writing tips – Page 32 – Jean's Writing

How to write a good foundation

Published on March 10, 2016March 7, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Start with the straight talk about world building that I need.

If I needed it, then I thought maybe someone else needed a bit of help too. I’ve never written a futuristic, or historical story. So I’ve never felt the need to do a lot of world building. However, as of late, I’ve begun to feel my stories needed more depth.

Even when writing in the here and now, we need to flesh out the world around our characters. More than just the who, what and when.

Things to remember:

Community: Is it open, or restricted? What about schools, churches, stores, markets? Who are the neighbors? Traditions and rituals? Standard of living, social conduct, friendly or reserved?
Who is in charge of the family, community, town, school, company or wherever your story is centered?
What about money and jobs? Do your main characters work? What kind of jobs are available? Why? Why not?
What type of technology is used? Or do they use technology? Why or why not?
How do your characters communicate? Text, phones, mind to mind?
What happens if someone becomes ill or breaks the rules?

Thanks to Heather Jackson I now have these questions and more to help me build my “now” world for my WIP.

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What about you?

Do you build the world around your characters or do you let your characters evolve first and then the world come into focus later?

Need help? Then you will love this article by Heather Jackson, click the link below and read her handy checklist.

1 Key Question for Worldbuilding (+ A Handy Checklist)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you think writing a picture book is easy?

Published on March 8, 2016May 2, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell32 Comments

Well, I did!

And was I in for a rude surprise.

Yes, this little picture book was a lot more difficult than I ever imagined.

But I’m getting closer to the finish line.

This little Princess is almost here.

I’m working on covers now.

Coming into the home stretch and shooting for an April launch! Whoo hoo.

Sometimes I’m so naive. I’d really thought this picture book would be easier than my first book, Tryouts for Ben. Boy was I in for a big surprise. I’m beginning to believe, size doesn’t matter. LOL

A book is a book, and the work involved to bring it to readers, no matter their age, is all the same. As a writer, I want to always produce a great product and that takes a lot of time and work. An editor is just as valuable for a children’s book as for a 600 page historical novel.

Concept and idea matters. In fact, I’m learning as with every story I write, everything matters.

If you’re interested in writing a children’s book the following articles may help you get started.

How To Develop Children Story Ideas and Create Picture Books

10 TIPS FOR WRITING CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS

Writing Picture Books for Children

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the cover for my new book.

Too plain? Suggestions?

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Want to write every day?

Published on March 7, 2016March 4, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Well, I do!

But some days I get distracted and can’t think of any good ideas. Or my muse leaves me high and dry. Or my WIP is just boring. Or, well, you get the point. But I’m beginning to think the only bad idea is one not written.

So time to add more writing discipline in my life.

I signed up for the A to Z Challenge again.

Not sure if I’ll make it to the end, but I’ll try. As the saying goes, nothing ventured.

I hadn’t intended to participate this year, but an article in the Huffington Post changed my mind. Life has thrown me a few curves this winter and I’m going to have my hands very full for the next few months. However, I don’t want my writing to suffer. What better way to keep the imagination juices flowing than to continue to write every day. Even it is only a few words on a blog.

The article is from a business perspective, but I think writers should think more like professionals than hobbyists. Writing is not easy.

30-Day Challenge: Business Idea-a-Day by Joel Holland

I really liked his second suggestion, carry a notepad. I’ve put on in my purse. It’s also small enough to fit in my pocket too, no excuse not to carry with me everywhere. Bought mine at the dollar store. LOL

But there are so many cute notebooks available that can inspire.

Why a notepad? To jot down ideas!

They are all around us. Song on the radio, crazy billboard, scary driver, screaming toddler, sale, wild eyed politician, funny joke, a lovers embrace, the list could go on and on. We just need to open our mind and let it float.

So, no matter how nutty your idea may seem, take Mr. Holland’s advice.

Number 7: Don’t over think it!

Just write. Chances are if you thought about that, someone else did too. After all, there is nothing new under the sun.

I’m really bad to over think things. I get an idea and think it to death before I write about it. Then my bright and shiny idea begins to look like mush, totally unrecognizable from my original concept. Don’t let that happen.

Write your thoughts down while they are fresh and sun-kissed.

Tell me how do you get your ideas flowing?

How do you keep them fresh?

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you ask enough questions?

Published on March 4, 2016March 1, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

I loved this post by Janice Hardy

Are You Asking the Right Story Questions?

Really got me to thinking.

About my writing.

Maybe I need to ask more questions.

Even if I ask the same questions, again, and again. Vary the questions, but push for deeper and deeper answers.

As Janice points out, most writers are familiar with the big plot questions. But how about the small scenes? They need questions too.

Are you asking enough questions in your story? Giving hints to the right answers for your readers?

Will the questions get harder and the answers more complex? Or will the story fold into a beautiful piece of origami.

Something to ponder.

Happy writing and have a wonderful weekend!

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.