the other 11  websites. I just love learning new stuff! Gonna be a busy weekend of reading. See you on the other side of that rabbit hole. LOL

Want to know more!

Click and read about all of the great links on Erica’s website. 

27 Great Websites for Writers  by 

Did you discover a new website?
Are any of the 27 a favorite?
Do you use any of these websites? Which ones?

Leave me a comment. I can’t wait to read your thoughts or suggestions.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.

    

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How to add personality to your characters

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Eavesdrop like a pro.

I’ll admit I’m not very good at covertly listening in to other people conversations. Although there are times when it’s impossible not to hear. Sometimes it’s hard to talk to my dining companion because I’m transfixed by a loud couple at the next table. I want to whip out my tiny notebook and make notes. But, that would be a bit conspicuous. Don’t you think?

Why do I find eavesdropping awkward?

Because I grew up in a tiny house with lots of siblings and nosy parents. Privacy was a luxury. The only place to talk or read without others listening in was down by the creek. No mobile phones then so forget about a private conversation on the one kitchen phone. Even with a cord that reached all the way to the coat closet, someone was listening.

 

But if I want my characters to be real, to have different personalities I need to get away from my desk. Mingle, listen and yes, eavesdrop.

Today, I read a great article, published in The Writing Cooperative, about how to accidentally, on purpose, listen in on strangers.

How to Master Eavesdropping — You Know You Want To by Bryan Searing

What I learned from Bryan…

  1. There are two types of eavesdropping.
    • Sneaking around and spying, like my little sisters used to do.
    • Accidental-unintentional, as in overhearing conversations in a public place.
  2. Get away from the computer and mingle with people.

  3. Brian’s Rules to Master Intentional Accidental Eavesdropping

    • Be sensitive and respect privacy. Some people whisper in public, so don’t be rude.
    • Best places to eavesdrop is where there are lots of people.
    • Don’t stare! Act normal.
    • Where to sit or linger.

Be sure and read his entire article to get more details on how you can eavesdrop like a pro. I’m gonna work on my accidental eavesdropping skills and try not to blush or giggle. 

Tell me, do you eavesdrop in a crowd?

Have you gotten ideas for a character by eavesdropping?

Did Bryan’s article give you any ideas?

Did the article change your mind about listening in to others conversations?

Write about your experiences in the comments. I can’t wait to read them.

And take a minute to follow me on social media, just click on the buttons below. I’ll leave a light on.