writing tips – Page 22 – Jean's Writing

How to overcome your fear of Scrivener

Published on October 14, 2016June 12, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell25 Comments

New and changing technology is oftentimes intimidating, especially to those of us who are comfortable with our old tools.

However, we can’t become sidelined because we are afraid of change. Even though I really do get tired of constant updates. I mean can’t Apple leave my iPhone alone. Oops, sorry veered off in the ditch for a minute.

Back to Scrivener.

Like an old dog learning a new trick, I’m finally getting the hang of Scrivener. I know many of y’all are light-years ahead of me. But maybe a few of you were like me and struggled to grasp the tools this software offers.

Want to know how I overcame my fear and uncertainty?

Planning!

I’m not talking about outlining, arcs or deciding what I’m going to write. Most of that is usually stuck in our heads somewhere bouncing around like a damned ping-pong ball.

No, I like to arrange my Scrivener file just like a desk. Everything in order, everything in its place and all my ducks in a row. Then I feel as if I’m in control and ready to unleash my thoughts.

ducklings-305563_640

For me, this works. Any project is less intimidating if I have all the tools at my fingertips.

Here is how I get organized with Scrivener.

First, enter the appropriate number of blank chapters.
Next, enter the number of blank character templates needed.
Third, enter a blank settings sketch template.
Go back and enter info into the character templates.
Go back to the settings templates and enter information.
Go back to chapter one and open the scene page.

Now I’m ready to start writing.

Maybe my little video will explain it better.

Want more tips on using Scrivener?

Keep reading.

UNTANGLE YOUR FINGERS & TRY SCRIVENER’S AUTO-COMPLETE LIST

10 Little Known Scrivener Tricks That Can Save You Time

Do you use Scrivener?

What is your favorite writing software?

Does new technology intimidate you or do you jump on the newest that pops up?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Online Learning is Growing

Don’t let this suck the life from your story

Published on October 10, 2016October 10, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Blogging that is!

You may notice that today’s blog is a bit late this morning. I’ve been busy. Writing, working or putting together my new picture book and playing. In other words living to become inspired.

It was after reading The Pitfalls of Blogging – What You Need To Know About Being a Better Blogger BY JANICE WALD, that I decided to relax for a few days.

I’ve discovered, when I allow myself to do this, I enjoy blogging more and hopefully am less apt to bore all of my readers.

Let’s face it; no one wants to read a million blogs on outlines. I mean, outlines by themselves are boring. And Lord knows the internet has enough hyperbole about politics no one needs another blog post on that subject. Oops, off topic. Sorry.

Now where was I? Oh yeah.

Blogging pitfalls.

Janice lists eight things we need to know to become better bloggers. I added two more to her list. Here is my take on the article.

Don’t let your blogging interfere with your creative process. Give yourself permission to recharge and listen to your muse.
Don’t get too personal, share too much, or go on like your Aunt Matilda about her gallbladder surgery. Remember once write a post; it is in cyberspace forever.
Avoid other people’s drama. Do you want to be right or read? See #2.
Don’t bore people to death. Try to make even outlining interesting, I know that’s a bit of a challenge but do try. Also, refer to #2.
Go easy with the ads. Don’t know about you but I hate commercials. Love my DVR because I can fast forward through those little devils.
Avoid a cluttered blog, if possible.
Don’t use your blog to vent, even if you don’t name names someone will figure out who is who. Nothing is ever private on the web. See #2.
Fresh content? Nothing is new under the sun, however, the way you present it can be unique. So try.
Everybody, well almost everybody loves pictures and videos. Remember to give credit where credit is due. And of course, make sure it’s okay to use the image.
Last but not least, don’t let blogging suck the joy out of writing. Have fun with your blog and with your readers.

Click on the above link to read the entire article and let me know what you think.

Do you have any tips to help me be a better blogger?

How to do you keep your blog fresh?

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What makes for a unique story?

Published on August 15, 2016August 10, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

Some people would argue that there are lots and lots of things.

But today I learned it once again boils down to the characters.

Last week I talked about writing real-life characters who walk and talk like flesh and blood. But how just how do I breathe life into a character? By showing they react to a situation and what makes them special and unique. That is what turns an ordinary cliche of a story such as boy meets girl into an authentic book that only I can write.

cornelia funke quote

Stay with me.

We all know, or should by now; there is nothing new under the sun. Every story has a basic foundation such as boy meets girl, love triangle, murder mystery, space aliens, super humans save the planet, a journey or quest. Well, you get the idea.

If all stories, like a good cake, have the same basic ingredients, what will make mine unique different? After all, a plain layer cake is plain, right? But add flavors and toppings and your cake will stand out on a table of desserts. Put a surprise in the middle and it will delight those who taste.

strawberry-dream-cake-2428901_0 — Photo: Greg Dupree at Southern Living.com

What can I do to make my book stand out among all the other time travel, love stories, detective or YA heroes set out to save the world books?

Character reactions.

How they react to the situations in the story is what will make my story different. Throw in a surprise in the middle and the reader will keep reading.

Remember, readers gravitate toward the familiar. They respond to characters they recognize and enjoy developing relationships with the lovable granny or the washed up detective as cliche and trope as those characters may be. However, they may grow tired and bored if my characters look, walk, talk and react just like every other love sick gal pal in most

However, readers may grow tired and bored if my characters look, walk, talk and react just like every other love sick gal pal in most chick lit books on the shelf.

Now, I’ve gotta go and give my characters a few quirks. Later Y’all.

I write my blog to share as I learn. It helps the lessons stick. So where did I find all of these great nuggets? At Upgrade Your Story. I hope you’ll click on the video and enjoy.

Do you have any tips or tricks for making your characters unique?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you know all of the rules?

Published on July 20, 2016July 15, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

There are a lot of writing rules. Some good and some open to the writers interpretation.

Me? I think all rules are made to be broken.

That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

How boring would life be if everyone did everything in the same way? All shades of gray! Every story would read the same!

Individuality is what makes each story, each book and every writer unique and special.

Writing rules are like opinions. Everyone has one or more. But that doesn’t mean those ideas or rules are written on tablets brought down from Mount Sinai.

This Latest Blog Post at JaneFriedman.com is a great reminder to follow your heart.

The article written by James Scott Bell gives us 5 pieces of advice to ignore. Of course, I’m sure there are more out there, but 5 is a good place to start.

Weather? Okay!
Dialogue? Get talking!
Backstory? If needed, yes!
Write What You Know? If you love it!
Don’t Ever Follow Any Writing Advice? Only if you know everything!

This is a great post. Click on the link below to read the entire article.

Do you have a “rule” that needs breaking?

Know of a “rule” that is over done?

Do you think writers get caught up in too many rules?

Do share, I want to know. Leave me a comment or click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.