writing tips – Page 37 – Jean's Writing

How to avoid the taboo in writing

Published on December 28, 2015December 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Now let me say right up front, I’m still working on this myself.

Seems I miss the mark more than I hit it, but gotta keep trying. Right?

And as far as the weather, well, we all know how fickle that is. And the writing about it is just as slippery as predicting it.

Weather scenes in writing seem to rank right up there with the taboos in writing as; waking up, looking in a mirror and dreams. But all are a part of the human life experience.

There was no white Christmas for us this year.

However, we got the next best thing. Days warm enough to shoo the children outside plus wonderful sunshine as we dashed from store to store enjoying those after holiday sales.

However, even when it snows, you won’t catch me on a sled unless I’m unconscious and strapped down. I stay on the sidelines taking the pictures.

Same goes for years like this one with mild winter months when the kids like to ride their bikes and zip along on scooters. Nope, won’t find me risking life and limb.

But after a long day of shopping, you might find me in front of a cozy fire, with a spiked mug of something hot and a good book with a satisfied smile. And of course, sore feet. My mind might begin to wander from the book on my Kindle, I’ll stare at the flames and realize I’m itching to write.

Yes, a break is wonderful, but now that the holidays are almost over, New Years still to go, I can’t help but think about getting back into the groove again.

This crazy Texas weather has just about given me whiplash, the temps going from one extreme to the next week after week. Which got me thinking about the big taboo of using weather in writing.

So how do we it effectively, without getting crucified by an editor that is?

I thought the following article very insightful—

Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés By Angela Ackerman

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Do you want to switch or not?

Published on December 21, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

From or to a self-hosting website.

I’ve toyed with the idea of going the self-hosting route several times. But I always back away.

Why? Because for me WordPress.com is simpler and easier than learning an entire new system. Plus, I don’t want my writing to suffer nor do I want my website to suffer either. I fear that something would have to give one way or the other should I make a shift at this time.

For me, my website is a place to practice my storytelling, and to share what I learn, as I learn about writing. Do I want my blog to be successful? Of Course! But not at the expense of becoming a better writer.

The following is a good article about self-hosting.

18 Important Things You Should Know About Self-Hosting BY JANICE WALD

What about you guys?

Do you enjoy the blogging platform you have now?

Have you toyed with the idea of switching? If so which way?

I’d love to know your thoughts on this subject. Maybe I should rethink self-hosting.

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The New WordPress.com App for Windows Is Here

How important is it to stay connected?

Published on December 16, 2015December 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

I heard a very successful writer and blogger say that he attributed his success to staying connected.

Well, isn’t that a lightning flash revelation? Not.

Staying connected can be fun, informative, but also a time suck. I often use it as an excuse I can ignore the house, the dog and my characters. After all the Queen isn’t showing up for a white glove inspection this week and my characters haven’t been very cooperative as of late, so I might as well play on the world-wide web. Right?

I mean laughing at the latest Meme on Facebook, or reading a cool short story post, is a lot more fun than cleaning toilets or arguing with a stubborn protagonist.

Sigh… Now don’t go sounding like a mom. I know, I know. Company is coming – Santa is near so I and there are presents to buy and packages to wrap, not to mention a character to kill. So little time and so much to do.

What is that old Nike commercial? Something like for the love of God just do it! No that doesn’t sound quite right.

But you get the idea. Sorry for the gripe post. Sometimes it helps. LOL

Okay, time for me to get busy and find where my characters are hiding. Olie, olie, oxen free….

Ever overwhelmed? How do you deal?

Got any tips for me?

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PS:

I was actually pretty productive this week. This is me patting myself on the back.

Want to give your best pitch?

Published on December 15, 2015December 14, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Learning to write a good logline is the best way.

Do you write that logline before or after you’ve written that novel? First and you’re ready to go when the time comes to share your novel. But everyone has their own system.

I think it’s important to write it first. And then put it on a post it note where you can see it every day. Sort of like a guiding sign post.

I use my logline, my elevator pitch if you will and to stay on target. Sometimes I might need to revise, rewrite or tweak it a bit. Like I’m doing today. But as long as I can see it, I can keep writing.

It helps me to get back to the basics. Not to get bogged down in explaining so much too soon.

Giving that elevator pitch to ourselves every day, reminding us what the end game is, helps keep the story on track and avoids a lot of story derailment.

If you’re looking for a formula to help read – Writing a Killer Logline.

Also, JAMES BURBIDGE gives 10 TIPS FOR WRITING LOGLINES

Remember a logline gives the gist of your story in one or two sentences.

Doesn’t give everything away and doesn’t mention names.

How to write a logline.

I’d love to read some of your loglines. Please share with us in the comments section.

Here’s the logline on my post it note.

“In a small nowhere town, a young girl finds a strange book, and soon learns the true meaning of be careful what you wish for.”

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.