Author Nancy J. Cohen

Author Nancy J. Cohen

Author Nancy J. Cohen

Writing Effective Dialogue

You’ve finished writing your book and are ready to start self-edits. What should you be examining in each conversation? Here are 14 tips to help you write more effective dialogue. All conversations should have a purpose. Dialogue is a great way to start a story and provide an opening hook. You’ll want to keep the … Read more

How to Foil a Trollek

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MEET A TROLLEK by Nira Larsen, grad student in comparative mythology Trolleks move so fast, you’ll see them as a blur of speed. Go back-to-back with a friend so an ugly brute won’t surprise you from behind. Any weapon will do but watch out for their disruptor fire. Don’t let … Read more

Movies as Inspiration

MOVIES THAT INSPIRED THE DRIFT LORDS SERIES TROLL (1986) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092115/ Michael Moriarty, Shelley Hack, and Noah Hathaway A troll king searches for an emerald ring that will transform him back to human. His search is centered in a San Francisco apartment building where a boy lives whose name is Harry Potter. This boy discovers he … Read more

Troll Trivia

Trolls have been around in mythology from the early days. Let’s see how much you know about them. Why the interest? Since my series is based on Norse mythology, my bad guys are evil trolls called Trolleks. Remember the adage: Know your enemy. TROLL TRIVIA by Nancy J. Cohen 1. A troll comes from which … Read more

Radio Interview with Nira Larsen

INTERVIEWER: “Let’s welcome mythologist Nira Larsen who has something important to tell you.” NIRA: “Hello, my name is Nira Larsen. I have important information on a dire threat to mankind. It’s crucial that you listen.” [Gives furtive glance over her shoulder.] INTERVIEWER: “Can you elaborate, Miss Larsen?” NIRA: “There’s been a breach in the space/time … Read more

Common Writing Mistakes

Recently, I’ve been judging writing contest entries. Below are some of the common problems I have discovered among these manuscripts. Out of several entries, only one passed muster. It was well written, kept my interest, had an interesting “voice” and an intriguing premise. I’d read this book if more was available. The other submissions, however, … Read more

Cooking Class

My husband and I have attended various cooking classes throughout our time together. We started in Gainesville where he had a fellowship and we had an infant. Taking these courses together gave us something fun to do. We took a series on French cooking and then another on Chinese cuisine. Sporadically thereafter, we’d sign up … Read more

How Can Readers Help Authors?

If you’re an avid reader, no doubt you’d like to encourage your favorite authors to keep writing. What can you do to help? Write customer reviews on Amazon, BookBub, and other online reader sites. Add the author’s book to your Wish List on Amazon and TBR pile on Goodreads. Search for the author’s website, author … Read more