Writing Credentials: Do You Have Any?

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I follow C. Hope Clark. She is the brains behind the newsletter Funds For Writers. She has been a helpful entity in regards to me learning more about the world of writing. Recently I read a post that actually made me chuckle out loud. It made me realize how far I have come in the writing process. This post talks about writers and what types of credible writing they have done. It also mentions that publishers and agents need to hear from writers who are actively pursuing a writing career. What made me chuckle was that I (years ago) never thought of mentioning when I submitted a manuscript that I am a technical writer. I did’t think that applied because I wanted to be a children’s author. So, I guess if you’ve written anything, published an article, won a contest, that qualifies as experience in writing. Check out the article. It’s short, sweet and to the point.

How would you reply if asked this question? Indignant? After all, everybody has to start somewhere, plus you’ve been writing various pieces for years.

Everybody has to write the first manuscript. But few of them need to publish that first manuscript.

If you went to the doctor, needing an operation, you might ask, “Have you done this sort of operation before?” What if the reply is, “No, but I’ve been studying how to do it.” You’d move on to another doctor, because no matter how long he’s read the books and tested on cadavers, he hasn’t proven himself. Read more here.

The Structure of Story

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Getting ready to put a project on paper can be as easy as 1-2-3. Yeah, right! It’s not so easy putting your project to paper. Most of us don’t outline or write down the ideas we have about our stories beginning, middle and end. Some of us feel it will mess with the creativity of our story. I thought that at first. I’ve been stuck on a project more times than I can count only because I didn’t jot down the important parts of the story arc. So now, to remedy that I work on an outline. I get to know my characters and their personalities.

I visited K.M. Weiland’s site and she has some interesting words she has shared in regards to story and structure. I always love to visit her site. She has such great insight on the craft of writing. Her words always guide me and help me to better understand the process of writing.

The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 1: Why Should Authors Care?

What’s the single most overlooked, misunderstood—and yet most important—part of storytelling? If you cheated and looked at the title, you already know the answer is structure. Most uninitiated writers have two different reactions to the idea of story structure. Either they think it’s great, but too mystical and lofty to be understood by common mortals, or they think it’s formulaic hooey that will sap the art right out of their books.

I started out somewhere in the “huh?” camp that didn’t even realize there was such a thing as structure. From there, I progressed to reading complicated outlines that left me shaking my head. If that was structure than my story was practically written for me before I even came up with a decent idea. Thanks, but no thanks.

What I didn’t know—what most writers don’t know—is that even as I subjected the idea of story structure to ignorance and ridicule, I was actually structuring my stories without even realizing it. In the years since, I’ve been introduced to many theories of structure, all of which bear out the inevitable components found in all good stories, whether their authors deliberately structured them or were just lucky enough to wing it on their own good instincts.  Read more here.

 

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Writing For Middle Grade: Where’s Your Voice?

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Writing for the middle grade genre does not feel like it should be a difficult task. As a matter of fact, I am having a lot of fun doing it. It’s my first project and I just want to write the story. Now that I am almost done with the first draft, I’m wondering if I am using the write voice and words for my characters.

I found some information that helped me clear any questions I might have about voice. Kids are very intellectual these days and we as writers need to be sure not to dumb down our manuscripts. Here are some helpful tips I found at YA Highway. Kristin Halbrook has written an excellent article on The Middle Grade Voice.

It’s important as a writer to capture the essence of each character, one way of doing that is to hang out with kids in the age group you want to write for. I have done that am hope that my manuscript will connect with my middle grade audience.

What has been your experience writing for the middle grade audience?

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Where is the Query Fairy?

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I have met many writers who have a fear of the query letter. I never understood it until I had to do one myself. I read as much information as I could find and still there didn’t seem to be an easy answer as to how best to write a query. I was wondering if there was a Query Fairy out there somewhere who could help. There is help.

There are lots of Query Fairy’s out on the web. They are out there with their magic wands spreading their fairy dust all around. One in particular is Noah Lukeman. Of course, he may not consider himself a fairy, but he still offers help in writing a great query letter and he even offers a free download with tips and resources to help get you started.

I have downloaded the book and read it more than once, more than twice and I have utilized the tips. I created a few query letters and the world didn’t blow up. I was rejected but not because of my query letter. I was rejected because a similar story idea or article was just accepted or it wasn’t something they were interested in at the time. Now, rejection is rejection but I look at the bright side of the situation, I received personal notes and comments from the editors. I was happy about that. I was not expecting personal notes. What that says to me is that my query letter was good enough for them to stop, read and comment. I passed the test.

So, maybe I’m wrong but I choose not to think that. I might mention, that it wasn’t just Noah Lukeman, I have been surfing around and absorbing everything I see in regards to how to write a query letter.  It’s been a while since I have sent any out. I have hope that someday soon my idea; my project will be taken in and shared with all of you.

How to Write a Great Query Letter: Inside Tips & Techniques for Success, by Noah Lukeman

Happy Writing!

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How To Write For The MG Reader

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I’m currently writing my first middle grade novel. So far it has been an interesting experience. I love my characters and it’s fun when I get into the groove of writing and the story seems to take over all by itself. I find that I wake up in the middle of the night to jot down notes and ideas to make my characters really come to life. Writing for a MG audience is not an easy task. Writing in general is not an easy task, but when you add youth to the mix and all the silly things they do it’s difficult to come up with the right mix of things to keep the readers attention and put the reader in a position to be able to relate to the characters feelings and actions.

I read an article by Margo Finke at Harold Underdown’s site that helped me stay focused and be more insightful to what works for that age group. The article “Writing a Middle-grade Masterpiece Ain’t Easy!”has some excellent tips and links. To read more about writing for children, take a moment to visit the Harold Underdown site.

Happy Writing!