Reviews – Page 5 – Jean's Writing

One Lavender Ribbon – 5 Stars

Published on April 16, 2015April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

One Lavender Ribbon [Kindle Edition] by Heather Burch

I along with over 4300 other readers, I loved this book.

This was a big surprise to me. I’m not much for walks down memory lane. However, this is a beautiful book.

I finished this book in one day. Of course I accomplished nothing else. This book brought back memories of another time, another conflict, and another young man far from home who wrote beautiful letters. The readers who just didn’t “get” One Lavender Ribbon are quite lucky, because, like the character Will, I doubt they understand war. I hope they never do.

This beautifully written book gets 5 stars from me.

Print List Price:	$12.95
Kindle Price:	$4.99
Kindle Unlimited:	Free

Keep that first thrill alive

Published on March 27, 2014March 27, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

You love, obsess, and write. With a little luck, a lot of sweat, blood and tears, maybe, just maybe, others will read and love your precious manuscript too.

I love to write. My husband loves the game of golf. Writing and golf have nothing in common, unless you take a peak at the inbox on our computers. As any crazy person does, we both obsess over ways to improve our craft. The result, our cup runneth over in the form of more information than either of us can process.

The running joke around our house is, did you delete or read?

This got me to thinking how these “tips” seem to run in trends, following the same subject. Which leads me delete more than I read. I mean, how many emails can I read on comma splices. See my point? Then came my ah-ha moment. Why do I pick one particular email, click open to a blog and read amid a sea of others on the same subject? What makes it different?

It’s the author’s tag or hook line.

Now I can see all y’all seasoned writers shaking your heads. Big deal you’re thinking. Everyone knows about tag lines. You like me have read everything there is to know concerning how to hook the reader. But sometimes we all need reminders. Tag lines are important for our blogs, books and emails.

Tag lines, and first lines matter. Hell, firsts of everything matter. Think of all the firsts your and the weight of importance they held your life. Your first love, kiss, date, dance, job, sex, car, roller coaster, high dive, beer, well you get the idea.

Firsts are important and my ah-ha moment came in realizing that first encounters with my readers must, be a good first for them. No make that a great first for them. Not sure my writing can compete with sex and beer, but I’m gonna try to step up my game and keep the thrill alive. I can’t think of anything scarier than putting myself out there to publish or perish. Yikes!

Here are some links to a few tips I opened. Enjoy, I did.

Choose Wise Guides

Put Passion in Your Writing

Danger of Premature Editing

Just the Right Word

Use a Magazine to Improve

Should You Enter Contests?

Forever Changed

Published on December 14, 2012 by Jean M. Cogdell

I’d planned a very upbeat Christmas post for today. I’ve been very excited about the holidays, decorating and wrapping presents, but then my heart cracked and the post I’d planned late in the night last night stuck in my throat as I watched the news today.

christmas paint (Photo credit: cassie_bedfordgolf)

Tears filled my eyes as I thought of the moms, dads, grandparents, and other family members whose lives were shattered today by this selfish person. There are no words to convey how sadden I am for the families in CT.

candles (Photo credit: rogerglenn)

Promise Remembered

Published on December 12, 2012December 12, 2012 by Jean M. Cogdell

Mile after mile the markers passed, I rested my head against the window with eyes unable to focus for the tears. Too many years since I’d been home, but it wouldn’t be long now. My heart hoped the reunion would be a happy one, but my stomach, in knots, had doubts.

English: Green window (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jerked from my musings I joined the other passengers and stepped outside in the cold air. It wasn’t far, my feet knew the way. Soon smoke lifting from the chimney and the smell of hickory moved me back in time. I stopped at the small white gate, my breath caught, for there as promised in the kitchen window stood the flickering flame. She appeared, and I watched as she slipped a wisp of grey behind her ear.

She’d remembered her promise. My tears started again, and I felt my heart pounding as the creaking gate shut behind me. Snow crunched under my feet bringing a smile to my wet face. I’d missed white holidays, and snuggling up by a warm fire.

I hesitated for, but a moment, burying my face into the fresh pine and holly wreath before I lifted my hand and knocked. I waited, listening to the sound of shuffling on hardwood floors as she made her way down the hall. The delicate lace curtain parted over the small window, and the porch light blinded us both as she opened the door.

Now I wasn’t the only one crying. “I’m home. You can blow out the candle now.”

This piece is for the following writing prompt. I didn’t use all of the 500 words but I found the juxtaposition of senses an interesting challenge (To link the sight, smell, and heat of the flame). I hope I succeeded and you enjoyed the piece. Let me know what you thought in the comments section and if you’d like to join in the fun click on the link below.

Red Writing Hood: Candles and Iowa

The prompt is about neither candles nor Iowa. Unless you want it to be. This prompt is about being inspired in by the juxtaposition of senses. I’m giving you a photograph and a song. From there, be inspired. You have 500 words.