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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.

Separating the chaff

Published on January 29, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

I’ve noticed more and more everyone appears to be on the same wave length. Not that I mind, because my in-box is overflowing with knowledge. However, I try and pick out the nuggets. As with all trends this one will soon fade and another take its place. So, I’m making notes and hope I won’t forget which file I’ve stashed all this wealth.

I’ve not had a lot of time to write, life happened, but I’m reading and studying. Maybe you’ll find some of these nuggets helpful too.

Ever have trouble with character names? Thanks to TWL, here is a fun one I hadn’t thought of: Use a combination of the names of your favorite authors. TWL is a blog with tons of great ideas for research. A new one for me was setting up Google Alerts.
Trouble writing about your life? Do it in 20 statements.
And of course, who of us hasn’t had trouble with the middle? Check out the Kill Zone blog for ways to navigate the muddy middle blues.
If you are looking for ways to describe emotion, weather, or negative traits the Writers Helping Writers is a must read.

There are tons more, but these offered something unique. If you’ve found a post, that has helped you in your writing, let me know. Let’s pass it on.

Breaking the Rules

Published on December 23, 2013December 23, 2013 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Right, wrong, good, bad and in-between. I read, write, join, submit and re-write until at times I can no longer recognize my story trying to conform.

For me, following rules are hard. I need to understand the why, the how and the need for the rule. In writing, there aren’t a lot of explanations for most of these so called rules. I was so excited to read todays post from Anne R. Allen’s Blog. She set me free. Thank you Anne. Writers go forth and write!

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-rules-of-writingand-why-not-to.html