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.

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.

Share your best too

Published on July 8, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

I know today is Tuesday. However, I love the premise of David Abrams’s “Sunday Sentence” project, sharing the best sentence I’ve read during the past week, “out of context and without commentary.”

It was right then, between when I asked about the labyrinth and when she answered me, that I realized the importance of curves, of the thousand places where girls’ bodies ease from one place to another, from arc of the foot to ankle to calf, from calf to hip to waist to breast to neck to ski-slope nose to forehead to shoulder to the concave arch of the back to the butt to the etc.

Source: John Green, Looking For Alaska

Check out David Abrams’s The Quivering Pen and

Erika Dreifus Sunday Sentence for great reads and

don’t forget my last Sunday Sentence.

Summer is for reading…

Are you reading a good book?

What sentence stood out in your mind?

Share by posting or linking back here.

What are you reading?

Published on June 29, 2014June 29, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

In the spirit of David Abrams’s “Sunday Sentence” project, sharing the best sentence I’ve read during the past week, “out of context and without commentary.”

“The breeze eased its way through a window like a considerate guest wiping his feet before entering, bringing in the transitional smell that comes when windows are opened for the first time in the spring.”

Source: Dana King, A Small Sacrifice, A Shamus Nominated Nick Forte Mystery