Tag: Middle Grade

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Mastering Middle Grade

A Conversation with Rebecca Balcárcel

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

CHECKING in with YOU

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

My Fifth Anniversary

As an adult, writing has been a mainstay of my professional career. I majored in journalism, interned at newspapers, worked at magazines and television stations, then migrated to marketing and freelance copywriting. For twenty-plus years, I’ve used words to persuade someone to do or buy something.

I enjoyed writing, I felt competent, but something was missing. If it weren’t for the occasional journal entry or poem I drafted here and there, my relationship with writing was transaction-based. I wrote. I revised. I collected a paycheck.

Even though I was always happy and thankful about my ability to write as part of my day job, something was missing. I felt restless and frustrated. I had ideas and characters in my head who wanted to play, but there was no room in my day job for them.

I kept on writing website copy, marketing presentations, or ghostwriting blog posts. One night, after everybody was tucked in and asleep, I started writing a story. Nobody was paying me to write it. There was no deadline attached to it. It was a creation of my own with no other purpose but to enjoy the discipline and freedom of writing.

Now it’s March 2020. Although I haven’t yet sold that first manuscript, I’ve finished a couple of others since then. I know I still have much to learn, but here are a few things I wish I’d known five years ago.

1) Critique groups are crucial. 

In my corporate and freelance world, I “routed” copy to other team members to make sure it was factually accurate and error-free. Even though it was time consuming and occasionally painful, receiving feedback made my writing stronger. For the life of me I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me to do that with my first manuscript.

I entered my first writing competition in March 2015 with a rough draft. My first manuscript didn’t get seen by another living soul until I met my first critique group at the SCBWI conference later that year. Until that conference, I’d never heard of critique groups. Now I can’t live without them. Like the “routing” teams in my past 9-5 life, critique groups exist to make the work better. They bring fresh eyes and perspective and catch things I would have otherwise missed.

2) Critique groups are not interested in stealing your work.

Tell a non-writer about your critique group and they’ll probably ask you if you’re afraid someone will steal your idea. Take comfort in this knowledge: Writers in a critique group understand what being a writer is about. They know how hard it is to write. They want to see you succeed – not plagiarize from you.

3) Comparing yourself to other writers is a waste of time and energy.

Over the past five years, I’ve met all kinds of writers. They each have a different story to tell about their path to publication. Some publication stories are dreamy, some are fraught with obstacle after obstacle. Other stories are relatively short and sweet. Nobody else’s publication story will be exactly like yours. Mine is a work in progress, and not only am I okay with that, I’m excited about it. My journey is as unique as I am. Yours will be as unique as you are. There’s room for all of us. Embrace that and don’t worry about what other writers are doing.

What I love most about this writing life is the opportunity to learn from and connect with other writers. I’d love to learn from you too! Introduce yourself in the comments below or on Instagram at @klmckinneywrites.

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

New Year, New Goals

It’s a brand new year. That means a new start to achieving new goals and a fresh clean slate to do it with.

Serious Writer posted a question to its community board last month asking writers to list their 2020 goals. Most of the responses involved completing works-in-progress, building marketing plans, and blogging consistently.

I wanted to add three goals for your consideration as we enter a new year:

1) Read at least one middle grade book each month. 

Stephen King said it best: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”  When you read something that resonates with you – or doesn’t – analyze it. Figure out how the author constructed their chapter (or sentence, or paragraph) to create the response you felt. 

Reading comes in handy when it’s time to market your own work. You’ll better understand what types of books are on shelf, what’s selling, and how your work might fit within the genre.

2) Attend a writing workshop or conference.

The benefits of attending a conference are well worth the investment. There are opportunities to hold face-to-face meetings with editors, agents, and publishers. You can connect with other writers to build critique groups. If your conference offers critiques, you are able to receive valuable feedback on your work. The industry education alone is well worth the time and effort it takes to attend.

3) Write a review of a middle grade book each month. 

