An update on Mirror of Sparrows

/ vanessafowler

A few people have asked about the book, so here is a little update for anyone who might be interested. : )

Has Vanessa been slacking? Well, mostly no. I’ve been working on the book almost every day.

So what do I have to show for?

On writing

During NaNoWriMo, November writing month, Mirror of Sparrows managed to grow by a little over 33,000 words. The goal was 50,000, but the plot was off and needed to go back to the drawing board. While I didn’t meet my word goal, I did make a significant breakthrough in understanding my characters.

On outlining

Most forward motion has been made in my outline. I know, I know – I’ve announced several times before that the outline was complete. I was wrong. The outline is still very much in progress, though it is slowly shaping into a story that is more fun and interesting than anything I could have originally imagined.

The story, I hope, will be written for two points of view, Colin’s and Molly’s. Colin’s POV is coming together, but Molly’s needs more crafting. Also, I want to take the ending to another level.

As a side note – I am super thankful for my freelance editor, Ellen Brock. She has been such an encourager and phenomenal resource. Every time I connect with her, I feel like my potential for excellence increases.

Writing groups

I am now part of two writing groups!

  • Several writing friends and I formed a writing group that has been meeting at my house monthly. It’s been amazing because we encourage each other and ask each other great questions. I love it!
  • The local chapter of the SCWBI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)  invited me to join their critique group. We meet over Skype and they have been a fantastic resource. I am so thankful for them.

What’s next? When will I be done?

I will continue to work on Molly’s POV and on sketching out each scene. I’m not concerned about time anymore. I’d rather have a story that is right, then a hurried work. Plus, I enjoy the process, so why add stress to it and ruin it?

If you’ve read all the way to here, thank you! I so appreciate your support and interest.

I hope you have a very happy Christmas and holiday season. May you be blessed with joy, peace, and so much love,

Vanessa

10 thoughts on “An update on Mirror of Sparrows”

  1. Great update Vanessa; I admire your determination and resolve to take your time in the creative process. The end result will be well worth the effort! Merry Christmas!! With love, Aunt Christine

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  3. Wonderful to hear what’s going on and good job! More about my process in person–very soon, I hope! Lovely photo and glad you find writing fun (albeit challenging no doubt–indubitably good for the brain cells). It’s definitely an art! Don’t stop.

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  4. This is soooo cool to see how a writer thinks. I tell my middle school students that I know authors, but as writers themselves I think that they struggle with the immensity of it all. I can’t wait to tell them that I know a writer who is still in process and that they too can be creative and that the process is long and tedious but also WORTH IT! Thanks!

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  5. Thanks for the update! I was *just* wondering about it. Glad to hear you are enjoying the process—thanks so much for giving us a glimpse inside the mind of a writer. Love the photo too! Make a perfect, “About the Author” pic 🙂

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