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.
Poems I wrote a while ago
Below are two short poems I wrote for another blog, a number of years ago. It's fun to look through forgotten stuff : ) Intro: Sometimes, when my children have a hard time, I don't say anything. I just stay with them. Hold them. Try to be there, tangibly ... not as judge, teacher or corrector. And it’s … Continue reading Poems I wrote a while ago
Friends who inspire
Often, it's tempting to disconnect from the world of people. After all, aren't certain social interactions super challenging? Or, am I the only one? There are those friends and family, however, who manage to tread lightly and inspire: these life givers tug me along in more ways than they can imagine. One of them is … Continue reading Friends who inspire
Belle’s yellow gown
This afternoon, my kids, their friends and I watched the movie Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. There is much I could say about the movie, but what I want to focus on is Belle's yellow gown. In light of the inner-beauty theme of the story, I realize this question may seem rather superficial, but please bear … Continue reading Belle’s yellow gown
First draft of the outline is done!
It's been a little over two years since I started writing Mirror of Sparrows, a YA fantasy. After several less-than drafts of the novel, a detailed outline seemed like a better approach. Today is a big day - I finished the first draft of the outline of my novel!
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…
Why Ryan Gosling makes me mad!
Could Ryan Gosling play piano before La La Land? I guess not. Supposedly, he learned how to play his movie pieces in three months. That feels so unfair...and I'm not even a musician. You may ask... is it really true? One of my dearest friends, a Ryan expert and piano expert, has convinced me that it is. … Continue reading Why Ryan Gosling makes me mad!
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
5 reasons why I feel like a writing failure
Here's what's led me to feel like a writing failure: Reading what I wrote eight months ago and realizing how awful it was...and wondering if that's how I'll feel eight months from now about my current attempts at a novel. Suddenly noticing that my character arcs are pretty much non existent; and why hasn't this occurred … Continue reading 5 reasons why I feel like a writing failure
Vanessa Fowler 