How to Write Middle Grade Novels Children Will Love Forever
Ranked #218 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #9,886 overall
You can write a middle grade novel
Middle grade novels appeal to children ages 8 to 12. If you want to write for this age group, the best way to get started is to read lots of them. In this way you gain an instinctive sense of what they are like.
You can find plenty of middle grade novels in your public library. Ask the librarian for recommendations, or check out the list of Newbery Medal winners to know what other librarians thought were the best.
You're welcome to visit my website, Literature For Kids, for more suggestions of great middle grade novels to read.
Because I got into the habit of reading middle grade novels to my two young children, I learned to love this genre, and wanted to write some of my own. I finished the first draft of my first middle grade novel in 2001, and I've written several others since then.
The Story Book Art Print
by William Bougeureau (1825 - 1905)
Buy at AllPosters.com
How to Make Money as a Writer of Children's Literature in Hard Times
Themes in Children's Fiction
How to Generate Children's Story Ideas
Get started writing your middle grade novel and don't quit
...you can do it!!!
The most important thing to remember when writing a novel is that you cannot quit. Even if you think the story is bad, don't quit. Even if you decide you're the most talentless scribbler of worthless ideas, don't quit. Almost every author goes through a period of hating their novel while they're writing it.
You see, sticking to the project is the hardest part of creating a worthwhile story. Once you quit, you fail. And if you don't quit, you can always keep adding to and editing your novel, until it is something you can be proud of.
You should expect to write something new on your novel every day. If you skip a few days, don't despair - just pick up where you left off. If you're new to writing, you can try for 500 new words daily. If you're ambitious, 1500 words daily would be a great goal.
Whatever word count you choose, remember that the key word here is "daily". Do you realize that if you write just 500 words daily for two months and ten days, you'll have a viable 35,000-word middle grade novel manuscript? Then you'll have something in hand to edit and polish up, and be on your way to novel writing success.
Story sparkers for your middle grade novel
Story Sparkers : A Creativity Guide for Children's Writers
Amazon Price: $5.93 (as of 02/14/2012)
This book covers - brainstorming, webbing, freewriting, listing, questioning, researching, the five senses, overheard conversations, pictures, time lines, experiences, memories, things kids care about, and much more.
Basic building blocks of middle grade novels
...just stack them up!
Your manuscript will contain elements that are building blocks for the novel.
Some of these building blocks are:
Words
Sentences
Paragraphs
Scenes
Chapters
When you set your goal to add a few building blocks each day, it is much easier than telling yourself you're about to write an entire novel.
When I wrote my first middle grade novel I made it my goal to write 2500 words daily - which would be the approximate length of each chapter. I decided that each time I sat down to write I'd have a list of five scenes to write. My scenes lasted for about 500 words apiece, more or less each time. And in that way I wrote the entire novel in only 17 days. (The first draft was about 50,000 words.)
Set your goals. They don't have to be as ambitious as mine were. But know what you're planning to do, and where you're headed. Then get started, and give yourself the time to get where you want to go. Stack up your blocks, one at a time, and soon you'll have a middle grade novel manuscript to be proud of.
Guide to crafting middle grade novels
The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children (Write for Kids Library)
Amazon Price: $5.40 (as of 02/14/2012)
Book Description
The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children offers detailed information and an in-depth examination of storytelling and story structure. Books on writing for children sell exceedingly well, so it's surprising that no other book focuses on this important aspect of the craft.
Using examples from classic and contemporary sources, Nancy Lamb explores all the key elements of children's storytelling, from point of view to structure to plotting and pacing.
Taking a hands-on approach, Lamb uses worksheets, exercises, and checklists to show writers how to capture and keep a young reader's attention, whether the topic is fact or fiction.
From the Author
The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stores for Children is the how-to book I always wanted to read but never could find.
