Writers – Page 20 – Jean's Writing

Unique, beautiful or strange; how do you select the best name?

Published on March 27, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell18 Comments

Naming characters can be hard. Is for me. I worry over them like newborn babes.

So…

Just how important is choosing the right name?

Turns out very! That is if you want to write memorable characters. No writer wants their readers to go whats-his-name killed whois.No, we want our characters to come alive on paper. Well, how do we select really good names? I don’t know all the answers but Anne R. Allen wrote a post…

10 Tips for Finding Memorable Character Names for your Fiction

In her post, she gives us ten things to consider when selecting names.

Name only star players.
- I love this tip. A delivery guy is just a delivery guy.
Don’t confuse readers with same sounding names.
Don’t change names in the middle of the story.
- Nickname? State it up front and go with it. I need to give this some thought.
Make sure the name fits the century.
Check the spelling and name is familiar in the country, state you’re writing about.
Don’t make up fake names unless writing fantasy.
- Only works for fake worlds.
Run your chosen names through Google.
- Good advice. Don’t want the name to be a real person living around the corner.
Avoid overused names.
- Hmm, may have a problem here. Got work to do.
Try name generators.
- I like Scrivener generator but there are several on the web.
- Check the obituaries for a cool name.
If you decide to change a name mid-stride of your WIP, do a search and replace to catch each one.

I believer her tips could also apply to places.

Click on Anne’s link above and read her entire post, she gives a lot more information and a few great resource links.

Well? What did you think?

Do you need to change a characters name?

Think you are better prepared to select a name?

Do you have any good tips to share for picking the perfect name?

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How to write a good one-sentence pitch

Published on March 22, 2018April 10, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell18 Comments

Don’t you just love how-to writing instructions?

I know I do!

You must admit, DIY is a lot easier with a little help from friends.

Working Men cartoon characters Jeanswriting.com

That’s why I absolutely love an article from Karen Cioffi and Writers On The Move!

I admit, writing a one-sentence pitch is hard and something I’ve yet to completely agree. But I keep working on it. That’s why I was so excited to read this easy explanation of what does and does not work. And why!

When selecting a book to read, the first thing I read is the pitch. If that is too confusing or convoluted I pass. Why? Because that pitch is a good indicator the story inside will be more of the same.

Karen gives examples of how and how not to write a pitch/logline for your book. She explains why one is so important and even gives us a formula. I just love formulas.

Be sure and click on the link below and write your one-sentence pitch.

The One Sentence Pitch for Your Manuscript

Got it?

What did you think?

Did her tips help you write a better pitch?

Now you show me yours and I’ll show you mine. Ha Ha. Me Bitmoji Tee hee Jean M Cogdell

All kidding aside, share your pitch in the comments I’d love to read it.

Here is a one-sentence pitch/logline for my WIP. Here goes…

An aspiring author is thrilled when she meets a literary agent and mystery buff who agrees to become her mentor; thrills turn to chills when the agent shares a story plot about two women who get away with murder – a fictional plot, the agent plans to become a reality with the writers help.

What do you think? Be gentle, I bruise easily.

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You need to double your Amazon security

Published on March 16, 2018April 10, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell24 Comments

You heard right.

Time to double security and protect your books on Amazon.

Now, not only do I need to work on this year’s taxes, but looks as if I may need to work on my Amazon account.

What the hell? Hackers are now invading Amazon? You’ve got to be kidding me.

I feel as if I’m playing Wack-a-Mole trying to avoid hackers and stupid people. This is getting ridiculous. I change my passwords from time to time, but now I’ve got to do more to keep these crooked jerks out.

Thanks to Janice Hardy over at Fiction University for the warning.

Here’s what I learned today about Amazon Security…

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) accounts are linked to my regular Amazon account.
Hackers attempt to break into customer Amazon accounts every single day.
If a Hacker gains access to my Amazon account they have access to my KDP.
A Hacker will change my password, locking me out of all my accounts.
Two-step verification is the best way to protect both.
Set up two-step verification through my Amazon account.

Two-step verification is a pain in my butt. There I said what most of you are thinking. But getting back control of KDP and the books you’ve slaved over for months is more important.

Click on the link to read the entire article and get step-by-step instructions on how you can protect yourself and your Amazon accounts.

Is Your Amazon Account Secure? By Janice Hardy

Do you use two-step verification with accounts?

Did you realize if a hacker gets into your Amazon account that KDP is toast?

Do you have a security tip you can share?

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How to transform your writing into beautiful magic

Published on March 14, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

I’m not talking about witches and warlocks. Nor, voodoo, potions, or card tricks.

Deception TV Show — Photo curtsey of IMBD

I’m talking about rhythm that unlocks magic in a story.

Makes you want to dance.

Every story has a rhythm. A story can stop and stutter like a car running out of gas. Or purr along like a smooth luxury car, as the rider enjoys the view. Or take your breath away thrilling you with the speed and power of a race car.

Which type of rhythm describes your story?

How a story flows, transforming words into poetry. Lyrical writing produces a rich, layered, evocative, and beautiful story. Rhythm creates and connects emotion to your reader.

WAIT. Don’t stop reading. NOT talking poetry or song lyrics. I’m talking musical storytelling.

About writing a story that moves the reader on a deep, emotional level. Words with musical magic. To write a story that takes my breath away with images and movement. That’s my goal.