My son, Cruz, asked if he could have a Hobbit themed birthday party. Of course, I love the idea, but where to even begin... ...at the beginning, I guess! So, here is why I like the beginning of the Hobbit so much: Bilbo is content. He lives in a beautiful Hobbit hole (but it's a hole … Continue reading Cruz and a Hobbit birthday party
writing
A writers’ retreat at Makapala, Big Island
Our dear friends, Jared and Tiana, invited me to do a writers' retreat in Makapala, Kohala, Big Island.
Honing authenticity and creativity
on writing with authenticity and creativity...
The benefits of writer’s block: there really are none
Writer's block: an inability to think, combined with a deep sense of guilt, that no amount of caffein seems to be able to take away. But, I'm trying to look on the positive side: I'm learning patience, especially with myself. Challenges produce perseverance and character. Meanwhile, all I have to write is AHHHHHHHHH! No - … Continue reading The benefits of writer’s block: there really are none
Camp NaNoWriMo
Today, I accomplished my goal of writing 50,000 words for Camp NaNoWriMo! Things didn't go as planned: I'd started Camp NaNoWriMo with a fresh new outline of Mirror of Sparrows, and I envisioned myself writing a complete first draft based on that outline. What a convenient vision! About half way through, I realized that my outline had … Continue reading Camp NaNoWriMo
Starbucks, Kam Shopping Center, on a Saturday morning
6:15 am: An old man walks through the parking lot absentmindedly. A young man almost runs him over while backing up his white, shiny BMW. Nobody is hurt. 6:38 am: Don't know if she's his girlfriend or his wife, but she yells at him for a long time. He listens, maybe? He hardly says a word. They head out. He acts like she doesn't matter - checking … Continue reading Starbucks, Kam Shopping Center, on a Saturday morning
How to figure out what your dream is…
After a previous video I made, three benefits to pursuing your dream, several people asked, "what if you don't have a dream?" and "how can you figure out what your dream is?" Here are some thoughts I have on those questions: 1) Maybe you don't have your full dream or vision, but do you have … Continue reading How to figure out what your dream is…
Christian Bale, Kristen Stewart, Joaquin Phoenix, and Colin Firth?
Some writing advice blogs suggest finding picture of what you think your characters look like; therefore, I've been having a little bit of fun with this.
Why I like to write in the morning, a poem
I like to write in the morning, before reality - sets in. I like to write in the morning, before I recall what - logically, probably, certainly - ain't happenin' I like to write in the morning, when they day is - still untouched. Then, anything is possible, And any dream's attainable. I like to write … Continue reading Why I like to write in the morning, a poem
Outlining your novel
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.
Vanessa Fowler 