This book deals with fundamentals. I explore story ideas and writing and structure. What makes a character memorable and what it is about certain children's books that makes readers keep turning the pages. I discuss beginning, middle and end; premise, theme and tone; dialogue and point of view; conflict and structure; plot and subplot. I also talk about the importance of choosing a voice that enhances your story and the power of using the five senses to add texture and authenticity to that story.
This is a book about basics...a book that shows you how to apply what you learn to your own writing in easy-to-follow, step-by-step detail.
Middle grade novels - to plot or not to plot
...that is the question.
Novelists are all different. Some make elaborate written plotting notes before starting the actual writing. Others resist plotting, preferring to write organically, letting the story progress as they do the writing itself.
I've written novels both ways. I like and appreciate both approaches. So don't expect me to say that you have to have a plot, or that having one is limiting and bad. It really depends on what you want to do.
There are many different ways to write out a plot. My favorite way is to decide what the main character's journey is. The MC (main character) starts as one kind of person, then learns, grows, matures, and changes. When I figure out what the character will be like at the end of the novel, I can then decide what the different chapters will be.
I write a simple list of chapters - about 15 to 25 chapters depending on the complexity of the novel. For each chapter I write a brief summary of what I want to have happen, what scenes will take place, where, and with which characters. Then as I write the novel I have this list of ideas to draw on as I write chapter after chapter, easily and without too much guesswork.
Organic writing can be fun too. Try it sometime - you might like it! To do it, just decide who your MC is, put that person in a situation, and start writing. Let your imagination be your guide as you travel with your MC through whatever happens next. It is not difficult, and you may end up with incredibly fun and exciting manuscripts. I love the stories I wrote that way.
So to plot or not to plot - that is your decision, and whichever way you choose to write your novel, you're doing it the right way for you.
Learn to craft plots for middle grade novels
Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)
Amazon Price: $8.01 (as of 02/14/2012)
Product Description
The second book in the Write Great Fiction series, Plot & Structure offers clear and concise information on creating a believable and engaging plot that readers can't resist. Written by award-winning thriller and suspense author James Scott Bell, this handy instruction guide provides:
* Easy-to-understand techniques on every aspect of plotting and structure, from brainstorming story ideas to building scenes, and from using subplots to crafting knock-out endings
* Engaging exercises, perfect for writers at any level and at any stage in their novel
* Practical and encouraging guidance from one of the most respected writers publishing today
Full of diagrams, plot brainstormers, and examples from popular novels, mastering plot and structure has never been so simple.
About the Author
A former trial lawyer, James Scott Bell is the award-winning author of The Darwin Conspiracy, Deadlock, Final Witness, and the Shannon Saga series. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he resides in Woodland Hills, California.
Creating a main character for your middle grade novel
...who is this strange person? ...why will children like him - or her?
The most important person in your novel is the main character (MC). When you're writing a middle grade novel, your MC should be a child.
Some writers believe that children prefer to read about MC's that are slightly older than they are. So since middle grade novels are for children ages 8 to 12, you can't go wrong with having a twelve-year-old protagonist. However if that age doesn't fit your novel idea, just go with whatever you feel is right. Children will want to know how old your MC is, and it would be good to find some creative way to tell them.
Give some thought to your MC's personality before starting your novel. Write it all down, so you don't forget the details while you're writing your novel. It is very helpful to have a character development sheet to refer to while you're writing. In one novel I wrote there were four children, and I constantly referred to my character development notes to remember things like which child was raising rabbits, which one had dark curly hair and which one was blond, what their cats were named, etc.
Give your child protagonist at least three strong positive characteristics, and one negative one. For example your child could be capable, charming, and talkative... and afraid of the dark. Characters with flaws are much more fun to read about than perfect characters. Children want fictional friends they can identify with and care about.
Interview your character. Ask your character what he (or she) wants the world to know about him. Let the answers bubble up from your subconscious and write it all down. Then ask what he wants you to hide, and why. Ask as many questions as possible, and get to know this person's personality well, as you'll be living with him for months to come.
