writing – Page 58 – Jean's Writing

Do your characters resemble Flat Stanley?

Published on November 5, 2015November 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

I love Flat Stanley.

If a member of your family is in elementary school, then you are familiar with Flat Stanley and have enjoyed taking pictures with him on vacations or around your city.

However, nothing you did could make him 3 dimensional. Stanley was still a flat paper doll.

I’ve been accused of being a very dry person. A stick to the facts kind of person. Sort of like Sargent Joe Friday. And unfortunately that can come across in my writing. Sometimes I forget to fatten my characters, to make them come to life in glorious 3D.

In my mind the little boy is sweaty, red-cheeked and out of breath, but sometimes I forget to paint that picture for my readers. I have every intention, after writing the draft, to go back and plump up the characters more but….

Thank God for good critique partners!

What about you? Does writing 3D characters come easy for you?

Here’s an article from over at SouthWest Writers, that might give us both a little help.

MAKE YOUR CHARACTERS MORE THAN CARDBOARD CUTOUTS by Kirt Hickman

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

Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

What do you do for inspiration?

Published on November 4, 2015November 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

I read.

That’s right, I read. When my mind is blank and I’m overcome with writer’s block I let go and enjoy an afternoon or two of reading.

Reading takes the pressure from the need to produce. This may not get the job done, but I love reading and once I’ve relaxed a bit I find the block crumbles. Sometimes I’m ready to hit the keyboard with great enthusiasm other times not so much. But I’ve found reading, refreshing and refills the reservoir of my mind. A much-needed exercise. I can’t write on empty.

Where do you get your inspiration?

How do you banish writer’s block?

Want to read tips from famous, successful writers?

Click on this article over at Bustle.com –

12 Pieces Of Writing Advice From Famous Authors On Finding And Maintaining Inspiration by ALEX WEISS

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

Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Want to avoid mistakes?

Published on November 3, 2015November 2, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

I do!

Well, I found a good article on blogging mistakes to avoid.

#2 is an all time peeve of mine. If anyone sees a pop-up on my blog, please tell me. It is there by mistake. I hate pop-ups! Those pesky things are everywhere, even on the television guide. Urrg!

Oops, almost committed #4.

Don’t let your blog drown in mistakes!

Go to Carol Cassara’s article Avoid These 5 Blog Mistakes and see what you think.

Do you know any additional blog mistakes I need to avoid?

Let me know so I can be the best I can be. LOL

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

Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Are you participating in the November challenge?

Published on November 2, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

You know, National Novel Writing Month.

Not me. Wish I had the wherewithal to make it happen. But, I never seem to get it together for NaNoWriMo. No matter how many times I think this will be the November for me, it never happens.

My life is and always has been like a crazy circus.

However, just because we don’t participate in NaNoWriMo doesn’t mean we can’t learn from those who do.

For everyone brave enough to go for the 30 day challenge check out this contest from Inkitt: