The Sandspur

Issue date: 11/19/04 Section: News

Media Credit: Caitlin Geoghan BEFORE WOMEN HAD WINGS: Connie May Fowler´s book has drawn critical claim and been converted to a screenplay.

On Thursday, November 11, Connie May Fowler read selections from her second novel, Before Women Had Wings. Fowler's novel was selected as the Central Florida Reads book for this year. The Central Florida Reads program promotes community discussion about a specific book. Her reading at Rollins College was just one of the many events scheduled for this year. Other aspects of this program include several readings at local libraries and schools to promote discussions about books and to encourage people of all ages to read.

There was a very impressive turnout for this event. This year is Fowler's second year at Rollins College, and she is currently the Irving Bachellor Chair of Creative Writing. Fowler read and spoke about her loosely autobiographical novel. She has published four novels, a memoir, and a major screenplay. Fowler has also written several articles for the New York Times, illustrating her truly versatile writing abilities. Currently, she serves as the director for the Rollins College English Department's annual event, Winter with the Writers.

The audience was truly moved as Fowler shared parts of this heart-wrenching story. Some people were even moved to tears. The reading was truly amazing , and Fowler proved not only to be an amazing writer, but also a compelling reader.

At the end of the program, Folwer fielded questions from the audience. Most of the questions were about the process of adapting Before Women Had Wings into the screenplay. Fowler was contacted by Oprah to bring her story to the silver screen, and she spoke about the difficulties and opportunities that came with developing the screenplay.

Fowler also talked about her new book, The Problem With Murmer Lee, which is supposed to hit shelves January 11, 2005. This work promises to be yet another innovative and thought-provoking novel.

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