Characters kids love - great for middle grade novel writers
Creating Characters Kids Will Love
Amazon Price: $13.41 (as of 02/14/2012)
This book covers - how to find believable story characters, creating a character journal, observing real children for inspiration, transforming fact into fiction, character growth, plot development, a character's internal problems, point of view, heroes, villains, secondary characters, animal characters, adult characters, and historical characters.
Conflict in middle grade novels
...every novel needs conflict.
A novel without conflict is boring. Every novel needs characters that disagree with one another, major problems that the characters need to solve, and near the end, a huge crisis.
Since your protagonist is a child, and your readers are children, your novel's climax and other lesser problems should be resolved by the MC, not by parents or teachers. Children want to read about other children that had problems and came up with great solutions for them.
So as you write, you're supposed to be thinking, "what can I do to make it worse for my characters?" Yes, that's not very nice, but who said novelists had to be nice - while writing, at least. Our job is to make our characters suffer, but to give them plenty of room to find solutions and redeem themselves.
Craft and soul of writing
by Catherine Ann Jones
The Way of Story: The Craft & Soul of Writing
Amazon Price: $11.18 (as of 02/14/2012)
Product Description
Offering an integrative approach to writing all forms of narrative, this illustrated book contains evocative insights from the authors own professional journey. The emphasis on the integration of both a solid craft and an experiential inner discovery makes this writing book unique.
About the Author
Cathrine Ann Jones is an award-winning writer whose films include The Christmas Wife (Jason Robards), Unlikely Angel (Dolly Parton), Angel Passing (Hume Cronyn, Calista Flockhart) which screened at Sundance and went on to win fifteen awards, and the TV series, Touched by an Angel. Ten of her plays, including Calamity Jane and On the Edge, have been produced both in and outside of New York City. Winner of the National Endowment for the Arts Award among others, Ms. Jones, a Fulbright Scholar, has served on the writing faculties of The New School University(NYC), University of Southern California (L.A.), Pacifica Graduate Institute, and the Esalen Institute. Ms. Jones lives in Ojai, lectures internationally and serves as a story and script consultant.
Parts of a middle grade novel
...make sure your novel is complete.
A novel has these basic components:
- Prologue - This is optional. Most novels don't have them but you might decide after writing your novel that it would help to add one. Don't worry about it for now.
- Beginning - The first page is the most important. This is where you will hook your potential reader, or lose him, so you need an exciting and intriguing start that will make people want to read the rest of your novel.
- Middle - This is the main section of the novel, consisting of many chapters. You will move the MC from the beginning, through whatever character changes he experiences, to the end where he will be a new and better kind of person.
- Sub-Plots - Novels are more complex when they add extra plots to distract the MC along the way. These take place in the middle of the novel. Leave the beginning and end for the main plot.
- Climax - A few chapters from the end you should start building toward your main crisis. This should be the most exciting part of the novel, and it usually happens in the penultimate chapter.
- Denouement - This is the last chapter. The crisis is over. The character has changed. Now you just have to wrap up loose ends and send your MC and other characters on to their new and better life.
- Epilogue - I rarely see these in middle grade novels, but that doesn't mean you can't throw one in if it feels like the right thing to do.
Elements of writing fiction
by Nancy Kress
Elements of Fiction Writing - Beginnings, Middles & Ends
Amazon Price: $4.10 (as of 02/14/2012)
This book covers the opening scene, the section scene, early revisions, staying on track throughout the middle of the novel, character development, getting unstuck, delivering on the promise, the last scene, the last paragraph, and the last sentence.
The business of writing middle grade novels
The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing Children's Books and Publishing Them, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids
Amazon Price: $6.88 (as of 02/14/2012)
Product Description
Writing books for children is both art and business. If you dream of becoming a children's author -- or even if you're well on your way -- this handbook can help you in writing sellable stories, getting them published, and promoting your books. Topics include common myths about children's writing, children's book categories, elements of successful stories, manuscript format, submission strategies, contract negotiation, the publishing process, career building, and children's writer resources. Also included are specialized subjects such as querying for multiple manuscripts and promoting a first book. Read The Business of Writing for Children to learn the secrets you might spend years discovering for yourself.
