It’s happened to all of us. The dreaded b l o c k.
It’s the intersection of panic and dread, with a little bit of ack thrown in for good measure. You’ve tried every writing prompt in your Prompt A Day calendar, texted each of your writer buddies for exercises, and Googled multiple variations on “what to write when you’re out of words.”
And nothing helps.
Never fear. We’ve compiled a few tried and true, last-ditch efforts to help you thwart Block Brain.
Change your physical location
Sometimes, for your brain to bust out of its rut, you have to take it on a little field trip. You can do this by going for a walk – which is scientifically proven to help creativity, by the way. Or by taking a shower, which relaxes the body, distracts the brain, and releases dopamine all at once. It’s the trifecta of creativity. Trying something brand new, whether that’s going to a coffee shop you’ve never been or taking a staycation in a hotel you’ve never stayed, or going for a short drive down a road you’ve never traveled. Giving your brain a brand new experience to process can spur new ideas.
Unplug
Yes, you heard me correctly. Disconnect from the internet, the phone, the tv, the video games, all the things. Reduce the noise for an hour, or a day, or a week if you can. Multitasking is a creativity killer, so eliminate the temptation to respond to every notification and scroll every feed for as long as you can.
Fold your laundry (or wash dishes, or mow the yard)
Performing a repetitive task puts your body on autopilot and sets your brain free to roam. And a roaming brain is a creative brain. So fold those socks, knit one and purl two, or polish the silver and see what breakthroughs unfurl.
Get sketchy
Take a pad and pencil to your favorite park, art museum, or even your own backyard, and spend an afternoon sketching. Another idea is to snap photos of random things in your world – pigeons on the sidewalk, cats napping in a sunbeam, or grasshoppers in the flowerbed, then sketch your photos. Observing, thinking, and drawing can spur a new set of thoughts and reflections that can re-inspire your writing.
Do you have any go-to methods for breaking through writer’s block? Have you tried any of the exercises mentioned here? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
As always, happy writing!
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com.
As an aspiring middle grade author, you’ve probably heard this before – if you want to write compelling, relevant stories, you have to know your audience inside and out.
Today we’re going to talk about that inside part- the emotional and social developmental milestones of kids. Although there are many ways of considering developmental milestones, one way is to take a look at the middle grade reader from the perspective of the grandfather of child psychology, Erik Erikson.
Erikson’s work categorizes the developmental stages of growth into eight stages from Infancy to Late Adulthood.
Within each stage, he says, there is a central conflict. The way in which the person overcomes this conflict affects his or her social and emotional development. If for some reason the person doesn’t develop the skills needed to succeed, they may struggle in the next stages of their development.
Middle grade readers are generally between eight and twelve years old. This places them firmly in Erikson’s stage four – Industry vs. Inferiority.
When he uses the term ‘industry,’ Erikson isn’t talking about working the factory line or a particular economic segment. He’s talking about hard work. He’s referring to becoming an industrious person – someone who practices a skill until they master that skill.
This stage is all about building competence and confidence. And as the name of stage four suggests, if a child doesn’t develop competence and confidence, they will move into stage five feeling inferior.
Stage four kids begin comparing themselves to the world around them and asking questions like “How do I measure up?” “What am I good at?”
For kids this age, the world around them is their school environment and their home, but friends and classmates begin to take on more influential roles. Plus, instead of playing and learning for fun, now kids are being graded on their abilities by teachers, and rated on their performance by other kids.
Erikson emphasizes the importance of adults in positive psychosocial development. Kids need trustworthy, reliable people to come alongside them as they work to solve their own problems. Adults should emphasize effort rather than outcome.
We know that in real life, adults are not always helpful and encouraging. Also in real life, sometimes well-meaning adults can be too helpful and remove the child’s opportunity to develop their own skills. As a middle grade author, we know that kids want to see themselves as the hero in their stories, so we want to be careful about how much/what kind of adult interaction we write.
So what does this have to do with writing for middle grade readers? Understanding these developmental stages can help us weave authentic environments, characters, and plot points for middle graders.
Ask yourself:
Does my main character have realistic struggles? What is my MC good at? What challenges him/her?
Are there opportunities for the MC to try and fail at something? What are the other characters’ reactions to this?
Do the adult characters help build (or obstruct) the MCs sense of competency? Do they try to solve the MCs problem for them, or give them adequate space to try and fail?
Understanding developmentally appropriate stages can help authors craft realistic and compelling stories that readers will love.
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com.
Christmas is my favorite. I adore everything about it. I love the decorating, the baking, gathering with friends and family, but I especially love reflecting on the mystery and wonder that is the birth of Christ.
I’ve often thought about writing a Christmas middle grade book, but every time I think about it, I recall the advice an editor shared at a writing conference several years ago: the first book you sell won’t be a seasonal book.
It sounds harsh, but it’s true. Debut authors are no match for established names when it comes to selling holiday books.
That doesn’t mean we debut and pre-published authors can’t have a little fun, though.
Get out the hot cocoa (or eggnog, your choice), turn on your favorite Christmas playlist, and let’s create some Christmas book titles. Pick your favorite formula:
1. Ye Olde School Christmas Words
This technique is straightforward – combine your favorite Christmas-y or Wintery adjective with a Christmas-y or Wintery Noun and voila!
Example: The (Christmas-y Adjective) (Christmas-y Noun)->The Sparkly Mistletoe
2. Music-Palooza
Put your own twist on your favorite Christmas carol lyric or Christmas song title and see what happens.
Example – lyric
(From Let it Snow!) Oh, the weather outside is frightful ->Hey, Look at the Blizzard!
Example – title
Carol of the Bells -> Tune of the Tinsel
3. Furry and Feathered Friends to the Rescue
Have you noticed that in popular culture Christmas always requires saving? Maybe these stories are intended to be allegoric – Christ was born to save us, after all. Anyway. There’s a certain sweetness to the “fluffy woodland creature saves the day” tale, so here’s another way to generate a Christmas title.
Example: (Adjective) (Animal) (Verb) (Noun)-> Jingly Hamster Salvages the Cocoa
Play around with these and see what sparks your imagination. Write your favorites and file them away for the day when you’ve got a few books published. Then eager publishers will be happy to share your holiday gems with the world.
Until then, Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a blessed 2023!
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com.
My co-host Lori Scott has an exceptional series about bringing her YA novel from concept to reality, but for my contribution this month, I’m going straight into celebration mode. I hope you’ll join me! Follow me and drop a like or comment on my Instagram @kellimckinneywrites or Facebook page, Kelli McKinney-Author.
I’m so excited to announce that my debut middle grade novel, Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents, published on October 1 with Chicken Scratch Books! Here at Almost an Author, I’ve been reporting many of my ups and downs as I’ve worked on my craft these past several years.
As you know, this has been fun, but not always pretty. That’s okay. Growth is messy sometimes. That’s why this celebration is oh-so-sweet and why I’m so happy to share it with you.
Because if I can do it, you can too.
So, my dear friend, I’m thrilled to share my book cover, blurb, and all the upcoming fun things, because it’s been a crazy ride getting to this day. Thank you for coming along with me.
Jeff Pennant’s Field Guide to Raising Happy Parentsis a humorous contemporary middle grade novel about learning to see beyond yourself and recognizing the perspectives of others. Fifth-grader Jeff doesn’t understand why he’s always in trouble with his parents, so he conducts an experiment to help him learn what will make them happy. Along the way and amid the science, video games, and turtle mishaps, he discovers what true friendship and love in a family are.
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com.
Behind every book on the shelf, and every story waiting to be published, there’s an author who has experienced the sting of rejection.
My first middle grade book was rejected eight times. My second, soon-to-be-published middle grade was rejected four times before I heard a “yes.”
I’d be lying if I said rejection never hurt. But over the years, through trial and error, I’ve stumbled upon some ways to make it less painful and more empowering. I hope these tips help you too.
Querying is like a marathon job search. Your query letter is your application; your manuscript is your resume. It’s a process that can leave authors feeling vulnerable and anxious, wondering what their dream agent or publisher might think about their work.
In reality, the query is step one of a multi-step path to the shelf. Breaking that path down into steps can help remove some of the emotional pressure along the journey.
Every time you query, you can expect one of four types of messages in return. These responses come in four basic flavors.
1.Yes
This response is my favorite for obvious reasons. As exciting as the yes is, keep in mind that it’s just one part of the puzzle. A yes at the query stage doesn’t guarantee publication. It opens the door to the next step in the process.
2. Constructive no thank you
The constructive response is my second favorite because it offers you a glimpse into the mind of your gatekeepers, the agents and editors. A constructive no thank you is a no that gifts you with actionable feedback about your manuscript. It will read something like this:
Dear Kelli,
Thank you for submitting your work. Although your writing is solid, I had a hard time connecting with your main character. I think your story would benefit from developing a stronger sense of conflict between your MC and his father. I must pass on this project but would like to see anything you may have to share in the future.