Reviews are important for authors. When you read a middle grade book, take a moment to write a (spoiler-free) review of what you’ve read. This does two things: First, it helps the author sell their book. Second, if you post a mini-review on your blog or social media account, it helps build your platform. Book reviews are crucial for new and self-published authors, so why not help other authors the way (someday soon) you wish to be helped?

Here’s wishing you a healthy, productive new writing year! If you have a new goal for 2020, tell me in the comments below or on Instagram at @klmckinneywrites.

Happy New Year!

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

The Six Reads of Middle Grade Christmas

One of the things I love most about writing for young readers is reading books written for middle grade readers. Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on treasured stories.  Here are six of my favorites (in no particular order). Give them a look and maybe you’ll find one you haven’t read.

1) A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens 

This classic tale of a man who learns giving is more important than receiving is a must-read.

2) How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss

This story is a lovely reminder that joy isn’t found in material things, but in the love we share.

3) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson

The Herdman children’s hilarious and moving awakening to the beauty of the Christmas story is one that stands the test of time.

4) The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry

A beautiful tale of sacrificial love that is a perfect complement to the Christmas season.

5) The Third Gift, by Linda Sue Park and Bagram Ibatoulline

A uniquely striking tale of the birth of Christ told from the perspective of a myrrh merchant.

6) Saint Nicholas – The Real Story of the Christmas Legend, by Julie Stiegemeyer and Chris Ellison

The most historically accurate (and gorgeously illustrated) telling of the man whose faith in God inspired him to a life of generous work.

What are some of your favorite Christmas books for young readers? Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas season and a healthy, productive 2020.

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

You Wrote a Middle Grade Book. Now What?

You had an idea. You wrote. You slept. You wrote some more. You edited. You cried. (Just me? Oh. Okay. Never mind.) You shared. You revised. You reviewed. 

Now you wonder: How does my story magically leap from my hard drive to the shelf?

If you’ve already bought your copy of Writer’s Market, kudos to you. But if you’ve drafted a generic cover letter that you’re ready to send to every children’s publisher, editor and agent listed, I’d like to politely ask you to pause a moment. Put the postage stamps away, and keep reading. It’s going to be okay.

Ask yourself some tough questions:

1) Is the story well-told?

2) Is it within the generally recognized middle grade word count?

3) What books currently on shelf is it most like?

4) What makes yours different?

5) Who should read it? (the answer is NOT ‘everyone.’)

I want to talk about item number one, is the story well-told?

Of course you’re going to say ‘yes.’ You believe in your story (you should).

But the truth is, you need other writers to help you make this determination. You need a critique group, or an editor, to read your story and help you shape it into the best it can be. Make sure this happens before you begin the submission process.

Your critique group or editor will find plot holes, characterization issues, and continuity issues. They will find any awkward word choices, filler words, or phrases that don’t make sense to this generation of readers. You need this feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. It’s given with the desire to see your story on shelf.

Once you have received feedback and revised, and you can answer the rest of the questions above, you’re ready for the next steps in the process.

If you plan to self publish, at a minimum you will need to know:

1) how to format your manuscript for print and e-reader.

2) how to choose cover art

3) how to market your book

Click here and here for some additional excellent resources.

If you plan to pitch your book to agents and editors, you will need to:

1) research so you find the best agent/editor fit for your story

2) write a concise, persuasive query letter

3) possess patience by the bucket – this can be a slow process

4) separate yourself from your work – rejection is a normal part of the path to publication, not a reflection of your worth as a person.

The fact that you’re reading this is a great start. For what it’s worth, I’m traveling this road with you. AlmostAnAuthor has a number of resources that have helped and encouraged me along the way. What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments and we’ll find an answer for you.

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

My Fall TBR List

I may ruffle a few feathers here, but my favorite thing about fall is NOT pumpkin spice.

My favorite thing about fall is the reading. Who doesn’t love the time of year when you can cozy up with a stack of books, fluffy reading socks, fleece blanket, and a hot cup of cinnamon tea? Mmmmm.

I have made my tea and now I’m eagerly prepping my reading list. I’ll add more titles as time goes by, but these are the three reads I’ll start with. 