About the Author
Aaron Shepard is the author of Master Man, The Sea King's Daughter, The Legend of Lightning Larry, and sixteen other published and forthcoming picture books. His publishers have included Atheneum, Scribners, Clarion, Lothrop, Dial, and HarperCollins, as well as Cricket and Australia's School Magazine. Aaron's work has been honored by the American Library Association, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society, and he has been a judge for the Golden Kite Awards of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
A word book for writers of middle grade novels
Children's Writer's Word Book
Amazon Price: $6.11 (as of 02/14/2012)
Book Description
This title's unique design ensures that writers speak to their audience with a vocabulary and style they both understand and find appealing. A fast-reference guide meant to be used along with a dictionary, thesaurus and yellow pad of paper, it will help fulfill the dream of becoming a published children's writer. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Alijandra Mogilner has been writing and publishing stories for children since 1982. She teaches at the University of California in San Diego.
Where to sell your middle grade novel
2012 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market)
Amazon Price: $15.78 (as of 02/14/2012)
Book Description
Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market is the top market guide--the bible--for children's writers and illustrators seeking publication.The 2009 edition of this stalward companion offers readers more than 650 listings for book publishers, magazines, agents, art reps and more. Completely updated, it also contains exclusive interviews with and articles by well-respected and award-winning authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals as well as nuts-and-bolts how-to information. Readers will learn what to do, how to do it, and get loads of information and inspiration.
CWIM is the top children's publishing guide with over half a million copies sold.
Completely revised and updated annually with exclusive interviews and articles by top children's publishing professionals.
The 2008 Childrens Writers and Illustrators Market offers readers more than 750 listings for book publishers, magazines, agents, art reps and more. It's completely updated annually and is the most trusted source for children's publishing information. CWIM also contains exclusive interviews with and articles by well-respected and award-winning authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals as well as nuts-and-bolts how-to information. Readers will learn what to do, how to do it, and get loads of information and inspiration."
About the Author
Alice Pope has been editor of Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market for more than 15 years, frequently speaks on children's writing/publishing related topics at writers' conferences, blogs about children's publishing as CWIM: Alice Pope and is a former Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Any comments about middle grade novels?
Your opinions are always welcome
Are you a writer? Tell us about yourself, or just leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!
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bobby150
Jan 26, 2012 @ 7:40 am | delete
- "Don't Quit!" best advice overall. Many people quit very early in writing a novel or any difficult undertaking. As a writer it's important to get into the work and learn all you can about these new characters that you have created. When you know your characters, you can't just walk away from them and forget them because your tired of the work. If they are good strong characters that belong in your story they will be with you everyday and every step of the way.
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TMitch
Jan 23, 2012 @ 8:22 am | delete
- I have written my first middle grade manuscript, and I am looking for ways of making it stronger and publishable. Thank you for these grade tips.
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workingmomwm
Jan 14, 2012 @ 10:30 pm | delete
- I am a writer, but I've never written a book for middle grade readers. You have some great tips here. Thanks for sharing!
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Art_Aspirations
Jan 14, 2012 @ 1:23 pm | delete
- A well-crafted lens. My granddaughter is an avid reader at age 8 and I thoroughly enjoy reading what she is reading.
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davidleetong
Jan 14, 2012 @ 12:07 pm | delete
- Love the lens! So well written... Scary opening photo though :D
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baby-strollers
Jan 14, 2012 @ 1:04 am | delete
- My little one will be 8 before long - I would love to put some of your advice to work. I think I could do it.
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darciefrench
Jan 13, 2012 @ 11:10 am | delete
- I was a ghostwriter for several middle grade children's novels. I really enjoyed it. The books are numbers 5-8 in the Why Some Cats Are Rascals series by Bozena Nowiki.