Sincerely,
Agent McAgentson
If you receive a few of these, you’ll probably begin to see one or two of the same types of issues rise to the top – and that tells you how to improve. This is useful and good.
3. Destructive no
I haven’t received destructive feedback to a query yet, but some of my writer friends have. A destructive no reads something like this:
Dear Kelli,
Thank you for submitting your work. It’s not for me. Your writing style is abrasive and choppy. If you’d actually read books written by the other authors I represent, you’d know what I meant by ‘voicy fiction.’ This isn’t it.
Good luck,
Agent Rudebelly
The destructive no is hard to read. It’s both less professional and less personable, and it offers no helpful insight or clarity that can help the author improve.
On their websites, most editors and agents will post guidance on their typical response time. For example, Agent McAgentson says that if you haven’t received a request for a full manuscript within 12 weeks of your submission date, you can assume that she’s declined.
4. Silent no thank you
Once you open the email (or the determined number of weeks have passed without an email), you can identify what kind of response you’ve received. Then it’s time for our next tip.
Respond accordingly
Before you respond, feel your feelings and process your emotions. If you need encouragement, seek encouragement, but try not to wallow. When you join the Rejection Club, you’ve joined the ranks of authors everywhere.
If you’re lucky enough to receive constructive feedback with your rejection, accept it with grace. Make note of the agent’s insights and watch for trends – if you receive multiple comments about the same specific aspect of your work, that’s a good sign that you need to revise.
If the agent expresses an interest in looking at your future work, save her contact information and look forward to querying her again.
It might be tempting to reply, especially if you’re feeling angry or upset, but resist the urge. Most agents and editors are too busy to read them. If you are still tempted, consider this:
If you fire off an angry email telling the agent/editor how wrong they are to reject your work and why, you’re guaranteeing they don’t accept any of your future submissions. They can say no without needing to defend their choice. If it isn’t right for them, it’s not right for them – but it will be right for someone else.
If you email them asking if you can resubmit after you’ve made revisions, you’re wasting their time and burning bridges. If they had wanted you to revise and resubmit, they would have told you.
If you email them to tell them Agent/Publisher XYZ accepted this manuscript and it will be published on this date, that’s great, but rather rude and vengeful and will likely ruin your chances for future submissions.
If you’ve received destructive feedback, do not respond. At all. It might be tempting to let this person know your opinion about them, but in the end, responding in anger isn’t helpful. You’re not going to change their heart or mind.
This leads us to what rejection truly is.
Rejection is necessary
The main thing I want to impress on you about rejections is this: They. Are. Necessary. They’re part of the amazing process of being an author. Use rejection as an opportunity to practice patience, hone your craft, and reflect on why you write.
Everyone, from J.K. Rowling to Anne Frank to Kathryn Stockton, receives rejection letters. They are a sign of something incredibly valuable. They’re a sign that you dreamed up a story, wrote it, edited it, and sent it out into the world. That’s huge. That should be celebrated. Don’t ever stop celebrating it.
A rejection is a sign that you’ve accomplished something millions of people only imagine- you completed a book. So go collect all the rejections, because that’s how you make your way to the shelf. One rejection at a time.
See you next time.
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found on the sidelines at her son’s tennis tournaments, brewing a cup of cinnamon spice tea, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff to chase.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling fifteen-year career in corporate marketing before wandering off on her own to be a freelance copywriter.
Now, she is a part-time copywriter, full-time mom, and a children’s author. She lives in Texas but a huge piece of her heart belongs to Oklahoma. Her debut novel, JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is forthcoming in late 2022 with Chicken Scratch Books.
Kelli loves to hear from readers and writers. She can be reached through her website at www.kellmckinney.com or on Instagram @klmckinneywrites .
My first middle grade book was rejected eight times. My second, soon-to-be-published middle grade was rejected four times before I heard a “yes.”
I’d be lying if I said rejection never hurt. But over the years, through trial and error, I’ve stumbled upon some ways to make it less painful and more empowering. I hope these tips help you too.
Spot the type
Querying is like a marathon job search. Your query letter is your application; your manuscript is your resume. It’s a process that can leave authors feeling vulnerable and anxious, wondering what their dream agent or publisher might think about their work.
In reality, the query is step one of a multi-step path to the shelf. Breaking that path down into steps can help remove some of the emotional pressure along the journey.
Every time you query, you can expect one of four types of messages in return. These responses come in four basic flavors.
Yes
This response is my favorite for obvious reasons. As exciting as the yes is, keep in mind that it’s just one part of the puzzle. A yes at the query stage doesn’t guarantee publication. It opens the door to the next step in the process.
Constructive no thank you
The constructive response is my second favorite because it offers you a glimpse into the mind of your gatekeepers, the agents and editors. A constructive no thank you is a no that gifts you with actionable feedback about your manuscript. It will read something like this:
Dear Kelli,
Thank you for submitting your work. Although your writing is solid, I had a hard time connecting with your main character. I think your story would benefit from developing a stronger sense of conflict between your MC and his father. I must pass on this project but would like to see anything you may have to share in the future.
Sincerely,
Agent McAgentson
If you receive a few of these, you’ll probably begin to see one or two of the same types of issues rise to the top – and that tells you how to improve. This is useful and good.
Destructive no
I haven’t received destructive feedback to a query yet, but some of my writer friends have. A destructive no reads something like this:
Dear Kelli,
Thank you for submitting your work. It’s not for me. Your writing style is abrasive and choppy. If you’d actually read books written by the other authors I represent, you’d know what I meant by ‘voicy fiction.’ This isn’t it.
Good luck,
Agent Rudebelly
The destructive no is hard to read. It’s both less professional and less personable, and it offers no helpful insight or clarity that can help the author improve.
Silent no thank you
On their websites, most editors and agents will post guidance on their typical response time. For example, Agent McAgentson says that if you haven’t received a request for a full manuscript within 12 weeks of your submission date, you can assume that she’s declined.
Once you open the email (or the determined number of weeks have passed without an email), you can identify what kind of response you’ve received. Then it’s time for our next tip.
Respond accordingly
Before you respond, feel your feelings and process your emotions. If you need encouragement, seek encouragement, but try not to wallow. When you join the Rejection Club, you’ve joined the ranks of authors everywhere.
If you’re lucky enough to receive constructive feedback with your rejection, accept it with grace. Make note of the agent’s insights and watch for trends – if you receive multiple comments about the same specific aspect of your work, that’s a good sign that you need to revise.
If the agent expresses an interest in looking at your future work, save her contact information and look forward to querying her again.
It might be tempting to reply, especially if you’re feeling angry or upset, but resist the urge. Most agents and editors are too busy to read them.
If you are still tempted, consider this:
If you fire off an angry email telling the agent/editor how wrong they are to reject your work and why, you’re guaranteeing they don’t accept any of your future submissions. They can say no without needing to defend their choice. If it isn’t right for them, it’s not right for them – but it will be right for someone else.
If you email them asking if you can resubmit after you’ve made revisions, you’re wasting their time and burning bridges. If they had wanted you to revise and resubmit, they would have told you.
If you email them to tell them Agent/Publisher XYZ accepted this manuscript and it will be published on this date, that’s great, but rather rude and vengeful and will likely ruin your chances for future submissions.
If you’ve received destructive feedback, do not respond. At all. It might be tempting to let this person know your opinion about them, but in the end, responding in anger isn’t helpful. You’re not going to change their heart or mind.
This leads us to what rejection truly is.
Rejection is necessary.
The main thing I want to impress on you about rejections is this: They. Are. Necessary. They’re part of the amazing process of being an author. Use rejection as an opportunity to practice patience, hone your craft, and reflect on why you write.
Everyone, from J.K. Rowling to Anne Frank to Kathryn Stockton, receives rejection letters. They are a sign of something incredibly valuable. They’re a sign that you dreamed up a story, wrote it, edited it, and sent it out into the world. That’s huge. That should be celebrated. Don’t ever stop celebrating it.
A rejection is a sign that you’ve accomplished something millions of people only imagine- you completed a book. So go collect all the rejections, because that’s how you make your way to the shelf. One rejection at a time.
See you next time.
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found on the sidelines at her son’s tennis tournaments, brewing a cup of cinnamon spice tea, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff to chase.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling fifteen-year career in corporate marketing before wandering off on her own to be a freelance copywriter.
Now, she is a part-time copywriter, full-time mom, and a children’s author. She lives in Texas but a huge piece of her heart belongs to Oklahoma. Her debut novel, JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS, is forthcoming in late 2022 with Chicken Scratch Books.
Kelli loves to hear from readers and writers. She can be reached through her website at www.kellmckinney.com or on Instagram @klmckinneywrites .
Middle grade books are set apart from other genres by a few things. We’ve talked about these in other posts – content and voice are two important distinctives. Today I want to talk about pace. How do we pace our story in a way that connects with middle grade readers and keeps them turning pages?
Pace is the way in which your story’s elements unfold. It affects the mood of your story, the tension within your story, and sets expectations for what the reader can expect as they turn each page.
Speeding up the pace can signal humor, danger, or conflict. Slowing down the pace can signal a character’s internal growth or show us more about the character’s world. Both of these are important, because like adults, kids need variety to keep them reading.
Let’s talk about some “gas pedal” techniques to accelerate pace:
Dialogue Bursts
This is about using a short dialogue exchange and action tags to create urgency and drop important information. Example:
“Hear that?” Jack froze.
“What?” Mary stuffed the map in her pocket and grabbed another armful of jewelry from the trunk.
“Exactly. It’s too quiet.”
“You’re paranoid. Come on.”
“They’re on to us.” Jack clutched his flashlight.
“Are you gonna help me or not?” Mary tossed him an empty backpack. “Get moving.”
Cliffhangers
Create uncertainty and tension by ending a chapter with something that makes them wonder what could happen next.
Short Sentences
When you’re building tension, try shortening the sentence length. Shorten it again. It works.
Now, let’s look at ways to ‘pump the brakes.\
Internal responses
When you need to slow things down, even if only for a moment, show readers your character’s internal life. This could be as simple as a sentence or two in which the main character has an emotional reaction to their situation. It could also be a paragraph of them reflecting on a choice they made or thinking though their next action.
Description
Nobody wants to read purple prose, middle grade readers included. But that doesn’t mean your main character can’t describe anything. If your MC has a unique way of viewing the world (and they should), they probably also have a unique way of describing their world and the actions within it.
Flashbacks
Memories are a great way to add breathing room to your pace. A little backstory can serve as color and context, and it can also be a useful way to weave in clues about an event yet to come.
A few words about any kind of pace adjustment-
Make sure that whatever you do moves the story forward. If you add a flashback scene, make sure it adds important information that’s relevant to a character’s motive or conflict.
Read it out loud. If you can, ask a middle grade reader to read it too.
Read more middle grade books to see other approaches.
Like anything else in writing, pace is a tool in a writer’s toolbox that gets more powerful each time you practice. What are some of your favorite pacing techniques? Let us know in the comments below, and happy writing!
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found on the sidelines at her son’s tennis tournaments, brewing a cup of cinnamon spice tea, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff to chase.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling fifteen-year career in corporate marketing before wandering off on her own to be a freelance copywriter.
Now, she is a part-time copywriter, full-time mom, and a children’s author. She lives in Texas but a huge piece of her heart belongs to Oklahoma. Her debut novel, JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is forthcoming in late 2022 with Chicken Scratch Books.
Kelli loves to hear from readers and writers. She can be reached through her website at www.kellmckinney.com or on Instagram @klmckinneywrites .
Last month I shared three things I’ve learned on my way to becoming a soon-to-be-published middle grade author.
I have about a year between now and my book launch, and there’s a lot that happens between now and then. I thought I’d give you a little glimpse at what’s going on behind the scenes, at least for the next several weeks.
Working on the story
Every publisher is different, but the hopefully the priority remains the same across all of them: make sure the story is as good as it can be. Right now, I’m working with the editorial director on revisions that will help bring our shared vision of the story to life.
I’m working toward a very generous but slightly intimidating deadline (aren’t all deadlines like that?). Throughout this stage I’m editing my story and defining my creative process at the same time.
You might have heard that expression about writing the book you want to read? It’s true, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s true because when you’re editing that book, you’re reading it over and over a gazillion times. If you don’t like it, you won’t enjoy this part of the process at all. #trustme
Growing an audience
The other thing I’m working on – and I’m not working on it as much as I should – is connecting with gatekeepers and influencers. This is tricky, because as we have talked about, middle grade writers really have three audiences. I’ve spent most of my time really focused on one audience as I’ve written the book. That’s the children themselves, the readers. That’s who we write for.
Now I need to shift a little more attention to the other two audiences. One is the primary gatekeepers- the parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles who buy books for the readers they love. And finally, we have the librarians/teachers/bookshop employees who make recommendations.
My book isn’t even on shelves yet, so why do I want to work on this now? Because even the best stories in the world don’t sell themselves. It takes time to grow authentic relationships both in real life and on social media. Even though I should have started working on this a long time ago, the next best time to work on it is today.
Continuous improvement
I’m still eager to learn and grow as a writer, so even though most of my effort is going into polishing the manuscript, I carve out time each week to read writing books/blogs or listen to podcasts. Right now I’m listening to K.M. Weiland’s ‘Helping Writers Become Authors’ podcast and loving it.
Gratitude
Not a day goes by that I’m not immensely grateful that I get to do this. All of it. I have loved every minute of trying, learning, failing, laughing about failing, and trying again. If you take away anything from this post, or this blog, please let it be this: If I can learn to write for children, you can too. Don’t give up.
See you next time.
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found on the sidelines at her son’s tennis tournaments, brewing a cup of cinnamon spice tea, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff to chase.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling fifteen-year career in corporate marketing before wandering off on her own to be a freelance copywriter.
Now, she is a part-time copywriter, full-time mom, and a children’s author. She lives in Texas but a huge piece of her heart belongs to Oklahoma. Her debut novel, JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is forthcoming in late 2022 with Chicken Scratch Books.
Kelli loves to hear from readers and writers. She can be reached through her website at www.kellmckinney.com or on Instagram @klmckinneywrites .
Ten years, one month, and twelve days after I left my full-time corporate job to become a freelance copywriter, I signed my first publishing contract.
*pause for frenzied happy dancing*
You know what I realized after I signed the contract? All those years of work up to that moment were just the beginning. They were endurance training, I think. I have learned boatloads on this journey – some lessons I learned the hard way, others were less painful.
Here are the most important things I’ve learned about becoming an author.
1) Be teachable.
From high school English to journalism school to my corporate advertising and marketing career, I was surrounded by people who told me I could write, and I believed it.
I was so confident in my abilities, in fact, that I sent first drafts of manuscripts to agents. I entered first drafts in contests. And had no idea why they were being rejected.
Thankfully, my eyes opened at my first writing conference when I learned about revisions and critique partners. I heard other writers’ paths to publication. And I became something I hadn’t been in a long time – teachable. That’s when I started making progress.
2) Be generous.
Over the past several years, I’ve had the incredible good fortune of meeting some of the kindest writers. They’ve come alongside me (and numerous others) and offered advice, encouragement, and inspiration.
That’s the type of writer I am trying to be. I have a lot to learn, but when I meet other writers, I try to be a good resource. I’m still learning, of course, but I have found that encouraging other writers, sharing what (little) I know grows the type of community that I want to be part of.
3) Be persistent.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you I never thought about giving up. Some days the words are easy. Other days it’s like trying to tunnel through an iceberg with a spoon. Writing is hard. But it’s not impossible.
You know when it becomes impossible? When you decide to stop trying. So keep trying. Even if it’s only two sentences a day. Keep going. You know how. If I can do it, you can too.
I have another year or so before my book publishes. It will be a year filled with revisions, platform-building and marketing, not to mention I have another WIP to polish and a couple of ideas for new books to draft.
But I didn’t want this exciting moment to pass without reflecting on the ups and downs that brought me here.
Next – I need to have a conversation with the powers-that-be about changing the name of this website from “Almost an Author” to “You’re an Author, Now What?” (Just kidding)
Where are you on your path to publication? Do you want a travel partner? The A3 community is here for you. Reach out in the comments below and let us know what’s on your mind.
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found on the sidelines at her son’s tennis tournaments, brewing a cup of cinnamon spice tea, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff to chase.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling fifteen-year career in corporate marketing before wandering off on her own to be a freelance copywriter.
Now, she is a part-time copywriter, full-time mom, and a children’s author. She lives in Texas but a huge piece of her heart belongs to Oklahoma. Her debut novel, JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is forthcoming in late 2022 with Chicken Scratch Books.
Kelli loves to hear from readers and writers. She can be reached through her website at www.kellmckinney.com or on Instagram @klmckinneywrites .
Sometimes when I tell people I write middle grade, they nod knowingly and say “Cool. Like a chapter book, then?”
Then I respond, “Well, no, not really. I mean, yes, middle grade books in fact do contain chapters. Lots of them, usually. But middle grade books are different from chapter books.”
The conversation usually stops because pizza delivery guy doesn’t usually care why or how middle grade books are different from chapter books.
But if you’re reading this, I suspect that you do.
A chapter book:
Has a main character who is between the ages of 7-10, and can be anthropomorphic (e.g., a talking dog).
Is illustrated, sometimes on every page, usually in black and white.
Sticks to a word count of between 5,000 and 20,000 words (an average of 45-60 pages)
Is action-focused, with minimal internal character development.
Aims for readers aged 7-10.
Examples of chapter books are The Magic Treehouse, Flat Stanley, or Amelia Bedelia series.
A middle grade book:
Has a main character who is between the ages of 10-13.
Contains few illustrations.
Has a word count of between 25,000 – 40,000 words (an average of 150-200 pages)
Features both a well-developed character journey and motive-driven plot.
Aims for readers aged 8-12.
Examples of middle grade books are here, here, and here
If you write middle grade, you know how important it is to make sure your work is relevant to your reader. Understanding the distinctions between chapter books and middle grade is a great first step.
Happy Writing!
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
In honor of Independence Day, I wanted to do something special for this post to celebrate. I had an opportunity to interview award-winning author Andrea Rand, whose fantasy series The Chronicles of Kibblestan weaves themes of freedom and liberty throughout. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did!
Andrea Rand
Me: Your writing works so well on multiple layers. You have vibrant characters with clear motivation, engaging and fast-moving plot, and fascinating parallels between the fictional world of Kibblestan and real-world issues. Did you start writing the books with a goal to create those parallels, or did it happen naturally as part of your creative process?
AR: You have heard the saying that writers are either “plotters” (outlining a novel with plot points before writing their first draft) or “pantsers” (writing by the seat of their pants) and I fall into the latter category. I always start out with a premise and know how it’s going to end but getting from point A to point B is highly dependent on my characters and their motivations. So no, I didn’t start out writing my series with the goal of having things parallel our world today, however I think it is inevitable that experiences in an author’s life and values that they hold dear will shape their stories.
The idea for the fantasy world of Kibblestan came to me years ago, shortly after the September 11th attacks, when my daughter was just a baby and I wanted to write a story for her. September 11th affected many people in different ways, and for me, it was a huge wake-up call when I learned about the Taliban and how women were treated in Afghanistan. This may sound naïve, but I had never really contemplated what life might be like in other countries, how people suffer under oppression, and what made America the country that’s seen as a bastion of liberty to so many around the world.
I started paying more attention to current events and reading more history and memoirs of people living in other parts of the world which are not as free, and the concern for preserving liberty that swelled within me is reflected in my writing. I call The Chronicles of Kibblestan a fantastical adventure with a patriotic twist, and though it has themes of liberty versus tyranny with nuggets about America’s Constitution and founding principles sprinkled in, it is very character driven and many of the plot points are influenced by my characters’ motivations.
Me: How have middle grade readers responded to your stories?
AR: Being an author can sometimes feel a bit lonely, like you’re typing into a void as you have no idea who is reading your work or what they think, and so it is always encouraging when I do get a message or an Amazon review that gives me positive feedback. Lately, I have been receiving messages asking when my next book will be out, which is a huge motivator to keep going.
I am the first to admit that I am a kid at heart, and much of what I write is inspired by my vivid memories of what it was like to be a kid. I can remember what I liked to read and what made me laugh, which influences my stories. As part of my beta-reading process I always recruit several young readers of various ages and who I don’t know very well, to read the book and answer two questions: Did you get bored and did you understand everything. More than anything, I want to write a book that is purely fun to read. I have received comments from parents saying that their child is telling them all about my book as they read it, or that they’ve read it very quickly and are ready for the next in the series. Receiving comments like these truly make my day and are what make me want to keep going.
Me: What guidance would you offer new writers who want to write series?
AR: Being a “pantser,” I didn’t realize my first Kibblestan book was going to become a series until after I had written it, and I realized there was more story to tell. However, whether you start out with the intention of writing a series or not, it is imperative that each book can stand on its own and has a complete story arc.
I publish independently, so I can control what I publish and when, however if you are looking to publish traditionally, the rule I have always heard is to make sure that the first story that you pitch can stand on its own, because many times the publisher will not want to publish subsequent books until they are confident of the sales potential, which is based upon the revenue of that first book.
Depending on the kind of series you are writing, I would also advise ending each book with a hook for reading future books, but at the same time make sure that your ending is satisfying to the story at hand. The way I approached this for The Chronicles of Kibblestan was to add an epilogue to each book that acts as a teaser for the next story.
The other challenge of writing a series is to avoid the temptation of huge information dumps at the beginning of each book, in case the reader hasn’t read or has forgotten things from the previous book. I found this to be extremely challenging for my latest book that will be coming out, The Chronicles of Kibblestan: The Web, as it is the story of a land losing its freedom from within, and I needed to catch the reader up on the characters and political landscape. To avoid a big information dump, you can use conversations and internal thoughts that cover this information, but make sure they are concise and sprinkled throughout the current book’s storyline over several chapters as opposed to trying to fit everything into chapter one.
If you haven’t read this series, it’s well worth your time to check it out. Find out more about Andrea and the Kibblestan books at andrearand.com or purchase your copy through Amazon.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
How excited are you for summer vacation?! I have no clue what I am going to do this summer, but I’m excited anyway!
Whether or not you are going anywhere this summer, I highly recommend escaping to a magical world and exciting adventure through books!
Looking for ideas for your summer reading? Here are a few great books you might like.
Rating Your Bunkmates and Other Camp Crimes
By Jennifer Orr
Summer camp anyone? The main character of this fun book, Abigail, is brilliant but struggles socially. Each chapter starts with cleverly written field notes, and it’s not long until Abigail stumbles onto a mystery. Will she solve it? More importantly, will she finally learn how to make friends?
Book Description:
Twelve-year-old Abigail Hensley is a socially awkward aspiring anthropologist who has always had trouble connecting with her peers. Abigail is hopeful that a week at sleepaway camp is the answer to finally making a friend. After all, her extensive research shows that summer camp is the best place to make lifelong connections. Using her tried-and-true research methods, Abigail begins to study her cabinmates for friendship potential. But just when it seems that she is off to a good start, her bunkmate’s phone gets stolen, and Abigail is the main suspect. Can she clear her name, find the real culprit, and make a friend before the week is done?
Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus
By Kate O’Hearn
I love mythical creatures! Filled with adventures and mythology, I loved all 6 books in this series. Give this one a try, and if you like it, you’ll have 5 more to keep you busy all summer long.
Book Description:
When Pegasus crashes onto a Manhattan roof during a terrible storm, thirteen-year-old Emily’s life changes forever. Suddenly allied with a winged horse she’d always thought was mythical, Emily is thrust into the center of a fierce battle between the Roman gods and a terrifying race of multiarmed stone warriors called the Nirads. Emily must team up with a thief named Paelen, the goddess Diana, and a mortal boy named Joel to return Pegasus to Olympus and rescue the gods from a certain death.
Along the way, Emily and her companions will fight monsters, run from a government agency that is prepared to dissect Pegasus, and even fly above the Manhattan skyline—all as part of a quest to save Olympus before the Olympic flame burns out.
Welcome to Dog Beach
By Lisa Greenwald
I love books with animals, especially dogs, and this book is a great middle grade getaway read!
Book Description:
Eleven-year-old Remy loves Seagate, the island where her grandmother had a house and where her family spends every summer vacation. But this year’s different. Remy misses her dog, Danish, who recently passed away. The usual Seagate traditions don’t feel the same—and neither does her relationship with her two best friends, Micayla and Bennett. Micayla’s family is moving to Seagate year-round, and she’s spending more time with the year-round kids. Bennett’s doing “boy stuff” with new kid Calvin and his snobby sister Claire. Remy takes comfort in the company of Dog Beach—which is where she hatches her plan to bring her friends closer and recapture the Seagate magic. This start of a new series is filled with summer treats, activities, and the spirit of friendship and invention that are Greenwald’s trademarks.
Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
By Rick Riordan
I recently did an author interview with a 5th grade classroom, and they asked me my favorite authors. Rick Riordan is at the top of the list! If you haven’t yet, give Percy Jackson a try. It is epic fantasy, with amazing characters, and Percy even learns differently, like me!
Book Description:
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse–Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him.
When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he learns the truth about where he came from, and that he goes to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, god of the sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends–one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena–Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
The Genius Files
By Dan Gutman
Perfect for dreaming of summer vacations, this is a great family adventure featuring twins. It also adds in a fun dose of US Geography! Plus, it’s book one of five, so there are more traveling twin adventures to read if you love this one.
Book Description:
The most exciting road trip in history begins! In this action-packed, New York Times bestselling adventure, twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald embark on a family vacation you’ll have to read to believe.
Coke McDonald and his twin sister, Pepsi, think their family’s cross-country RV vacation is nothing to get excited about…until they’re chased off a cliff, locked in a burning school, and receive mysterious messages in codes and ciphers. From California to Wisconsin, it’s a race against time to find out who’s after Coke and Pep, who’s leaving the notes…and just what being a part of The Genius Files entails!
With the real-kid humor that has earned Dan Gutman millions of fans around the world and featuring weird-but-true American tourist destinations, The Genius Files is a one-of-a-kind mix of geography and fun.
