The Prescription

Published on August 8, 2014August 8, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

The Prescription

Marge couldn’t believe he’d written a prescription for walking. A hundred degrees outside and walking was his answer. She stared as the offending script hit the trash can. God, she hated exercise. But, she’d try anything at least once.

When she stepped outside, the unbearable air slipped around her head like a plastic bag. However, she doggedly placed one foot in front of the other, determined to finish a mile. Her only company the damn buzzing, blood sucking mosquitoes.

Marge cursed Doc Ralston as the parched ground crumbled beneath her feet and her ankle snapped. God, she hated exercise.

This was my contribution to the:

100 Word Challenge For Grownups #143

…the parched ground crumbled beneath…

Name Your Critique Group

Published on August 6, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

The good, bad and ugly of a critique group.

She did it again, provided a wealth of information for writers. So, I just had to pass on these great tips. Click here to read Anne R. Allen’s blog, posted Sunday, August 3, 2014 where she explains the good, bad and ugly of critique groups. Awarded by Writer’s Digest in 2013 as one of the Best Websites for Writers, she never fails to deliver great insight and timely information.

Sometimes we don’t get to pick what type of group is available in our area. Don’t let that discourage you from becoming involved.

As Ms. Allen writes, if you know how to read between the lines, you can benefit from a critique group.

She describes ten groups, and how to glean the best from each leaving a better writer.

Have you ever been crushed by #5) The Punctuation Police?

Ever sat down with a red face after your story was cut to ribbons by #10) The Vicious Circle?

Or wonder how on earth you’d fit in with #4) The Poetry Slam?

Ms. Allen’s post is filled with tips on what to ignore, how to read between the lines and best of all how to come away a better writer.

Read and find out where does your group fall.

I hope y’all enjoy reading her post as much as I did.

Happy writing.

Waltz Across Texas

Published on August 2, 2014August 2, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Waltz Across Texas

I’d never planned to stop dancing to the music. The music I loved, but life happened.

A whiff of sawdust, the twang of a guitar or the taste of a cold beer and I’d long for another place another time. Long to recapture that which was lost, but I’d waited too late.

Or so I’d thought, until last night when in your arms, safe and secure, the years fell away, music filled the air and we waltzed across time.

This was my contribution to Lillie McFerrin Writes Five Sentence Fiction

Five Sentence Fiction – Secure

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I 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: SECURE