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rich074
Jan 13, 2012 @ 9:21 am | delete
- Expertly Done
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Jan 12, 2012 @ 6:15 pm | delete
- Thank you so much for this lens. It is very helpful and encouraging. I will, pick up the unfinished story I've written, everyday as you suggest.
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scarlettohairy
Jan 12, 2012 @ 2:55 pm | delete
- This is a great information! I love how you've broken down the basics and made it seem oh-so-doable!
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vanidiana
Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:14 am | delete
- I am a kid story writer, and all that you have written in this lens really give me more inspirations how to write better. Thank you very much for sharing about the writing tips. I have written three middle grade novels, one fantasy story and two sci-fi stories. You are right about not stopping, sometimes I got too busy doing other things that I left my stories half finished.
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Jan 11, 2012 @ 3:34 pm | delete
- Something I have not yet tried. Thanks!
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juliavm
Jan 11, 2012 @ 11:27 am | delete
- I wonder if I'll have the discipline to sit and write a novel. I used to have lots of ideas, but was too lazy to get these ideas on paper. Maybe I could use this lens as a guide, and put my story telling skills to the test. Great lens!
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MaryQuinlin
Jan 11, 2012 @ 2:02 am | delete
- I very much enjoyed all you included--so many good tips!
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BuddyBink
Jan 10, 2012 @ 6:09 pm | delete
- A very nice outline on how to write a novel. Thanks
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SomeoneYouKnow
Jan 10, 2012 @ 11:50 am | delete
- I love this genre as well. I have not tried to write one, but you have given me the encouragement needed to start. During the time it took me to read this lens I have come up with a character and a situation for her. I am off and running with this. Thank you!
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Angelgirl1976
Jan 10, 2012 @ 7:14 am | delete
- Thank you for this, it is very helpful indeed. I lost my job 2 weeks before christmas and I have always loved writing but just didn't have the tme to write but now I have the time. I have been thinking that I want to write for a living. When I was at school, my teachers always said I should take up a career in writing so now seems like a good time. This really helped me so thank you for the info :)
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bloomingrose
Jan 10, 2012 @ 1:20 am | delete
- I bookmarked this but I would personally love to write for this age. I read a lot of children's books - I like seeing eyes through child's eyes.
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AshAffiches Jan 10, 2012 @ 1:05 am | delete
- 5 stars!
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iijuan12
Jan 9, 2012 @ 11:17 pm | delete
- Very informative lens!
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Duane_Jackson
Jan 9, 2012 @ 7:33 pm | delete
- Love the tips and advice!
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SecondHandJoe
Jan 9, 2012 @ 7:00 pm | delete
- I just finished my first middle grade novel- next week I'll read another!
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KhairuZiya
Jan 9, 2012 @ 6:59 pm | delete
- great lens, very informative. thank you for sharing
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Ericastanciu
Jan 9, 2012 @ 12:15 pm | delete
- Great lens! Really informative
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Mia-Mia
Jan 9, 2012 @ 10:54 am | delete
- Thank you for this very helpful and informative lens; and for the encouragement. I've thought about this genre many times, but have not investigated it. I may do so now.
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Mia-Mia
Jan 9, 2012 @ 10:54 am | delete
- Thank you for this very helpful and informative lens; and for the encouragement. I've thought about this genre many times, but have not investigated it. I may do so now.
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d-artist
Jan 9, 2012 @ 10:20 am | delete
- Very nice with great information...I will have to look into this a bit more...thanks for sharing!
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jeremykim2011
Jan 9, 2012 @ 4:32 am | delete
- Thanks for the wonderful writing tips! Great lens!
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GrammaLinda
Jan 8, 2012 @ 9:54 pm | delete
- I hadn't considered weriting a middle grade novel, but I have started two young adult novels. Good points about writing on the novel everyday. Had I done that, they would both be finished now. Great lens! Blessings!
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Jan 8, 2012 @ 8:54 pm | delete
- What a cool idea for lens - love it!
