Writers – Page 3 – Jean's Writing

How to use a simple method for a good story?

Published on April 26, 2019April 25, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Of course, we all understand writing is hard. But what if you could simplify the process of starting?

Recently, I stumbled across an interesting article that helped me formulate this idea of change-

How to Write a Good Story: You’ll Love This Simple Method by TAL VALANTE

In this article, I learned how to break down a story smaller and smaller until I get to the core.

One word can change a sentence.
One changed sentence can change a paragraph.
One changed paragraph can change the plot.

And how to successfully use PLOT Mutation.

By looking at a story with a different perspective and making a simple, but profound change, you can turn an old plot into your own.

Give Tal’s article a read and see if you can manipulate a story into something new.

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What to do when you are overloaded with help

Published on April 17, 2019April 17, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell

I’m not talking about help with the laundry or dishes. I’m all for lots of help with that stuff. LOL

But, if like me, your inbox is flooded with helpful tips and suggestions intended to improve your writing skills, you may be experiencing information overload.

Between family, friends (web and local), two WIP books, my blog and reading all of you wonderful writers and bloggers, I sometimes feel my life is roaring out of control, burning up like a meteor falling to earth.

Thanks go to JORDAN PETERS for a terrific piece about avoiding information overload and get those blogs written.

Information Overload: Avoid It Like The Plague ~ JORDAN PETERS

For me, I sometimes need to step back and take a break. And try to remove the sheer panic I feel at never meeting my goals.

Some days there is too much to do and too little time. I know, I know some of you-all are super organized. Wish I was. But alas, I’m not.

However, Jordan did help with a few suggestions on how to keep your blog going. Now if I could just figure out how to keep the rest of my life going in the right direction.

What I want to know is what overwhelms you?

Is it your job, house, family, blogging, emails or all of them?

For me, it is all!

Tell me, how do you balance everything?

How do you avoid burnout?

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How to strengthen your writing

Published on April 11, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

By removing and replacing “distance verbs.”

We’ve all heard about too many adverbs, but another thing we need to watch for are verbs that put distance between the story and the reader.

Getting the reader to feel your character’s pain or joy is hard if you’ve used words that act as roadblocks.

Want to know which words put distance between character and reader?

Click and read the article below by Amy Rose Davis. She gives us a word list and a fix to pull the reader closer.

STRENGTHEN YOUR PROSE: DISTANCING VERBS by Amy Rose Davis

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Do you know what today is?

Published on April 2, 2019April 3, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY!

Thanks to my favorite Ape, and Jo Robinson for reminding me!

International Childrens Book Day

And a happy birthday to one of my favorite authors, Hans Christian Anderson. I’m sure there isn’t a parent in the world who doesn’t know The Little Mermaid. But did you know it was written in 1837? Just goes to show you good books last forever.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t showcase my children’s books. I hope you’ll head over to Amazon and check mine out. While I in no way stand alongside Hans Christian Anderson, I’m very proud of my books. Easter is coming and a book makes a great gift.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to give the gift of imagination. So, y’all give a book and light a fire of creativity in a child today. You never know who you might inspire to become the next great author.

Don’t have any little ones to gift a book? Teachers everywhere are in need of good books. There is always a place to make a reading impact. Ask around.

To read more about this holiday, check out these websites…

USBBY.org

Fun Holiday – International Children’s Book Day

Days of the Year

PS:

I’m currently finishing up my next picture book and searching for just the right editor and illustrator. Interested? Or know someone who might be interested? Use the Contact me button to let me know.

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