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The Ellipses Blog . . .

Everything you don't know about editing but are afraid to ask*

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Writer's pictureJennifer Walker

Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler

I'm not sure what I expected when I picked this up but it wasn't quite this. This is the story of a young woman from the near future who essentially founds a religion. It's the origin story of a prophet.


Parable of the Sower Jennifer Walker freelance proofreader

And although I enjoy an academic approach to religion - I'm currently freelancing for a religious academic press - this book was about her creating a new religion from scratch and then taking it on the road to find converts.


I don't think Butler's intent was to actually convert anyone to (or from) anything. I liked the main character. I loved Butler's writing style. But it all felt just a little evangelical.


There was also a crazy-lucky plot twist three-quarters of the way through that enabled all this proselytizing. (Was I supposed to think that God dropped this good luck in her lap?)


There is a sequel. Although I am curious about what happens next for these characters, I don't think I'll be adding the sequel to my TBR pile right away.


Publication date: 2012




The first step to writing a terrific post-apocalyptic novel is reading what is already out there in the genre. Once you've written your own and are ready for an editor and/or proofreader, I'd be honored to read your work. Together we will make your book shine!


Jennifer Walker freelance editor

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