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Annie
Sep 14, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- Who wrote this, I'm posting it on my wall and would like to credit the author: The most important thing to remember when writing a novel is that you cannot quit. Even if you think the story is bad, don't quit. Even if you decide you're the most talentless scribbler of worthless ideas, don't quit. Almost every author goes through a period of hating their novel while they're writing it.
You see, sticking to the project is the hardest part of creating a worthwhile story. Once you quit, you fail. And if you don't quit, you can always keep adding to and editing your novel, until it is something you can be proud of.
You should expect to write something new on your novel every day.
remember that the key word here is "daily". Do you realize that if you write just 500 words daily for two months and ten days, you'll have a viable 35,000-word middle grade novel manuscript?
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LindaJM
Sep 14, 2011 @ 8:03 pm | delete
- Thanks... I wrote that! - Linda Jo Martin ... glad you appreciate it!
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franstan
Jul 29, 2011 @ 8:52 pm | delete
- Love this lens
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Donnette
Jun 25, 2011 @ 6:39 am | delete
- I love the layout of your page. thank you for sharing
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wolley_81
Mar 16, 2011 @ 7:53 am | delete
- Hey, this brings back my old passions of writing! :) thanks! this is really informative and inspiring!
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cinstress
Mar 15, 2011 @ 9:54 pm | delete
- I love writing too!
thanks for a great lens with many resources
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Gail47
Feb 18, 2011 @ 8:46 am | delete
- Great resource with beautiful posters, too! What a comprehensive lens, and I'm sure those who would like to write for that age group will appreciate your information.
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KaraLynnRussell
Jan 23, 2011 @ 2:50 pm | delete
- Lots of helpful links here. Thanks for creating this lens.
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pumpnut
Dec 14, 2010 @ 9:30 am | delete
- I would love to have a least one story out there in the world. It's on my list.
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GrammaLinda
Oct 30, 2010 @ 11:09 am | delete
- You have some wonderful ideas and writing resources. I have been writing for as long as I can remember, and love to do fictional writing for young adults and children, when I have time.
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KarenTBTEN
Oct 16, 2010 @ 4:52 pm | delete
- Great writing resource. SquidAngel blessings.
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Jimmie
Oct 9, 2010 @ 1:15 am | delete
- Your content is great. I've always wanted to write a YA book (young adult) about ... well, maybe I should'nt give away my plot idea. ;-)
This lens is so visually appealing. I love the columnar look. It really keeps my eye going down, down, down the page.
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jp1978
Oct 3, 2010 @ 3:52 am | delete
- Great! Everything is here, what's left for us is the writing...
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LensbyLisa
Sep 30, 2010 @ 7:31 am | delete
- Great lens! I really enjoyed reading this.
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dagsmith
Sep 6, 2010 @ 10:44 pm | delete
- Great lens - you've been visited by a squidoo angel!
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Debbie Dillon
Jul 30, 2010 @ 9:16 pm | delete
- What a perfect day to stumble across this great information and encouragement! Thank you so much for your insight and words of wisdom. I've been beating myself up all day about my writing, hating my manuscript(s), running into dead ends and convincing myself that my reader would be bored with my story if I labor over each and every word.
Again, thank you, thank you.
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Farida Gohar
Jul 30, 2010 @ 5:01 am | delete
- Thank u 4 such a useful writing 2write kids literature.
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bbudoyono
May 11, 2010 @ 8:29 am | delete
- Excellent lens. Thanks for writing this.
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Ramkitten
Nov 16, 2009 @ 5:40 pm | delete
- I'd never actually heard the term "middle grade novel." I've written for adults and "young adults" but never have tried a "middle grade" story. Perhaps that will be in my future. You give excellent tips in a very eye-catching lens. Nicely done!
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Flynn_the_Cat
Nov 4, 2009 @ 12:37 am | delete
- Great lens! Blessed!
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Val_Bonney
Aug 15, 2009 @ 7:13 am | delete
- Superb lens, Linda - you make writing for young adults seem not only achievable, but extremely tempting!!