As Coke and Pep dodge nefarious villains from the Pez museum in California all the way to the Infinity Room in Wisconsin, black-and-white photographs and maps put young readers right into the action.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
By Grace Lin
This gorgeous fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore. The pictures are beautiful, and the story is magical. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Book Description:
In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life’s questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family’s fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.
Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.
Princess Academy
By Shannon Hale
I don’t think I would want to attend school at the Princess Academy. (Neither does the main character!) I love books with strong female characters, and this one does not disappoint.
Book Description:
In this first book in New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy series, Miri finds herself a sudden participant in a contest to find the next princess of the realm.
Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king’s priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year’s time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.
The king’s ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess. Soon Miri finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires. Winning the contest could give her everything she ever wanted–but it would mean leaving her home and family behind.
Welcome to Superhero School
By Gracie Dix (that’s me!)
I love the crew in Welcome to Superhero School. They are not perfect, and sometimes they are even annoying, but they are the best! This team of students learn that their superpowers alone aren’t enough to save the day – they must rely on one another, ask for help, and work together. Plus, there are dinosaurs with laser eyes! I recently re-read my book, and I loved it as much as I did when I was writing it. I hope you do too!
Book Description:
Join Oliver, Jess, and all their friends on a mission to destroy the power-hungry, evil villains of Vork.
From subterranean sewers to lush jungle, from dinosaurs to dragons, our heroes will be pushed to their limits in ways they’d never imagined. Will their collective Powers—Flight, Morphing, Invisibility, Mind Reading, and more—be enough for them to overcome the malevolence of Vork? Or will they stumble over their own doubts and painful histories?
This action-packed journey of friendship, hardship, and humor will take our heroes to thrilling new heights and a deeper understanding of their own place in the world. But will that be enough—or will Vork always be one step ahead?
Graceanne “Gracie” Dix is a high school author. When she isn’t writing, she can be found singing, creating art, in the theatre, volunteering, or playing tennis. She loves to travel and is a loyal friend. Gracie lives in Dallas, Texas with her parents, Richard and Jennifer, her brother, Nate, whenever he is home from college, and her beloved dogs, Snowball and Sandcastle (“Sandy”). You can find reviews for these, and lots more middle grade books, on her Instagram account: @gracie.dix.author and on her blog at graciedix.com.
I once asked New York Times bestselling author Melanie Benjamin her top tip for writing historical fiction. She gave me two: write to entertain, and connect with readers on issues in the past that resonate in the present. Although Benjamin writes for adults, her advice proves equally applicable to middle grade historical fiction authors.
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner answers this question by focusing on a paraphrase of Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory. “Research the iceberg, then write the tip.” Writers of middle grade historical fiction would do well to keep these three suggestions in mind.
Write to entertain.
Write to connect the past with the present.
Write the tip.
Write to Entertain
In order to entertain, MG writers must first provide readers with a strong protagonist—one generally two years older than the age of the author’s target audience (8-12-year-olds). The story should embroil this sympathetic character in historical situations that compel the protagonist to respond. Unlike YA or adult stories, these MG characters are not out to “save the world.” They make decisions based on their immediate circumstances with a focus on friends and family.
The Bicycle Spy provides a good example. Twelve-year-old Marcel discovers that his friend’s entire family is in imminent danger. He knows he can help, but it will involve a risky bicycle ride to pass along covert information. When his plans go awry, he must keep pedaling and think quickly… because his friend, her family, and his own future hang in the balance.
Enable Readers to Connect the Past with the Present
In addition to crafting an entertaining story that involves the main character’s friends and family, middle grade authors must also connect events in the historical novel with situations experienced by their target audience. According to Linda Levstick, a professor at the University of Kentucky, embedding history within this kind of a narrative arc will help middle graders make sense of, personalize, and remember historical events. Evoking readers’ emotions helps young readers forge important connections.
All middle grade readers have experienced loss of some kind. They also know how it feels when adults have them do things they’d rather not do. Tapping into these common emotions can bring historical characters to life. The past becomes more memorable when readers connect historical events with their own experiences.
For example, in my middle grade novel, California Trail Discovered, orphaned thirteen-year-old Daniel and his ten-year-old stepsister Hannah (fictional characters) must travel West with their guardian, Jim Savage (a historical figure). Daniel doesn’t want to go. He wants to stay in Illinois and solve the mystery of his parents’ deaths. Forced to join Jim’s wagon train and travel to California, Daniel and Hannah become friends with Virginia Reed, a historical figure and member of the Donner Party. Together, Daniel, Hannah, and Virginia face the trials and triumphs of life on the trail.
Write the Tip
Lisa Gardner’s advice to research the iceberg (the history surrounding an event you want to bring to life) and then writing only the tip, is sound advice for historical fiction writers. Just as only ten percent of an iceberg floats above the surface, so too, authors of historical fiction should only reveal ten percent of the research they discover. The ninety percent of the information writers withhold acts as the bulk of their story’s iceberg, providing substance and weight. As literary agent Rachelle Gardner warns, writers must always make a story’s message subservient to its plot. This is especially true of middle grade fiction.
Conclusion
Middle grade historical fiction authors who write to entertain, connect the past with their readers’ present realities, and reveal only ten percent of the research upon which their novel is based will not only reach this age group at a very formative time in their lives—they help them become life-long learners.
Marie Sontag, a former middle school teacher, writes historical fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. A member of ACFW and SCBWI, she has a BA in social science, a masters in instructional technology, and a Ph.D. in education. She and her husband reside in the Texas DFW area. When not researching or writing her next book, she can be found helping her grandson capture his superhero or Lego-created stories on video (after, of course, he shows Grandma his storyboard!), or acting our princess stories with her granddaughter. You can connect with her at www.mariesontag.com.
Today’s authors must have a platform to market their books. In addition to a personal website, email lists, speaking engagements, and traditional book signing events, publishers expect to see your presence on social media. The bigger the numbers of people you have following your account, the better chance you have of a publisher considering your proposal. They want those contacts to turn into sales.
One of the top places to develop platform is Instagram, a popular photo and video networking service. Instagram has millions of active users across the globe on a daily basis. Many of those viewers make purchases based on someone they encountered on Instagram. Those are two compelling reasons to get started!
I’m not tech savvy, so I approached the whole project with trepidation. However, knowing the role it played in my overall writing journey, I kept at it. Step by step, I learned mistakes to avoid and techniques to succeed.
I came to love my Instagram community. And I’ve enjoyed benefits from it. I got hired as an article writer for Story Embers through an Instagram ad. I conduct interviews with authors through Instagram. I’ve paired with other authors to promote their books. I even met Kelli McKinney, the writer I’m guest blogging for today, through Instagram! Best of all, when I put a book proposal together, my followers are a cornerstone for the marketing section.
But what if you don’t know the basics of Instagram? Where do you start? And how do you build momentum? In this part one of a two part article, I will explore how to get started.
You’ve Got to Actually Sign Up
This seems like an obvious first step, but for those not familiar with the service, the whole process can be intimidating. However, YouTube provides many practical ‘how-to’ videos to guide you through the sign-up process. I used this link. Just remember, authors need a public business account. It provides a breakdown of statistics, including new followers, profile views, number and reach of your posts, and more.
Your Username and Bio
When you sign up, you’ll need a username. And writers, YOU are the brand, so using your name is perfect. If possible, keep the same username across all your social media platforms.
Next, create a short bio. Instagram limits the word count. Many authors use a catchphrase that sums up what they are all about. Mine is love, laugh, learn. That makes sense since I post positive affirmations, write humor, and teach. Along with the catchphrase, you can include who represents you, what you write, or book titles. Always include a link to your website.
Engaging Posts
Engaging posts will do much to boost your followers. But a word of caution: don’t push your product too much. Instagrammers often lose interest in authors who post picture after picture of their book. Instead, share more authentic posts—your crazy pet, a funny poem, a favorite Scripture verse, or an emotional hardship/victory. Be real. That’s what readers crave.
But I’m an author. That is true. So of course, you want to share projects you’re working on or the good news about an award you won. But couch that in the broader picture of the everyday you. Because if your audience doesn’t know you, they won’t be interested in what you have to sell.
What else?
Post an attractive feed. Use quality pictures with your brand in mind. Try free photo based apps like Unsplash or Pixaby.
Put words on your image. I use an app called Phonto to add text to my images.
Use filters to create a custom color scheme for your posts. Think branding.
Videos (Reels). Readers have short attention spans. Cater to that by recording and posting a Reel, which is a 15-second multi-clip video with audio tracks and other features. This short guide on YouTube might be helpful.
Stories. Like Snapchat, the images disappear after 24 hours. Interested follows access your stories by clicking on your profile picture. Here is a how-to guide.
Now you know enough to get started on Instagram. In part two of this article, I will tackle how to grow your audience.
Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction because, like an atom, she makes up everything. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lames jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/casual strangers), but they do help inspire her writing.
Somehow, her odd musings led her to accidentally write a ten-title bestselling chapter book series and on purpose write over 150 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori also contributed to over a dozen books, mostly so she would have an excuse to give people for not folding her laundry. (Hey! Busy writing here!)
Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Lori.Z.Scott.
Anyone else excited about having a fresh, clean, slate of months ahead in which to write? There’s nothing quite like looking at the calendar and thinking about all the possibilities a new year has in store.
Now that the holidays have subsided, many of us take time to plan our personal and professional goals for the year ahead.
Here are a few goals I’ve made for my writing in 2021. I’d love to hear yours if you want to add them to the comments below or connect with us on Instagram and share them there. Either way, having a supportive group to hold you accountable goes a long way toward achieving your goals.
2021 Goal #1: Set regular writing time, protect it, and keep it.
Discipline was my friend in 2019. I made a ton of progress in my writerly life. But amidst the general craziness that was last year, my schedule went haywire and momentum went south. Now is the perfect time to re-establish a writing rhythm.
Protecting my writing time boils down to prioritizing. When I worked 8-5, I set aside an hour in the evenings after family time to write. Now, I let my freelance clients know at the beginning of the week what my available “office hours” are and I stick to them.
Having the whole family home 24/7 made boundaries a little challenging at first. Fortunately, that “available office hours” practice I applied to my freelance clients also worked with my husband and son. Obviously if there were an emergency, I would punt work and tend to my family first. (To my son if you’re reading this: Wanting a snack is not an emergency)
In the new year, weekly planning – and sticking to that plan – will be a high priority.
2021 Goal #2: Reconnect with other writers.
Not too long into 2020, I noticed that the more time I spent online and on social media, the more my sense of well-being suffered. As thankful as I am for the technology that allowed me to stay in touch with my family and friends, I reached my limit quickly. By the end of 2020, my practice became to set a timer and check in on a handful of accounts- no scrolling for me.
The downside of this is that the community I’d worked so hard to cultivate on social media began to fall apart. Connection with other writers is important both to learn about our craft and to give and receive encouragement along the journey.
This year, I will include social media time in my weekly plan (see Goal #1), with the aim of rebuilding my community.
2021 Goal #3: Finish the edits and query the books.
This one is straight forward. I have some fun work just sitting here, waiting for those final polishes and queries. It’s past time for me to finish.
2021 Goal #4: Try new things.
I’ve been writing nonfiction for a living in the form of business-to-business marketing and ad writing. When I write books, they’re all middle grade fiction. Nonfiction for kids might be a good fit for me, but I’ve never tried it before. Now is as good a time as any to try it.
So, there you have it, friends. If you are setting writing goals, I’d love the opportunity to support you and encourage you this year.
Here’s to a peaceful, productive 2021.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
As we look ahead to a new year and a new opportunity to write and learn, I wanted to pull together a list of resources for writers. Wherever you might be in your writing journey, it is always worth reading about the industry and craft, and these sites are some of the best I have found.
The largest society for children’s writers and illustrators in the US, SCBWI has chapters in nearly every state and hosts conferences on a national and regional scale. For an annual membership fee, members get access to tons of events, critique opportunities, and online book sales. SCBWI is a hub of activity for children’s writers and artists – be sure to visit their blog for interviews with editors, agents, artists and authors and to keep tabs on what’s moving in the industry. The SCBWI message boards are a fantastic place to post questions and learn from established writers.
A growing community for writers focused on the clean or Christian market, Serious Writer hosts conferences and contests, offers a wide range of classes, and provides an active social media forum for writers to connect. Serious Writer Club has both a free option as well as a membership-based option.
This site connects agents and publishers to writers by doing exactly what it says – collecting wish lists of what agents and publishers are looking for and posting it online. The list is updated regularly, and it is a fabulous way to find industry insiders who might be interested in your project.
This site appeals to my spreadsheet-making sensibilities. It’s essentially an online method of organizing and tracking your queries and manuscript submissions. You can also post questions and interact with other writers.
For a $25/month fee, you can access agent and publisher research – lists of who is acquiring what and for how much. If you are researching places to query, it’s well worth a one-month subscription (be sure to cancel!) to find out whether the agent you’ve had your eye on is truly selling middle grade work.
Finally – it’s not a book about writing but if you want to write and sell middle grade (or other children’s books), pick up a copy of the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market.
Keep in mind that this is a highly abbreviated list, not a definitive list of resources, and that a site that one writer might consider a good resource may not fit another writer’s sensibilities.
If you’ve found a favorite go-to resource that you’d like to share, please post it in the comments below. Happy New Year, and Happy Writing!
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
As a writer, a teacher, and a SCBWI regional advisor, Kiri Jorgensen has observed an evolution in children’s publishing over the years.
On the Chicken Scratch Books website, she writes about the observations that led her to launch her own publishing company:
More and more books published by the mainstream publishers had themes or conflicts directly connected to the trending issues of society… Where were the new ‘traditional’ books?
Can I tell you how many times I’ve asked the same question? At first, I thought I was simply out of touch with my readers. But in talking with other writers, parents, teachers, and librarians, I realize I am not alone.
I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to connect with Ms. Jorgensen and ask her a few questions about her work.
KM: Filling the void left between mainstream and religious publishers is not a small undertaking! You cover the “why” you began Chicken Scratch very succinctly on your blog. Can you tell us a little about *how* you plan to fill this void?
KJ: I love traditional children’s literature. Over the years I’ve read, and read aloud, hundreds of wonderful novels that clearly spread the joy of story. My kids and students have responded in engaging ways. But I started to notice a shift. Stories that I’d loved were starting to feel less engaging. I realized that it wasn’t the storylines themselves, or the characters, but rather the language that wasn’t connecting with my students.
Kids today are raised on a crisp information diet that combines written and visually concise input. This isn’t to say that they won’t benefit from some elaborate descriptions now and again, but the language they readily engage with is more succinct than what it used to be. For information download to their brains, kids use tools that specialize in quick delivery and thorough placement. This is not the way of classic literature.
Authors today are producing a myriad of wonderful traditional stories in all genres, with new writing styles. The material is out there. And I believe the market is still out there too, as long as gatekeepers know where to look for the new style, clean, traditional stories they can trust.
At Chicken Scratch Books, we only publish new traditional children’s novels. What that means is, the books we provide fit the mold of ‘traditional’ in regards to their characters, story, and themes, but they also fit the mold of ‘new’ in the structure of their language, pacing, and delivery.
We’ll fill the void between classic traditional and ‘new mainstream books’ by giving kids and their gatekeepers the assurance that new traditional is all we do.
As a brand-new publisher, we do things differently than anyone else. We reach out directly to our audience with access to not only wonderful new traditional books (print and ebook), but also tools to analyze and teach these stories even deeper. We work directly with parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and any other gatekeeper that loves middle grade stories. We give them access to the authors themselves through video and provide fun learning tools – both print and digital – to build on their stories. Our goal is to provide strong literature and the means to study it deeply in the modern world.
Every book we publish will engage, entertain, enlighten, lift, build, and delight. All without making anyone uncomfortable.
KM: I noticed you offer free courses for writers (full disclosure: I’ve completed one of these courses). Why do you offer these services for writers?
KJ: Although I’m a writer, editor, and publisher, I’m a teacher at my core. It wasn’t until I landed on the idea of providing learning opportunities for writers and readers that the formation of Chicken Scratch Books blossomed. To me, it seems obvious. We want to publish wonderfully crafted middle grade novels. We know what we want, and what it takes to create them. Why not guide and help writers produce what we are looking for?
We’ll be regularly adding to our offering of free online courses. I’ve been quite surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed producing them. We’re also working on more in-depth paid courses that come with different levels of individual support. The first of these should go live by the end of the year.
In addition to our online courses, if writers sign up for our email list they’ll receive our weekly WriteLetter. This follows a monthly topic and includes written and video instruction, as well as PDF downloads to help in the writing process. Our WriteLetter is also free.
KM: What’s on your To Read list?
I’m super lucky in that I get to read so many wonderful stories both pre and post publication. My library is mostly middle grade novels, and if you could see it, you’d know – mostly because of the sheer volume – that my ‘To Read’ pile is extensive!
I love traditional novels, so I always seek those out from any publisher. I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing which ones fit my requirements, even before I read them. I have one newly published book sitting on my table – The Artifact Hunters by Janet Fox. I actually got to read an earlier draft of this one when it was just being formed, so I’m very excited to read the finished project. Also on my shelf is Irena’s Children, Young Readers Edition adapted by Mary Cronk Farrell. This is the story of Irena Sendler who smuggled 2500 children out of the walled Jewish ghetto in Warsaw, Poland during Nazi occupation. I’m so grateful that a young readers edition has been created for this vital story. Another book that’s on my ‘not purchased yet, but soon will be’ list is Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce. It’s a Victorian English tale of a girl obsessed with criminal science, and a mystery to solve. I’m already in love.
