This morning I woke up at 3 am to submit a query letter and the first five pages of Mirror of Sparrows to #RevPit. #RevPit gifts writers the opportunity to work with an editor for five weeks. I'm competing against hundreds of writers who've all worked really hard on their stories. My hope is that … Continue reading #RevPit and the revised Chapter 1
Author: vanessafowler
to create something beautiful
It's been about three years since I started writing Mirror of Sparrows, now moving forward into the fourth year. So it's a time of reflection and evaluation. Why am I doing this?
On why rough drafts should be kept secret.
For writers' sakes, it's important to distinguish between what words, especially rough drafts, are meant for the public and what words might be best kept private. Private writing should be guarded with care. Why? You wouldn't want a stranger or unkind person reading your journal (or anyone, for that matter), right? For the same reason, … Continue reading On why rough drafts should be kept secret.
An update on Mirror of Sparrows
A few people have asked about the book, so here is a little update for anyone who might be interested. : )
Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green
A stomach bug was plaguing me when I picked-up Turtles All The Way Down, so the first pages were a bit of a rough start. But I managed to push through, overcome my nausea and excessive sweatiness, and read. This is another book I won't let my kids read until they are a little older (swearing … Continue reading Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green
On turning forty!
This past week, I felt myself tear up a few times - I guess I was anxious or whatever - but, I don't feel at all bad now. Turning forty has been pretty super special. On marriage: Max and I have been married almost 15 years. We've certainly gone through some rough patches, but we … Continue reading On turning forty!
National Suicide Prevention Week, 9/10-9/16
This week is National Suicide Prevention Week, and it's been both challenging and beautiful. Challenging: just barely even teenagers, yet so many young people are hurting. already. Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among those 10 to 24 years old? Chances are, you know someone who desperately needs encouragement. … Continue reading National Suicide Prevention Week, 9/10-9/16
Draft of Chapter One, now open for feedback : )
Okay... I'm putting myself out there now. If you'd like to read the current draft of the first chapter (four pages) of Mirror of Sparrows, then click the link below. I just reread it and found a funny spelling mistake. See if you can find it, too : ) https://ellenbrockediting.com/mirror-of-sparrows-3/ It would really bless me … Continue reading Draft of Chapter One, now open for feedback : )
Writing by grace and prayer
I've given it everything I have, and I'm not sure where to find what I lack. I feel not energetic enough. Not creative enough. Not insightful enough. Not intelligent enough. Not able, enough. I only can give what I can give. I only am who I am.
Friendships and mess-ups
In every friendship, there are mess-ups. People are inconsiderate, maybe even rude, hurtful, and selfish. And if a friendship has hiccups, which is inevitable, our instincts often want us to be done with that relationship. Crazy right? But frequently true. It's easy to throw in the towel. God has been teaching me about being a … Continue reading Friendships and mess-ups