writing – Page 61 – Jean's Writing

Do you use poetry to inspire?

Published on October 13, 2015October 13, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

I love poetry. Can’t write it worth shit, but I love reading beautiful words.

The movement is so different from other writing. Poetry evokes emotion in the reader, and it can inspire your characters too.

So it’s little surprise that poetry is used in a lot of YA books. I understand why poems and poetic references, are effective in YA stories A teen lives in a flux of angst and poetry speaks to the emotional roller coaster they live on.

Over at The Guardian, Ciara Murphy explains the importance and effect of poetry in YA stories. From John Green’s Paper Towns poetic metaphors, to Ally Condie’s Matched series (one of my all time favorites) where she uses banned poems by Dylan Thomas and Tennyson.

Today it seems as though poems have been regulated to Meme’s, but maybe it’s time to give poetry another look.

Have you considered using poetry, new, or old, to spur a story forward? If not maybe it’s time to see just what poetry can do for your stories.

Pop over and read…

Why is there so much poetry in YA/teen lit? by Ciara Murphy

Let me know what you think. Can poetry improve your writing, or do you think the idea lame?

You’ve made it this far so give me just two more seconds and hit Facebook and Twitter and share.
Thank you!
If you’re not already, I’d be much obliged if you would follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Do you want someone to read your story?

Published on October 12, 2015October 11, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Then maybe it’s time to submit something.

Here are a few places to wet your feet with a short story, flash fiction or an article. So go on and show your stuff. Then let us know where to click and read.

Mash Stories deadline for next contest submission is 15th October 2015

Nevermore Horror contest Submissions close on October 20th

Novel Opening Chapter & Synopsis Competition over at Flash500. This is an annual competition: closes on 31st October.

A flash fiction Flash500 competition where the prize money truly reflects the skill required to encapsulate an entire story in just 500 words. Next closing is 31st of December.

Words with Jam Short Story Competition 2015 closes 31st October 2015.

Writers’ Village contest deadline is midnight GMT 30th November 2015

For various publications, be sure and check out NewPages.

I’ve been so busy with my book, I haven’t had a lot of time for contests and articles. However, I’m thinking it might be time to get back in the groove.

What about you? Do you have several works in process at one time or are you single-minded with each project?

I can’t thank you enough!

Published on October 3, 2015October 2, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

A big thanks to you guys who offered to read my little children’s book.

It’s still not too late to be a Beta Reader for me.

The book is short, so it shouldn’t take long.

And thanks for all the suggestions about the cover.

I’m still considering using a pro designer.

However, this is my latest cover based on your suggestions.

A big thank you!

I’m beginning to understand raising kids is not the only thing it takes a village to raise.

How to say I’m sorry

Published on October 1, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

My apologies, I regret, please forgive me, I’m sorry….

Well, you get the gist, but I’m totally sincere.

I’m sorry for limiting my request to those of you who have small children in your household.

As one of my readers pointed out that I was a bit shortsighted with my previous request for Beta Readers. And she was so right. Just because a person may not have small children in or around the house doesn’t mean they cannot recognize the good/bad/ugly/silly/mistakes in a children’s book.

Now with hat in hand, I’m asking for ANYONE who is willing, to be a Beta Reader for my small book.

If you can help this writer out, please email me at jeanswriting@jeancogdell.com and I’ll forward you an e-copy or a pdf copy.

If you missed yesterday’s post, here is a bit about my project.

About my book:

The story is about a little boy named Ben, who doesn’t believe he is any good at sports. Growing up in the shadow of an older sibling, who is a star athlete, can be difficult.

At the insistence of his parents, Ben discovers he can do anything if he tries and in the process make new friends.

This book is for young readers, between the age 7-9 yrs old and Grades 2-3, who are bridging the gap between early readers and chapter books.

PS

Although Harry tried, I’m not sure he’s up to the task. I tried, one bark for good, two barks for bad and a growl for mistakes. He just played dumb. Like he didn’t know what I was talking about.