Kiri Jorgensen is the Publisher and Senior Editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and most importantly wife and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans almost three decades from several different angles. She taught in the public schools for 16 years, from huge school districts to a two-room schoolhouse, and created writing curriculums for middle schoolers. She has written and produced over 30 stage plays for children, served as Regional Advisor for SCBWI Montana, and has taught writing in a variety of settings, age ranges, and genres. She lives with her husband and a plethora of pets in rural Montana, where she cooks her meals on a wood-burning cookstove and is grateful every day for being right where she is.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
It cannot be overstated: Critique groups are vital for writers. The critique group is to a writer what coaches are to professional sports teams. If you want to play (write) at your best, you need them.
Many critique groups are meeting virtually, but good critique group etiquette is still as important as it ever was – if not more so. Whether you’re joining your first group or your fifty-first, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on some of the often-unspoken rules of critique groups. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to being the kind of critique group member people want to have around.
Critique Partner DOs:
Ask the group leader about expectations before your first meeting. How many pages should the writing sample be, and should you share it before or during the meeting? If you will be sharing electronic documents, what file format is preferred?
Ask each member what kind of feedback they are most interested in before you read their work. Some are interested in general reactions; others may be trying to solve a specific problem. Tailor your feedback to help each writer achieve his or her objectives.
When giving feedback, be as specific as you can, and comment from your own perspective. For example, “I wondered if this character might have a stronger response when his little sister fell,” is more constructive input than “Needs better characterization.”
Be considerate and helpful. No matter what type of feedback you offer, consider how you would feel if you were the one receiving it. Deliver every comment, whether critical or complimentary, thoughtfully and with care for the receiver.
If you have time, organize your comments. Prioritize them into “big bucket” and “little bucket,” or sort them by story component. Try to help the writer gain a sense of what problems might prevent their manuscript from getting a second look from an agent or publisher.
Critique partner DON’Ts:
When you receive criticism, don’t freak out. Criticism of your work is not the same as criticism of you as a human being, so do not treat it as such. Try not to take any comments as a judgment of your value or worth, because they are not. They’re notes from a fellow writer about how they reacted to your work product.
Don’t obsess but do notice trends. If you get certain types of feedback consistently, there’s a reason.
Try not to brush off the good things. If you’re like me, you are your own harshest critic. Learn to graciously accept compliments.
Remember to be respectful of the group’s time. Make an effort to be on time and prepared. Everyone understands that life happens, but if you’re going to miss a meeting or be late, let your group leader know.
Stay on topic. This falls under “be respectful of the group’s time,” but it is worth mentioning. Most groups have a limited amount of time, which means if you want each member to receive feedback on their work, the entire group must stick to the same agenda. Don’t hog the group’s time with tangential discussions, irrelevant questions, or personal stories. Stick to the task at hand, which is critiquing your fellow writers’ work.
These are just a few things I’ve learned over the years in various critique groups. The most productive groups are the ones who set clear expectations about group behavior early. It’s easier for everyone when they know what to expect.
What’s your critique group like? Do you share a set of guidelines or group practices, so everyone knows what to expect?
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
Ready or not, September means it is time for heading back to school. As an adult, the phrase “back to school” triggers a spectrum of feelings and behaviors. For teachers, it signals classroom preparation season and team meetings. Parents take “back to school” time as their cue to ready school supplies, new shoes and school clothes, and meal prep.
But for the kids who read middle grade books, going back to school means far more than to-do lists and shopping. School life is a monumental part of kids’ life experience. It’s no surprise, then, that school plays a substantial part in a large number of middle grade works.
Does your work in progress involves scenes at school, about school, or reflecting about school? You may want to read a few of these middle grade titles. Each of these authors incorporate school life in different ways.
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom! by Louis Sachar
A poignant tale of a “troubled” boy and the counselor who sees him for who he is. Sachar has a knack for revealing the inner life of a character.
Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt
Heart-rending depiction of struggles with dyslexia aside, Hunt builds a delightfully relatable ragtag crew of sixth grade girls.
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
The first book of this series introduces readers to seven fifth grade students in Mr. Terupt’s class who must learn how to get along despite their differences. Buyea develops authentic characters, relatable problems, and maintains an engaging pace.
As a new school year begins, I cannot help but wonder whether the effects of a certain virus might linger in how kids experience school. Will we read stories whose main characters wear matching face shields? Will plexiglass dividers be incorporated into epic cafeteria food fight scenes? Time will tell.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
When your critique partners tell you (more than once) your middle grade fiction sounds too adult, how do you fix it?
That depends on what kind of problem it is. If it’s the content that’s too adult, I talk about that in another post.
What I want to talk about today is the voice. How do we, adult authors-in-progress, write with a kid’s voice?
We’ve lived a few miles since we were middle grade readers. So it’s impossible to actually write as though we’re kids. Or is it?
Getting the voice right takes time, patience, practice, and a lot of editing. I haven’t fully cracked this code in my own writing, believe me, but I’ve read enough great middle grade voices to know it can be done.
Here’s what I’ve noticed about some of my favorite middle grade voices:
1) They are borne from a well-developed character or characters.
Imagine any of your favorite middle grade stories told by, well, anybody else. For example, could the opening paragraphs of RJ Palacio’s Wonder be as revealing and compelling if it were written from Auggie’s mother’s point of view? For example:
My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse. –Wonder, by RJ Palacio.
Understanding how your characters view themselves, how they think, behave, dream, relate to the world around them, is so important. When you know who they are, you can decide the best words to use to reveal them on the page.
2) They don’t explain the jokes.
Humor is subjective, for sure, but as in real life, if you have to explain the joke, you’re probably telling it wrong. Doreen Cronin employs a delightfully dry humor to acquaint us with the main characters in her early middle grade book The Trouble With Chickens: A J.J. Tully Story, and in the process establishes a fabulously strong voice.
Her name was Millicent. I called her Moosh, just because it was easier to say and it seemed to annoy her. She had two little puffy chicks with her. She called them Little Boo and Peep. I called them Dirt and Sugar, for no particular reason.
If Doreen had added a few sentences that explained why calling the chickens by the wrong name was funny, would it have been as funny? More importantly, would we have learned as much about the character of our narrator, J.J. Tully?
3) They don’t underestimate the reader.
Middle grade readers are dependent upon adults for their well-being, so they seek stories in which the protagonist child is self-sufficient enough to solve their own problems with minimal adult help. In Sharon Draper’s middle grade story Out of My Mind, not only is the protagonist a child, she has cerebral palsy, confined to a wheelchair, and is unable to speak. Through use of voice, Draper skillfully crafts a complete, complex character whose coming of age tale is both triumphant and heartbreaking.
Everybody uses words to express themselves. Except me. And I bet most people don’t realize the real power of words. But I do. Thoughts need words. Words need a voice. I love the smell of my mother’s hair after she washes it. I love the feel of the scratchy stubble on my father’s face before he shaves. But I’ve never been able to tell them.
Draper’s unflinching look at the inner life and challenges of a differently-abled child doesn’t talk down to the reader in any way. She starts from a place that assumes readers are capable of empathy and connection.
These are just a few things I’ve learned from reading and writing middle grade, and I know I have miles to go. What are some techniques you’ve noticed in other middle grade authors’ work? Let me know in the comments.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
I love having family and friends who teach at elementary schools for lots of reasons, but especially because of the opportunity to learn from them. One of the phrases I’ve heard but until recently was too shy to ask about was “mentor texts.” That phrase has flittered through a handful of conversations, usually when we are talking about children’s books we love.
Someone will say, “Oooh I love Kevin Henkes, I have used his books as mentor texts for using adjectives,” or “Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a perfect mentor text for teaching how to begin a story.” Teachers love using great books to spark a love of writing in children.
In her book Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children’s Literature, Lynne Dorfman describes mentor texts this way:
Mentor texts are pieces of literature that we can return to again and again as we help our young writers learn how to do what they may not yet be able to do on their own…. Mentor texts help writers to notice things about an author’s work that is not like anything they might have done before, and empower them to try something new.
In other words, mentor texts showcase the lovely ways authors wield words as building blocks to construct stories.
Mentor texts are a valuable learning technique not only for our youngest readers and writers, but it holds up well for us, er, older writers too.
In a recent SCBWI workshop on preparing your manuscript for submission, Deborah Warren of East West Literary Agency recommended utilizing mentor texts to help authors polish their own work. Here’s how she explained it: “If you’re struggling with dialogue, find a scene you think handles dialogue well, and study it. What makes it work? Why does it work? Deconstruct it and learn how that author does it. Then apply what you’ve learned to your manuscript.”
