Writers – Page 109 – Jean's Writing

Want a 5 star sizzle for your weekend?

Published on May 8, 2015May 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

By now I guess you’ve discovered, I will read almost any genre.

There are few books I won’t crack open and give a peak. The exception being True Crime. But that’s a post for another day.

Today’s 5 star review is by Linda Barlow, a USA Today bestselling author.

Ms. Barlow has written in various genres, including historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, New Adult romance, family sagas, and general mainstream fiction.

Looking for a steamy, intense, touching romance?

Then check out The Dangerous Hero. This New Adult Romance about love, trust and second chances introduces the reader to the world of BDSM with a just a little kinky, fantasy fun. The only blushing you’ll do is from the heat in the room.

It’s available to read for free through Kindle Unlimited. This is my first Linda Barlow book, but I’ve already downloaded a couple of others.

Put a little sizzle in your weekend and read The Dangerous Hero by Linda Barlow. You’ll be glad you did.

The Dangerous Hero [Kindle Edition] by Linda Barlow

Kindle Price:	$2.99
Kindle Unlimited:	Free

Anatomy of a Best-Selling Story—Structure Part One

Published on May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Prose is not a novel. Kristen Lamb explains why we can write lovely vignettes but fall short completing a 80-100,000 word novel. Can’t wait for the next helpful post.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

Structure Matters

Writers must understand structure if they hope to be successful. Yes, it might take five years to finish the first novel, but if we land a three book deal, we don’t have 15 years to turn in our books. Also, in the new paradigm of publishing, writers who produce more content have greater odds of making money at this writing thing.

Understanding structure helps us become faster, cleaner, better writers. Structure is essential to all stories, from screenplays to novels to epic space operas.

Plotters tend to do better with structure, but even pantsers (those writers who write by the seat of their pants) NEED to understand structure or revisions will be HELL. Structure is one of those boring topics like finance or taxes. It isn’t nearly as glamorous as creating characters or reading about ways to unleash our creative energy.

I’ve run my 20 page Death Star Critique…

View original post 1,659 more words

Use Lust to add dimension to a story.

Published on April 14, 2015April 14, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

L = lust

Something for writers to think about when plotting a story.

Showing lust doesn’t always mean an intense sexual scene. Although, I love a good steamy book as much as anyone but I’m talking about using lust in a story to bring it alive.

Writers who show lust add a different dimension to their story.

Without it the story or character can fall flat become apathetic or indifferent. So will the reader. Writing filled with lust will keep the readers turning the page.

Rachel hated waiting, but for now all she could do was wait for Mac’s call. She paced the floor, teed off at some unknown hacker. Red hair had little to do with her outrage. How dare someone expect her to pay a ransom to unlock her own files.

She lunged for the ringing phone.

“Finally.” She snapped.

“Took some doing, but I think I’ve found him.” Mac said.

“You think? I need you to know.” Rachel loosened her grip on the phone and took a deep breath.

Lust as a verb

have a craving, appetite, or great desire for;
yearn, hunger, long or ache for, desire, hanker after,
enthusiasm, eagerness <admired his lust for life>
an intense longing : craving <a lust to succeed>

Lust wordle

Writing with Gerunds

Published on April 8, 2015July 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

G = Gerunds

Writers new and old sometimes stumble over writing with Gerunds.

Do you know the correct way to write with Gerunds?

Not all of these “ing” Devils are bad. This is a writing tip worth repeating. A reminder that I make sure the “ing” action matches the rest of my sentence.

“Running home she flung open the front door.” Hmm… This needs work.

Want to rid your writing of a few of these scary little Gremlins?

Head over to The Kill Zone’s post titled Gerunds Be Gone, for examples for writers.

For additional help, you might want to check out editing software Grammarly , Ginger and ProWritingAid. I use all three.

Ready to go Gerund hunting?

Elmer hunting

Read the post over at Writing-World. com for more help.

Click the link for more details on the A to Z Challenge

Talk to me, I love reading your comments.

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