Thanks hon xx
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Lori_Lee-Ray
Jun 11, 2009 @ 2:59 am | delete
- Absolutely phenomenal lense, love the layout and the information! Great job! I'm lensrolling you to my author lense on James Bell Scott
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AnnieMcMahon
May 5, 2009 @ 2:23 pm | delete
- I'm "favoriting" your lens and will be back to read it more thoroughly. Great lens! I'm a wanna-be writer, in the process of submitting my first manuscript.
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spirituality
Apr 22, 2009 @ 10:22 am | delete
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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Treasures-By-Brenda
Apr 14, 2009 @ 5:37 pm | delete
- You almost make me want to write a novel...I think you've done a fantastic job here and I've blessed your lens.
Brenda
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JenOfChicago
Dec 11, 2008 @ 5:35 pm | delete
- Great lens!
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PattB
Dec 8, 2008 @ 2:02 am | delete
- I'm so excited about this lens. At one time I thought about writing novels for middle grades, and now I think you've revived that interest. I will bookmark this lens, and look forward to returning. thanks!
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Sara
Nov 17, 2008 @ 6:02 pm | delete
- Thanks for this information, I am actually writing a story and this is very helpful. I am only in 8th grade but I want my readers to grow to love my characters and want the story to be real, or at least that they are with the characters at the time of their delimma's. This really helped me with very imaginative ways of describing the characters and new plots. I didn't necessarily ask myself "How can I hurt my character?" because it all came together, but I did like that suggestion. Thankyou so much!! By the way your site, 5 stars!
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Xbox 360 Fix
Oct 1, 2008 @ 11:38 pm | delete
- Hey great lens! and even better content lol!
Thanks for the advice..
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Aug 4, 2008 @ 8:30 pm | delete
- I love your this site. I haven't written a novel, but a children's picture book. I am looking forward to reading your other sites. I give your 5 stars and would like to rate your site(if I can figure out how to do this). Keep going!
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qlcoach
Jul 14, 2008 @ 10:18 am | delete
- Excellent information here. Thank you for sharing it and thank you for participating in our club.
Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and theapist
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mjrinella
May 3, 2008 @ 12:48 pm | delete
- Wow, great lens! 5 stars.
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SusanVillasLewis
Apr 14, 2008 @ 4:48 pm | delete
- Hmmm. Well, I already know how to read books for the 9-12 year old set. They're among my favorites right now. But it's harder than it looks to write for them!!
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JanetG
Oct 14, 2007 @ 7:34 am | delete
- 5 stars!! Enjoyed your info. I am writing a non fiction book for 9-12 year old girls. Your site gave me a shot in the arm. Found you thru the Muse Online Forum. Thanks.
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Steve_Albert
Sep 11, 2007 @ 3:30 pm | delete
- Great lens! 5 stars!! :)
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ForeignFilmFanatic
Aug 27, 2007 @ 2:22 pm | delete
- Great lens with lots of helpful information! I gave it 5*. Hope you'll visit my Foreign Films Frenzy lens too!
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boredofeducation
Aug 15, 2007 @ 12:13 am | delete
- Great Lens!
Welcome to the Squidoo Book Club.
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Aug 6, 2007 @ 11:45 am | delete
- Great lens! I voted 5 stars - I invite you to check out mine too, and rate it for me! Live Streaming Video
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EelKat Aug 5, 2007 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- What a great page you got here! I'm a writer, but most of my books are for adults, however the past few months I've been writing a couple of books for kids, which I hope to get published soon. Your info is very hlpful.
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Ms_Appleseed
Aug 4, 2007 @ 10:43 am | delete
- I love your blog! What great committment you have to the writing experience. I am working on focus and you have inspired me. Thanks!
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LindaJM
Aug 2, 2007 @ 2:29 am | delete
- Thanks, sdtechteacher, I haven't submitted my novels for publication yet, though I've written several. I go over them and revise repeatedly. One of these days I'll be ready to submit.
