writing tips – Page 42 – Jean's Writing

Are rules meant to be broken?

Published on October 29, 2015October 27, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

Sometimes.

Writers are artists, and should always use artistic license to stay true to the medium.

I’ve said many times, the purpose of this blog is to share as I learn. Not teach. I’m not a teacher by any stretch of the imagination. Nor am I an expert in any field.

Well, except one, making mistakes. Some days I swear I make more mistakes than anyone on earth. But I keep on trucking and try to avoid repeating them too often.

One thing I’ve learned, as in life there are few absolutes in writing.

All rules can be bent to the point of breaking, or hell some rules can be thrown out as long as the writer is true to the story.

That’s why I try to share “Tips.”

Tips that I find useful, and informative, but not restrictive.

That is my intent, to learn how to become a better writer, as I blog and to encourage my readers.

There are many ways to get a job done. Use what works for you.

Whether you write by the seat of your pants or plot every jot and tiddle it doesn’t matter. In longhand, or shorthand, using Scrivener or MS Word, Mind Mapping or plotting, Evernote or Post-it notes, laptop or typewriter, the writing is what’s important – not the tools.

There’d be less dancing in the world if everyone played the same tune. So turn up the music and lets write. Write your way!

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Together we can learn the best writing tips, and join me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

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Do you want to self-publish?

Published on October 27, 2015October 25, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Well, then you might want to read all that’s involved.

There are more steps to publishing than I ever imagined.

If you are considering the self-publish route this article will help in setting up your own publishing company.

Go to Stephanie Flint’s blog and read how to get started. She breaks the process down, step by step.

I’m in the process now. Just filed my DBA. Now on to the next step.

Thoughts on Publishing – Starting a Publishing Imprint

A big thanks goes to Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog for once more, hooking his readers up with a post chocked full of important information. Be sure and check out his blog to stay current with what’s happening in the writing world.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Together, let’s help each other improve our writing skills.

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Don’t want to write like a dummy?

Published on October 23, 2015October 22, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Me either.

However, I must confess that I mix up the tenses.

Yep, it’s a curse. But for those of you who know me, know this is not breaking news.

The longer and more complex the sentence the easier it is for me to mix past, present and future. And as a result I feel as if I look like a writing idiot.

No matter how much I study and read on this subject, I still trip up more times than I like to admit.

How to avoid this is not simple, but it is fixable. Thank goodness for great beta readers. Y’all keep me from looking like too much of a doofus.

I loved a recent article at Coppyblogger.

Like I said, I’m always reading on ways to improve my writing skills.

Writing succinct, short and snappy sentences is one way to improve.

Learning to write within boundaries is another. These help not only the content, but also the rhythm of the story.

Another tip is to avoid modifiers and redundant words. I don’t worry too much about using unnecessary words during the draft process, because at that stage I’m more worried about getting my intent down. It’s during the editing when I slash out those little devils.

Reading this article reminded me to write tight.

Let me know what you think about writing shorter sentences.

Is this the solution for writers like myself who are tense challenged?

Of course I know we can’t write an entire book with short, choppy sentences, but maybe, just maybe we should consider less is more when it comes to long complex sentences. Like this one. LOL

Click, read and enjoy—

6 Simple Exercises to Help You Write Better Short Sentences [Free Worksheet] by DEMIAN FARNWORTH

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