Tag: Writers

Do you want to write a killer opening?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

I have rewritten my opening paragraph more times than I like to admit. What about you?

When I begin a new project, story or the opening is the hardest part for me. If I can’t get off to the right start then nothing falls into place. And I’ve been struggling with a particular short story for days. I have the premise in my head but until I can find the right launch the thing will not get off the ground. elmer

That’s why this article by Brian A Klems was especially helpful for me. In it he offered the seven different approaches to writing a killer opening line by writer and WD contributor Jacob M. Appel. I hope the article helps you too. Click on the link to read…

7 Ways to Create a Killer Opening Line For Your Novel by Brian A. Klems 

Here’s mine:

I stared at his lips, and listened, his voice as smooth as one of mama’s favorite crazy TV evangelists.

Now your turn!

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Do you need another solution?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Do you need another solution to pretty up your website?

Need another alternative for graphics and images?

Karen Cioffi posted on Writers on the Move a great tip.

This is a great and easy solution for Word users.

I don’t know about y’all but I spend way to much time searching for graphics/images.
One website I use is Canva.com. However, sometimes I find it limited. So I Google, search and check to see if an image is free to use and then give up. LOL

Using MSWord gives me another tool!  MS Word image button

Thanks to Writers on The Move for the tip!

Do you have a favorite website or program you use for images?

Pass this on to your Facebook and Twitter pals and let me know if you have a favorite website or program you use for images and artwork.

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What story mistakes are you making?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Understanding what an editor looks for is paramount.

Anne Leigh Parrish a fiction editor for Eclectica Magazine wrote an eye-opening post on how to avoid the same mistakes over and over. She also writes what she looks for in a story.

“… a story itself is a narrative where there must be a change in the reader’s understanding of the events, or in the protagonist’s understanding. You leave a story seeing something you didn’t see at the outset, something that makes sense of what’s come before….”

Mistakes to avoid in Short Story Writing

I hope her article helps you write your best story yet!

Happy writing.
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Do your readers know you?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

How does your bio read?

Does your about page tell readers who you are? What they can expect?
Every publication  has different rules. But all want to know who you are. Some require a 50 word bio, others want more information, some want it written in 3rd person. Keeping track of what to tell who can be daunting.
So to help, I made Word document with several different bios. Makes it easier to copy and past the right information required by different publications.
The “about me” page gives bloggers more room to be creative and is the first page I read.
Author – Anna Dobritt posted a great article on writing a good bio. Check out her tips and suggestions. Let me know what you think. Click here Author Bios  to read.

Click here to read other author bios, or just Google. 

I’d love to read some of your bios, so put a link below in the comment section. Let’s get to know each other better.
Don’t forget to pass this post on to your Facebook and Twitter pals.
If you’re not already, please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!