Historical fiction continues to sell, and War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo is one I’ve wanted to read for years. I generally enjoy stories told from an animal’s perspective (The One and Only Ivan, Redwall), so I’m curious about how well a World War I tale fits with this point of view.

Speaking of historical fiction, The Birchbark House Series by Louise Erdrich is also on my list. The five-book series set in the late 1800s centers around a family in the Ojibwe community. Since this time period is not necessarily remembered for its gentleness, I’m eager to learn how Erdrich treats difficult subjects (I’m certain she does it masterfully).

In the “Totally Not Historical Fiction” category, I’d like to read Knights vs Dinosaurs by author/illustrator Matt Phelan. I am a sucker for silliness, so a book that combines King Arthur’s knights with time travel and dinosaurs sounds like a glorious afternoon read. I am always eager to read books that promise to make me laugh.

I hope you are ready for cooler weather and plenty of cozy reading time. What is on your TBR list? Share your recommendations with us in the comments, and happy reading!

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

Staying the Course – Interview with Author KA Cummins

As an occasional reader of speculative fiction, I had seen the name KA Cummins in Havok Magazine. She is the author of a number of clean fantasy/spec fic short stories for teens. This year, however, her debut middle grade science fiction, The Snow Globe Travelers: Samuel’s Legacy, has already received a Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Review.

I am thrilled to have had the chance to interview KA about her experience and share it with you.

K. A. Cummins is a math lover, techie, consumer of mass amounts of information, art enthusiast, a homeschooler, and an indie author. She also enjoys seizing opportunities for adventure, when they arise. Her work has appeared in Havok Magazine and she regularly contributes to Lands Uncharted. She was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Writers of the Future contest for the 3rd Quarter of 2016 and was runner-up in the Realm Makers Scholarship Contest hosted by Endless Press in January of 2018.  

KM: As an author who writes for MG, YA and adult, I’d love to hear your perspective on what makes writing for MG readers unique. Do you approach the MG work differently? If you do (or don’t), can you elaborate about why? Was there anything specific that drew you toward writing for this audience?

KAC: Our youngest son was a big part of why I initially gravitated towards writing middle grade. We struggled to find books that challenged his mind without challenging his morals or introducing him to concepts too early. I’ve since fallen in love with middle-grade stories.

Overall, middle-grade stories aren’t very different from teen and adult stories, and the approach to writing them is the same. Tone, content restrictions, and the intensity of emotional plot points separate them from teen and adult more than anything else. A middle-grade story needs to have fun exaggerations and comic relief to break up the more serious elements that drive the plot. Consideration should also be given to the appropriateness of content.

KM: When marketing to middle grade, many people consider not only the readers, but the gatekeepers (librarians, parents/grandparents, teachers). What have you learned as you’ve prepared to launch your debut MG?

KAC: Marketing has been a challenge for me. I think I’ve tried pretty much all of the advice I’ve encountered. My only suggestion would be to focus on how the book adds value to the lives of children and to look for avenues to cultivate relationships that align with who you are and the path on which God has you.

KM: What advice, suggestions, or encouragement would you offer a new MG writer?

KAC: Let God guide you, even if it goes against conventional wisdom. He knows you better than you know yourself and He has a plan for you. Be mindful and intentional in all of your choices (this can be a tough one, it has tripped me up before), and stay focused on God and His Word so you know when you’re drifting from the path.

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.

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Mastering Middle Grade

An Interview with Martyn McGrath

This month we continue our series of author interviews with Martyn McGrath, creator of the Trials of the Hopebreather series.

KM: Can you tell us a little about why you write for a middle grade audience?

MM: I write middle grade because I remember that time of life fondly – particularly the magic of reading – and I want to engage that audience with my writing. I keenly remember searching and searching for new authors whom I could trust, especially fantasy authors. They always seemed to be so rare, so when I found one that I liked, it was as if I’d discovered the secret room and picked the lock on the time-worn chest, only to find that the treasure within was even more valuable than I’d dared imagine. The middle grades are vividly experienced years; I was greatly impacted by what I read, and knowing that, I cherish the opportunity to have an impact on young, vivacious minds. 

