Tag: #writingtips

How to write the perfect heart-pounding scene

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell15 Comments

Love, love, love the tips I learned today.

Although my scenes are far from perfect, I moved a little closer to good today.

Reading a post from BookDaily.com by DiAnn Mills got my writing juices flowing.

DiAnn titles her post as 4 Tips For Writing Fresh, Engaging, Unforgettable Scenes | BookDaily #AuthorTips.

But it is much more than just 4 little tidbits on writing. 

Why is my heart pumping with excitement?

http://www.giphy.com

Because I’d reached an impasse in my WIP and she gave me the answer!

  • Every decision my characters make have consequences.
  • Consequences propel the story forward, or should.
  • Not all consequences are bad. Ah ha!

My character must choose between two rights!

We all know to have our character choose between right or wrong. But what about choosing between two rights? What will be the consequence of either choice?

See how her tips get you thinking?

I do hope you’ll go over and read her post. Let me know if you have an ah-ha moment.

Now your turn.

Have you learned anything new today? Please share with the group.

Do you have a problem scene? Did you find a solution?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Images by Pixabay.com

 

Do you need help with your latest writing project?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Search no further!

I’ve found a site that might have just what you’re looking for. 

Check out the following website that contains 18 tips, and PDF documents on topics related to writing fiction.

Write a Novel, a resource created by Crawford Kilian starts off with hard truths for writers but don’t be discouraged, there is something for every writer. He even touches on understanding contracts.

My favorites:

  • #4. Storyboarding.
    • Storyboarding is something I struggle with. Putting my scenes onto small cards is a big challenge.
  • #5. Style Checklist
    • Question asked, “Are you telegraphing your punches.” Now, this really got me to thinking. And anything that challenges me is great.
  • #7. Ten points plots
    • The plot begins long before the story starts. The story begins at the latest possible moment before the climax. Gonna have to work on my beginning, again.
  • #9. Scene construction.
    • When a scene ends the reader should know more about the characters and the characters problems should have increased.

There is a lot to digest here from Mr. Kilian, but I hope you find something interesting.

Tell me –

Do you still read posts and books on improving your writing skills?

Do other ideas encourage your writing?

Which writers/teachers do you enjoy reading?

Where do you find the best tips? 

Keep reading, great blogs down below.

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

How to Write a Novel: 7 Tips Everyone Can Use By:  

Top Novel Writing Tips

Images by Pixabay.com

5 Rules For Chapter One Of Your Book

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Check out Dan’s tips on making your first chapter great.

Source: 5 Rules For Chapter One Of Your Book

How to be a good writer with style? Learn from a successful one.

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

Here’s another one on great writers.

Have you found your style? 

 

I’ll confess right up front, I’ve struggled with voice and style since I began writing. Writing as myself, sounding like me and hoping people enjoy it seems at odds. After all, my mind is a mystery to myself, so how in the world could I expect anyone else to understand my thoughts.

Forgive the rambling. Sometimes I get carried away.

Now back to writing with style.

StumbleUpon is becoming one of my favorite places to find great reading on the craft of writing. Once again I stumbled upon an article about Kurt Vonnegut and his tips on writing with style.

Vonnegut: How To Write With Style by Eli James

In this article, Eli James lists seven things to help a writer zero in on their style.

Here are my thoughts:

  1. Find a subject you care about
    • Now I care about a lot of stuff. Hmm, gonna have to work on narrowing this down a bit more.
  2. Don’t ramble
    • Oops, I have really gotta work on this one. My apologies folks.
  3. KIS
    • Simple. Short and sweet. Sometimes I take that too far. Another point to work on.
  4. Cut
    • Eli says we must have the guts to cut words and sentences we love. Doesn’t move the story forward, gotta go. No matter how beautiful. Oh well.
  5. Sound like me
    • Write like me, not anyone else. Guess, I shouldn’t try and kill that Southern twang I’ve got going.
  6. Say what you mean
    • Unless writing fantasy, SF fiction where the language is not of this world use words that readers will understand.
  7. Pity the readers
    • Now I admit this one gave me pause. I understand it to mean, write with the reader in mind. Know your audience.

Are you happy with your writing style? Or are you still searching?

Could you learn something from Kurt Vonnegut?

Who do you write like? Click here and find out. I write like…

More reading at the bottom!

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

Style BY KATHLEEN CALI 

Four Different Types of Writing Styles:  Syed Hunbbel Meer 

Style, Diction, Tone, and Voice Wheaton College

Images courtesy of Pixabay.com