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sdtechteacher
Aug 1, 2007 @ 11:01 am | delete
- I really like your lens. You put a lot of encouraging advice in here plus links and other resources. 5 stars!
Have you published an middle grade books? I'd love to see one.
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Marta_Stephens
Jul 27, 2007 @ 7:24 am | delete
- Linda, I really enjoyed reading your Lens. Great advice too. I think you are the only other person (besides me) that I know of who makes a list of the chapters with a brief summary of its content. It's a great way to make sure the scenes are sequential too.
Marta!
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Gordonjohns
Jul 27, 2007 @ 7:24 am | delete
- Lots of good content. 5*. Though i agree with Elee, some pictures would help break up the text. Great first effort.
Tikal Xunantunich
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A bit about my middle grade novel writing activities
...I love to write for children!
My website - Linda Jo Martin
My Journey of Writing Middle Grade Novels
...a few of my writing articles.
- Writing A Novel
- True story of my process in learning to write novels.
- Themes In Children’s Fiction
- This article shows how to use themes to write fiction for children.
- Twelve Tips For Writing Better Articles
- If your articles seem dull, try these tips for making them spicy and exciting as well as informative. You can capture your readers' attention and make them anxious to read more.
- The Unfinshed Manuscript
- Advice on how to finish a stalled novel manuscript.
- Let The Words Flow
- How to get into the flow of writing and editing to formulate, revise, and complete a manuscript of any type.
- Blogging and Creative Writing
- Why and when I started blogging, how it helps with creative writing, a list of my blogs, and a few recommended blogs.
- Blogging Tips: Help For Writers Who Blog
- Blogging Tips by Lorelle Van Fossen is an excellent guide for new bloggers, with tips that will even help those of us who have been blogging for years.
- Ten Tips For New Writers
- Ten tips for new writers as they set out on their writing journeys.
- Making Time for Writing
- Despite a busy schedule, you can make time for writing. No matter how little time you have, writing the first sentence is key to getting something done.
- Three Things A Writer Should Have
- A writer needs confidence and perseverance to succeed at writing. Writers also need a good writer's notebook!
- Practice Writing Daily for Creative Development
- How to practice writing daily using a prompt as inspiration.
- From the White Light
- Flash fiction story by Linda Jo Martin - about a girl who experiences a vision from the white light.
- Feeling FREE With Language
- A writer's first draft is a place for word play and freedom of creative thought.
- Rejection: It’s Not Personal
- Don't take it personally if your manuscript gets rejected - as usually it has nothing to do with you.
- Writerly Success
- Success is a word that goads writers into doing things they never thought possible.
- Questions to Ask Yourself About Creative Endeavors
- These questions will give writers and creatives some insights into their creative process.
- If You Don’t Like It, Change It!
- We must each take responsibility to change the things we don't like.
- Plotting a Novel Through Character Development
- Novel plotting starts with knowing the character who will take the journey through the pages of your novel; this leads to an understanding of the situations that character will experience.
- Place Children's Story Characters in Unusual Settings and Situations | Literature For Kids
- Place characters for children's stories in unusual settings and situations to create an unexpected, unique story that children and editors will love.
- How to Generate Children's Story Ideas | Literature For Kids
- A quick way to generate children's story ideas.
- Go Outside And Write | Literature For Kids
- Writing in nature brings experiences and details to our writing that cannot be duplicated later when we're home in an office looking at a computer screen.
- Practice Writing Children's Literature | Literature For Kids
- Writing improves when we practice the skills involved in writing an story, article, or poem. Daily practice writing works for whoever does it.
- How to Make Money as a Writer of Children's Literature During Hard Times | Literature For Kids
- Ten ideas for making money as a writer of literature for children during a recession or depression.
Recently updated...
by LindaJM
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." -Dr. Seuss
My blog: Linda Jo Martin
Perspectives on Writing
more »
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One of the best books I've read about fiction writing.
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An agent's excellent advice on writing a novel that stands out from the rest.
