Tag: writing

Do you know how to write like no one cares?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell12 Comments

Like no one will read what you write? 

Continuing on with the A-Z Challenge:

W= Write

I know, I know that is easier said than done. But if you can pretend for just a little while and write whatever the hell you want I think the results might surprise you.

Writing the draft sets the writer free. Later during the editing and rewrite process comes the time to cut and care. 

This past year I finished a second children’s book and learned:

  • Pull up those big girl panties and write whatever the hell you want, because no one cares as much as you do.
  • Writing is hard if it were easy everyone would write a Best Selling Novel.
  • So might as well write whatever you want and forget about Best Seller Lists. Odds are not gonna happen.
  • Don’t worry about word count, not in the beginning. 
  • Write whatever you want because no one will read and reread  it as much as you.
  • Write whatever you want, but hire an editor.
  • Editors are a writer’s friend. Never publish without one.
  • Ditto on Beta Readers.
  • Don’t torture yourself about your writing. Your family’s got that covered.
  • Write for the love of writing, not for that first royalty check. Of course, dinner at Mickey D’s is a nice way to spend it.

Well the A to Z Challenge is over, sorry I didn’t make it to the finish. XYZ will have to make it another day. Congratulations to those who bravely persevered. 

It was wonderful to meet new people and once again learn new writing tips!

Thanks everyone for stopping by and talking.

The lights on and comments are now open.

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

Great information ahead!

Better to Be a Mouse With a Backbone, Than a Lion With No Spine: On Writing Voice 
What Would Happen If You Wrote Like Nobody’s Reading? By Erin Kurup
Write Like No One Is Reading by Julie Frayn
Blog Like No One is Reading by Grechen Reiter
Write Like No One Is Reading BY: MANAL GHOSAIN –

 

Related articles

How to write a good story

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Or tell a good story–

What’s the difference?

One makes you a writer the other is…

My letter for the A-Z Challenge 

S= Storytelling

To me telling a story is easier than writing one. And because I enjoyed telling stories I thought writing stories would be a cinch. 

Well, I’ve learned the joke was on me.

Yep, after reading the many great writers and bloggers floating around on the web, I realized how little I knew about writing.

I wasn’t even sure I understood the English language. Somewhere I evidently missed a class or a dozen.

At least, Y’all weren’t into shaming and finger-pointing. Instead, you stepped up, taught and encouraged me as well as any other writer who asked for help.

So what did I learn about storytelling?

  • Telling a story is easier than writing a story. Telling a ghost story as you sit around a campfire is different that writing a ghost story on paper. For one thing, it’s harder to scare the pee out of a group of third graders without a flashlight. 
  • I gotta have a theme. But leave the preaching the Reverend at First Baptist. If my readers want a sermon, they’ll attend church not read my book.
  • A good plot equals good action. However, that doesn’t mean I need to blow the hell out of everybody that doesn’t get shot. Just means a story needs to move forward and wrap up satisfactorily .
  • Know my characters – intimately. So much so, that by the time my book is ready for publication I’m sick of them. Why? Because if I don’t know and understand my characters, how can I expect the readers to understand them?
  • I better know what the hell I’m writing about, and where the story is going, especially if I want to explain these things to my reader.

One last thing.

If you enjoy listening to books on tape check out these online  Storytelling blogs as a way to get back in touch with the art of storytelling.

Story Center 

National Storytelling Network 

Story Teller

Do you find telling the story easier than writing the story down?

Do you think there is a difference in storytelling and writing a story?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Below are links to read more tips on better reading your way to better writing.

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

For Tips on how to write that story better check out these writers:

Short Story Tips: 10 Ways to Improve Your Creative Writing by Dennis Jerz and Kathy Kennedy
What Makes a Good Story? By Aaron Shepard
Want to Improve Your Writing Skills? 5 Fun Storytelling Exercises to Try By Marian Schembari

 

So, tell me what do you think?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell32 Comments

I really need to know.

Little nervous, pausing to wipe sweat from my keyboard.

Okay, I’m ready

Little Princess will soon make her debut!

But before she does, I need your advice!

Here is a copy of her book cover I’m considering.

Please let me know what you think. This is a picture book for preschoolers. Square, 8.25 x 8.25 inches.

Do be candid but also kind.

 

02-825

back cover

Should I do something totally different?

Any suggestions?

 Thank y’all so much for your help!

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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

How to become a better writer

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

My catch up letter for the A-Z Challenge  letter is

R= Read

Read, read and read some more, that’s how.

This is what you, my writer friends, have taught me. That, if I want to be a writer, I must read and read a lot.

sleepy

Not just read trade books on how to improve the craft of writing but I read for pleasure.

Why should a writer read for pleasure?

  • For pure joy and love of reading.
  • Inspiration.
  • Plot themes and ideas.
  • Word-play and usage.
  • Analyze the genre.
  • Analyze the twists and turns.
  • I always learn something new.

I continue to read. So that I can continue to write.

Books that tell a story I can savor long after I turn the last page. Some are old friends, some are new ones, and some are short stories that pop up in my inbox from great bloggers.

Do you read to become a better writer?

Do you think reading makes you a better writer?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Below are links to read more tips on better reading your way to better writing.

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

 

5 Ways To Be A Better Reader and Improve Your Writing in The Process Belle Beth Cooper

Seven Books To Read Before You Start Writing Your Own by Vani at Scroll In http://scroll.in/

How to Use Reading to Become a Better Writer at Write to Done

Want to Be a Better Writer? Read More by Mike Hanski