Notice that Ms. Warren does not instruct writers to “copy what you’ve read” from manuscripts. Instead, she encourages us to examine the elements of writing that resonate the most with us. She encourages us to become writing students and practice our craft, using pieces of literature to, as Dorfman says, empower us to try something new.
For example, if I have a scene that needs help establishing my setting, I might look at this paragraph from the opening of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax.
The fox felt the car slow before the boy did, as he felt everything first. Through the pads of his paws, along his spine, in the sensitive whiskers at his wrists. By the vibrations, he learned also that the road had grown coarser. He stretched up from his boy’s lap and sniffed at the threads of scent leaking in through the window, which told him they were not traveling into woodlands. The sharp odors of pine-wood, bark, cones, and needles-slivered through the air like blades, but beneath that, the fox recognized softer clover and wild garlic and ferns, and also a hundred things he had never encountered before…
I am excited to keep learning and growing in my craft by using mentor texts to help me revise and strengthen my manuscript. Have you worked with mentor texts before? How has it worked for you? Let me know in the comments.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
I don’t know if this happens to you, but when stress piles up in my life, my body starts to shut down. Sleepiness and a lack of energy takes over. I forget simple things. I forget complicated things. My body and brain dissolve into a pile of mush.
When Covid-19 swept through our lives, I think it’s safe to say it brought a fair degree of stress along for the ride. All of us wrestled with questions we didn’t expect to face. How do we manage work? School? Bills? Groceries? Our routines are not only upside down, but planning for the future is next to impossible when no one has any answers. That’s when stress threatens to take over and the oatmeal brain kicks in.
As it turns out, oatmeal brain is a blessing. It’s my body’s reaction to confinement, and even though it took me a while to view it this way, it’s a good thing. Here’s why:
It’s a signal. Oatmeal brain tells me it’s time to make a different choice. It says, “hey, instead of focusing on the things you can’t control, why don’t you take a breather? Why don’t you write?”
When real life shuts doors and has no answers, I can turn to my WIP and write about possibilities. I can throw myself into hopeful, joyous, strangely-flawed characters and explore a world built from imagination.
When my thoughts feel itchy and uncomfortable, I can write them out, turn them loose, and follow where they lead.
There have been days when all I’ve needed to get back on track was five minutes staring out the window and imagining what other people are thinking.
There have been days when I’ve felt so overwhelmed all I could do was look forward to a new day. That’s okay, too.
Here’s to looking for the possibilities in each new morning, and to giving ourselves grace as we find ways to move forward.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
Writing a book is the literary exercise equivalent of taking
a cross-country road trip. No matter how beautiful the scenery, after a few
miles even the most energetic drivers grow road-weary, and the “are we there yet”
questions start flying from the back seat.
That’s when we start thinking about shortcuts. How much
easier would it be to go ahead and take the tollway instead of the scenic
route?
Of course what I’m referring to here is knowing when it’s
time to stop editing and send your manuscript to an agent or editor. How do we
know we’re ready? That’s a question I’ve both asked and heard at conferences or
workshops.
The answers I’ve heard have varied, but I’ve collected the
responses that resonated the most with me and put together a little checklist.
This is what I’m using to determine whether my most recent works-in-progress
are ready to go.
Have you read your
work out loud?
One agent suggested that unless you’ve listened to your own
work out loud – whether you read and record then play it back, or have a
trusted friend read it to you – your work may not be polished enough to send.
Imagine you’re reading your middle grade novel to a
classroom full of fourth or fifth graders and really listen as you read. Is the
dialogue easy to follow? Do the jokes make sense? Are there scenes that lack
tension or is the pace awkward? When you hear it, you can fix it.
What does my critique
group think?
There’s truly no substitute or shortcut for good writing. If
you don’t have a trusted critique group or reading partner, you need to find
one or create one. The best groups will read thoughtfully and give sincere
feedback on what’s working and what’s not. If your critique group thinks it’s
ready, that’s a good sign.
Is this your fifth
(at least) draft?
I’ve heard a number of authors say that their agent never
sees the first five drafts of any project. Sometimes they don’t even submit
draft number six. They revise, polish, pause, revise again… you get the
picture.
It’s hard, but you must resist the temptation to submit your
second or even your third draft. Make sure you’re putting your shiniest, best
work in a prospective agent’s or editor’s hands.
If you’ve done all three of these things – read it out loud,
received the “go ahead” from your critique group, and you’ve revised the whole
thing a few times, good news! You are probably ready to submit. Now you’ll want
to research agencies and editors to check their submission guidelines, but
that’s a post for another day.
I am still on this road trip to being
published, and these are the biggest, most painful things I’ve learned along
the way. Please know I’m writing this
not to discourage anyone from submitting. Far from it. I am cheering for you
and I want you to succeed.
I’m writing this because I have made the mistake of submitting
manuscripts too soon simply because I was excited about a story.
I mean, I loved my
story, my husband and son loved it, so why didn’t the rest of the world? I’ll
tell you why. My husband and son read past the unpolished words and saw what
was in my heart. They love me.
Loving me is not an editor or agent’s job. Their job is to
fall in love with what’s actually written on the page. My job – your job – as a
middle grade author is to make sure the words on the page are worth falling in
love with.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
I had the privilege of meeting
award-winning children’s author Rebecca Balcárcel
through my local chapter of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators. Her debut novel, THE OTHER
HALF OF HAPPY, is an earnest, lyrical coming-of-age story about twelve-year-old
Quijana’s struggle to find where she belongs.
KM: Do I remember correctly that The Other Half of Happy started as a book of poetry? Could you describe how and why it evolved into a middle grade novel?
RB: It’s hard to believe that I
didn’t know I was writing a novel when this project started! With an MFA in
poetry, I started writing prose poems in the voice of a bi-cultural
twelve-year-old. She had a lot to say, and in one summer, I created about 40
little scenes. I wasn’t sure, though, if this was an adult looking back or a
true middle-grade project. It was my agent who said, “I think this would sing as
a middle-grade novel.” I decided to go for it! It took two years of revision
and rewriting to turn my stack of poems into a novel. I lengthened scenes, I
added a clear plot arc, and I wrote the connective material that would make
this feel like a fully-realized story.
KM: Do you have a
favorite place to write? What makes it your favorite?
RB: I write in many places –
Starbucks, my public library, the desk in my bedroom. My favorite place is that
desk, but sometimes I need to escape from laundry and lawn chores that distract
me at home. Wherever I am, I use a laptop and Google docs. I listen to music
that either reflects my book’s theme or inspires me.
KM: When you write,
do you snack? If so, what are your go-to foods?
RB: Unfortunately, yes! I like
popcorn and dark chocolate, but since I don’t want to over-do salt and sugar, I
also drink tea. Peppermint, English Breakfast, and Lady Grey are my favorites.
The mint works well at night when I want to avoid caffeine.
KM: You are living
your debut novel year – what has been your biggest surprise?
RB: I’ve been amazed at the
generosity of the writing community! I joined a debut group, and we cheered
each other as our covers were revealed or starred reviews came in. We also held
each other’s hands (online) when un-starred reviews came in or our books
weren’t chosen for certain year-end lists or awards. The Twitter writing
community has been a joy as well. I’ve discovered chats like #LasMusas and
#mglitchat. It’s such fun connecting with writers. After all the isolation of
writing the book and talking about it to only my agent and editor, the open
arms and support of the writing community took my breath away!
KM: If you could go back in time to the moment you began writing The Other Half of Happy and tell yourself anything, what would you say?
RB: I would say, “Keep believing in
your character. The revision will be worth it. Be ready to rewrite the whole
book from page one if you want a wider audience, but also stay true to the
heart of the book.” And most of all, “Don’t give up!”
Rebecca Balcárcel’s debut novel, THE OTHER HALF OF
HAPPY (2019), is a Pura Belpré Honor Book, an ALSC Notable Book, and a Junior
Library Guild selection that was called “a must-have for all library
collections” by School Library Journal. She serves the students of Tarrant
County College as Associate Professor of English.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
This blog has been
such fun. I’ve truly enjoyed writing it, reading what others on A3 wrote, and
occasionally getting to meet a reader in real life (okay, so that’s only
happened once, and it was kind of awkward at the time, but it counts).
I have to confess,
though, that sometimes I’m not entirely sure what you want to read about here.
I research ‘middle grade writers’ and ‘middle grade trends’ and the like. I go
to book talks and local libraries and SCBWI meetups.
In spite of doing all these things, I think it’s time – probably long overdue, in fact – that I put this out there and ask a question: What do you, aspiring middle grade author, want to know about writing for this genre?
Are you curious
about characterization? Awestruck by agents? Plodding through plotting? Or are
you battling writer’s block?
Click this link to fill
out the survey form and tell us what you’re looking for. We will do everything
we can to help.
Happy writing! Introduce yourself in the comments below, follow me on Instagram at @klmckinneywrites, or like my Facebook page, Kell McKinney.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