KM: As a person of faith, I’m particularly interested in how/if faith plays a part in other writers’ experiences. How does your faith inform what you write and/or how you approach writing?

MM: As a reader, I believe there are stories that matter and stories that don’t. The stories that reveal something amazing about my God – whether they do so implicitly or explicitly – those are the stories that matter to me. Those are the stories with real power because they are directed to the highest purpose of language: the glory of God. So, when I write by faith, it means that I do so approving of what God approves, disapproving of that which is sin, and striving to engage my readers in thinking about heavenly things. As Job notes, God sometimes sets darkness in our paths, so writing by faith is not always light and joyous. But to write about a way of darkness is not to take gratuitous pleasure in it, which is a key distinction between what is good and what is evil. 

KM: Would you mind sharing with us a little about your writing journey?

MM: My love for writing began at a young age. But pursuing writing seriously, and put together a plan of what I hope to accomplish with my writing? That came much later. I’m still in the early stages of my writing endeavors, so by no means have I hit all those goals. But sooner or later, I had to stop practicing and hesitating, and just go for it. I decided to go indie so that I could take things at my own pace and experiment with how and what I wanted to write. Proverbs 29:25 says that the fear of man is a snare, and I had to face that truth, because when I started, I was almost paralyzed by a fear of what others would say about me and my work. I still struggle with that from time to time, as I’m sure many authors do, but every time I do, it’s a reminder to be sure of my motivations before God. Being right with him enables me to go forward boldly, trying to do the best I can. 

KM: What advice, encouragement, or suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?

MM: There is no one path for writers. For a long time, I thought there was, as if there were secrets known only to a special and enlightened few. But you are unique; don’t try to force yourself into a mold or solve problems the way that everyone else does. Be patient with yourself and your work, and understand that a master writer is decades in the making – savor the journey, be ready to learn, and you’ll find it to be a deep and rich pursuit!

Martyn McGrath’s debut novel Door to Altharia is the first book of Trials of the Hopebreather series. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta and currently resides in Ontario with his wife and two daughters.

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.

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Child's Craft

Is the Story Middle Grade or YA?

A Quick Look at the Two

Middle Grade:

Age of readers: 8 to 12 or 13

Length of books: 30,000 to 50,000 words

Content restrictions: No profanity, graphic violence or sex

Age of the Main Character: usually 12 or 13

Focus of the Main Character: friends, family, school, the immediate world and relationships.

Voice: usually third person

Young Adult:

Age of readers: usually 14 to 18

Length of books: 50,000 to 75,000 words

Content restrictions: Profanity, graphic violence, romance and sexuality are allowed if pertinent to the story.

Age of the Main Character: usually 14 or 15 for younger YA books, 17 or 18 (but still in High School) for older YA books.

Focus of the themes: YA MCs discover how they fit into the big world outside their family, friends and school.

Voice: usually first person

Ask Yourself The following Questions:

(Do this BEFORE you get into writing the manuscript.)

How old is the Main Character of the story?

9 to 12 years old means the story is for Middle Grade students. 14 to 18 means the story is for a YA audience. Avoid a 13 year-old Main Character.

What kind of strong language does the book contain?

Middle Grade books stay away from cursing. Some publishers allow peripheral characters like parents or coaches to do mild cursing a little. Words like “darn” are permitted.

If the Main Character and or their friends use profanity or sexually explicit words the book is for Young Adults. But publishers insist that the profanity serves a purpose, that it is critical to the character or to the voice. They don’t want profanity just for the sake of making a book edgy.

How graphic and how frequent is violence in the  book?

Often General Market publishers follow the same guidelines for violence as the ratings for movies and TV programming. Some Christian Market publishers allow more violence than others.

CHECK AND FOLLOW THE PUBLISHER’S GUIDELINES EXACTLY.

