Summer is Over

Published on September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Homework

Well, school’s started.

Your house is quiet.

Time to get writing.

But let’s be honest, letting go of those hazy, lazy days of summer is not easy. This summer I’ve enjoyed reading for pure pleasure and daydreaming of sandy beaches.

Are you mocked by your computer screen too? Mine stares at me like a two-year old who doesn’t understand the word no.

However, I’m determined to get my groove back and shake out the cobwebs. At my age, not an easy thing.

So it’s back to basics, and homework. Prompts to get the rust off and articles, books and websites that remind me how to write. Yes, I need reminding.

I’ve listed a few of my favs. Hope they help you get going this fall.

The Six Great Epiphanies of Successful Authors

20 Things That Can Help You Find Inspiration for Writing

Kick it up a Notch: Top Tips on Writing a Page-Turning Novel

Storytelling: One Surprising Approach to Plotting

As I said, this is just a few of the many. I hope one or more of these great writers nudge you and get those fingers flying. Happy writing.

What is it good for?

Published on September 2, 2014April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Absolutely Nothing

The newscaster ducked, his words lost amid the rocket blasts.

I hit rewind and watched as desert instead of jungles filled the screen.

Decades past, still they die and still I miss you.

So much lost, so little gained, all for nothing but heartache and pain. War.

If you’d like to join in the fun with Lillie McFerrin Writes click on the link Five Sentence Fiction.

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week she will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week’s word: CONFLICT

Favorite Tips

Published on August 18, 2014August 18, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Favorite Tips for writers and bloggers

My email inbox looks like a kids bright, colored star chart. Seems I can’t read just one, of the many wonderful bloggers that pop up daily, without saving the link and assigning it a color-coded star.

Because each tip I read seems better than the last, and who knows, the next newsletter or blog post, might hold the best tip ever to make me a better writer…

In fact, I wrote a post, in this very blog, regarding my weakness.

Does that make me an email hoarder? My fingers trembled over that last word. Hope your computer screen didn’t shake.

So today, before hitting delete, I decided to share a few of my favorites. This post would be too long to list them all. But it’s a great place to save them, other than my inbox.

10 greatest hits from my star spangled gmail inbox:

Copyblogger, “Keep it simple, but not simplistic.”
Brainstorms & Bylines, Summer Market Roundup
Writers Village, Six Mistakes That Even Top Authors Make
Anne R. Allen’s Blog, How to Write for the 21^st Century Reader
Jodie Llewellyn, What words will improve your writing?
Story Fix, A Better way to open your novel
Ash Ambirge Why Your Writing Sucks
The Kill Zone, Where Good Plots Go to Die
The Write Practice, Write a Better Backstory
Janice Hardy’s Fiction University, Five Ways to Kick Your Writing up a Notch

What are some of your favorite links? I’d love to read them.

The Journey Home

Published on August 13, 2014April 16, 2015 by Jean M. CogdellLeave a comment

The Journey Home

The morning awakened, as the darkness faded, to the sound of pounding surf. I pulled the Christmas colored shawl tighter, surprised at the warmth of the highland wool, this plaid that provided warmth to my ancestors for generations.

I peered over the cliffs and the first peace I’d felt in years filled my soul. Through the fog, the voices past and present reached out to my spirit.

My heart now renewed strength and my feet with purpose, and as the black dog walks alongside me I turned toward home. There are things to do; Cù Sith you’ll have to wait.

Challenge

I hope you enjoyed my contribution to 100 Word Challenge for Grownups #144.

Writing Practice

As a writer, I beginning to understand that practice is important, so I’m working on trying to do more exercises in the form of quick prompts. 100 WCGU is a fun one to get the creative juices flowing. Join in the fun. Click on the link below.