Here are some ideas on how to begin writing your novel. In this video, I focus on outlining, the hook, inciting incident, first plot point, first pinch point, midpoint, second pinch point, second plot point and climax. Also, you might want to check out James Patterson's "Master Class" and Ellen Brock, freelance editor.
Lessons learned
When life hands you jerks…
What do you do when life hands you jerks? Over the last year, the lightbulb finally went on and my approach towards relationships radically shifted. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "[b]ut I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." In addition, Luke wrote, "[d]o good to those who hate … Continue reading When life hands you jerks…
3 benefits to pursuing your dream
Sometimes, the pursuit of a dream can feel futile, or worse, a set up for disappointment. But there are tangible benefits to pursuing a dream. These will make the journey worthwhile, no matter what the end result is. I hope this video encourages you in the pursuit of your dreams!
Ready for wholeness
Because of my feelings of failure, and also, because I had been reading about J D Salinger's life and how he sought to isolate himself (and that strangely scared me - it resonated with me, I guess), two day ago, I asked God to reveal an area in my life where I needed growth. Anyway, here's the … Continue reading Ready for wholeness
Why I think outlining your novel is essential…
Here's a little video I made on why I think outlining your novel is super important...and I wish I had started doing it earlier. To any of you writing a novel out there, I hope that this helps!
Three bits of inspiration from ants – how about that?
I thought it would be fun to look for inspiration from ants...it's like being a kid, all over again : ) Though there's a lot already out there on this, here are my three cents worth. Ants stay on course. Pretty much no matter what, ants find their way around obstacles, sometimes really big ones! I, … Continue reading Three bits of inspiration from ants – how about that?
How should I define success?
As I write my book, I have to ask myself: on this writing journey, how will I know if I am successful? Is ultimate success finding an agent and getting published? There is a lot out there on how to achieve success... Winston Churchill said, "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." Thomas … Continue reading How should I define success?
Transformed perspective
At the end of February, I will have been writing Mirror of Sparrows for two years! Somedays I get discouraged at the pace I'm going, but then again, I'm super excited about something else: time, study and effort have completely transformed my approach to writing, and I no longer write, read books or watch movies the way … Continue reading Transformed perspective
Vanessa Fowler 