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Energize your writing life with these three tips from other writers

Published on June 11, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell

I love this idea. Make an appointment. I write out of order sometimes, the process confuses my characters. As always, great tips. Thanks.

onewildword

Sometimes the trick to having a great writing day is just getting started. Here are three tips from other writers that inspired me and may help you too.

Write scenes out of order. Sometimes I know the end of a story before I know the beginning. So I go ahead and write the last scene. Or sometimes I have a key scene in mind that is asking to be written. I write it, and it gives me momentum to find the rest of my story.

This drives one of my writing friends crazy because she absolutely must write her novels starting from the beginning. I say, do what works. You’ll find advantages and disadvantages to every approach. But if you’re stuck about how to approach your next piece of writing, think about writing scenes in the order they come to you. Read about how Roz Morris started doing this in…

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Are you looking for beach books?

Published on June 5, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Have you made a summer reading list? If not, these three will get you started.

If you have, add these three to your list.

1 Literary, 1 Mystery and 1 YA there’s something for everyone.

I read for pleasure. The last couple of weeks have been pure bliss. Choosing a book, is like choosing a rich dessert. A dessert so yummy that my taste buds tingle and the flavor lingers long after the last bite. A good book is when the words or story stay with me long after I read the last page.

Even books I read for research, I choose with care. Enjoyment is my first priority. Life is too short. This morning I’m sitting on my porch, enjoy in a cool breeze and savoring the last of three books. Books that tingled my mind and left me with the realization I’ve a long way to go before I can stand in the shadow of these writers.

I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Summer is here and I know many of you are looking for great books to read. So here they are, three books to keep you turning the pages, and savoring the phrases late into the night.

Alice I Have Been: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin, is on sale now for $1.99 (Kindle Edition) Grab this while you can it is normally $15.99

A love story and a literary mystery blending fact and fiction. I surprised myself, enjoying this book as I did. It’s not usually my type of book but the writing is beautiful. Ms. Benjamin captures the passionate spirit of a woman who was truly worthy of her fictional alter ego in a world as captivating as the Wonderland only she could inspire.

The Poet: A Novel Michael Connelly $6.99 (Kindle Edition)

For mystery, crime and whodunit readers this Edgar-winning novelist Michael Connelly creates a new hero who is a lot greener but no less believable. This was a fun, nail-biting thriller, with a surprising twist at the end. It’s been years since I read one of Mr. Connelly’s books, but I won’t wait years to read another one.

Paper Towns by John Green $4.99 (Kindle Edition)

I finished this book late last night. Although, listed as a YA book, I think Mr. Green writes for all ages. His rich words are musical staying with me long after I turned out the light.

This book is a funny, engaging coming of age book. Mr. Green gives his characters real flesh and blood as few authors can. A beautiful story of growing up, adventure and complicated people. I laughed, grew sad and laughed again.

Write 6

Published on May 22, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Join in the fun and celebration with Six-Word Memoir for Memorial Day this week

Hop over and submit six words this week.

Here is mine.

Cracked picture, missed memories, still loved.

Have you practiced today?

Published on May 22, 2014May 22, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Thanks to Lillie McFerrin for reminding me to practice, practice, practice. Sometimes I get so busy with my WIP, and life in general, that I forget how important it is to practice my writing.

Five Sentence Fiction is a great place to do just that. So again, a big thank you to Lillie.

If you are looking for a place to work on your skills check out FSF.

Below is my Five Sentence contribution this week. Enjoy.

Let me know how you practice. Do you have a favorite site or routine? Leave a comment and the link. Thanks.

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.

The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week: ANCHOR

All week people came to attend the celebrations.

They honored her with words like groundbreaking, innovative and pioneer.

She accepted their admiration; after all, she’d worked long hours to arrive at this pinnacle in life.

She’d dodged bullets, survived mergers and interviewed presidents.

As she listened to her well-meaning friends, she grew weary from the weight of her accomplishments, and now she just wanted to go home.