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!
writing
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!
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
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?
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
What if this doesn’t work out?
This morning, rather than diving into my regular writing routine, I did nothing. Actually, that's not entirely true...I allowed my brain to become paralyzed with fear. What if writing this book doesn't work out? Here is the mental list that has been running through me brain and then my responses to myself (that's sort of weird, … Continue reading What if this doesn’t work out?
Why I love to write!
There are many reasons why I love to write, but three of the main ones are: it's amazing to create something out of nothing, you can write and re-write as many drafts as you want, for as long as you want, and, it's really fun to put your characters through crazy adventures! Thank you for … Continue reading Why I love to write!
Scene structure
Mirror of Sparrows update, with a focus on journals (thank you Erin and Ben), my amazing freelance editor, Ellen Brock, and my attempts at scene structure. Wishing you a very happy new year! Thank you for watching!
Pomodoro
I write everyday (well, almost everyday). But, with the busyness of parenting, teaching and my ensuing lack of energy, on some days it can be challenging to write. Now, add random commitments, household tasks, insecurity and writer's block to the mix. It's a wonder I ever get any writing done. Pomodoro has helped me a ton. Not … Continue reading Pomodoro
Vanessa Fowler 