If you choose to add profanity or violence to the story remember that much less is allowed in Middle Grade books than in Young Adult books. That means much less violent, much less gory, much less frequently. Often the violence is reserved for the end, the last battle or the darkest moment in a Middle Grade book.

How much, and what kind of romance is in the story?

A crush, some hand-holding, a lot of blushing and embarrassment and maybe a peck on the cheek means the book is for Middle Grade.

If the Main Character (and others) are “in love,” have sexual contact or talk about sex, experience making out, real kissing or more, the book is for Young Adults. Even if these topics are not committed but are strongly hinted at, discussed or imagined, the book is for Young Adults.

How does the main character experience and interpret life and the world?

If the story centers around home, family, school, friends the Main Character probably experiences the story and their personal changes internally. That is typical of a Middle Grade book. The characters change but stay within the confines of their smaller world. They are just beginning a journey into seeing life a different way. They experience the events of the story, but aren’t especially aware of what they are feeling and why. They are not really analyzing life.

If the Main Character’s world expands during the story so that they start questioning and thinking about their place in the bigger world beyond home, family, school and friends the story is for Young Adults. The Main Character is experiencing the world externally and beginning a journey to find their place in the bigger world and see life differently. They tend to be introspective and analytical about their experience and how it affects their life.

Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book series Four Seasons was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at www.jeanmatthewhall.com, on Facebook at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.

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Mastering Middle Grade

Three Things I Wish I’d Known

Do you ever stare at one sentence until your eyes start watering? Have you had to read that one sentence a few times before the words carry less sting and begin to make more sense?

That happened to me when I opened a rejection email, skimmed the courtesy introduction part, and then reached the paragraph that started with

“I’m sorry to say I stopped reading after chapter 7.”

Ouch.

After I put some ice on my bruised ego, I decided to send the offending manuscript to some trusted reader partners.

I truly did want productive feedback. But in the dark, vain corner of my heart I sought validation. I knew my readers would review my work, love (nearly) every word, and validate  They’ll prove this agent wrong and my pride will be healed and I will send this gem back out into the world and so on and so forth and what have you.

Let me tell you what actually happened.

I got some comments back that changed the way I think about writing for middle grade. Here are the biggest three:

1) Quick starts are the best starts.

If you think you need to set the stage for eight- to twelve-year-old readers by filling the first three (or more) chapters with character and location descriptions, think again. Start in the middle of action or they will get b-o-r-e-d fast.

Think of your book as a swimming pool. Middle grade readers don’t want you to hold their hand and walk them through the shallows. Middle grade readers are eager to jump in to the action of your world. If you try to show them their way into it, they will leave. For example:

My old writing: Susie Queue was the shortest girl in her sixth grade class. She had chestnut hair and dark eyes that observed every envious look the other girls shot her way.

My new writing: Suzie stretched to retrieve her books from her top locker. She tried to ignore the girls giggling next to her and focus all her energy on not being late to class.

The first two sentences were passive, observational. We were told about Susie, but nothing really happened to pull us in. The second two sentences dropped us into action. We learned about Susie because of what she did. As she does more, we will learn more.

2) More pages, more problems (but in the best way).

Protagonists need problems to solve. If those problems are too simple, a middle grade reader at best will become bored and put the book down. At worst, they’ll get offended and tell their friends not to bother reading it because “it’s for little kids.”

Good stories have main characters who have something to gain and something to lose. Know what those are for your characters. Make sure in every scene you’re using them to move the story forward. When your characters are comfortable, your reader is probably bored.

3) Humor is your friend.

I wrote a protagonist who lost his parents, his sibling, his best friends and then his dog over the course of three chapters. It was an overly intense, emotional mess that nobody wanted to finish.

I realize that I just wrote about giving your protagonist high stake problems to solve. Keep doing that. Also, give your reader a little laugh occasionally to let them breathe. Think about the times in your life where you’ve been in a low place. Having a friend to make you smile gives you the energy and encouragement to keep going. Write that smile to give your readers the emotional breather so they are ready to turn the page.

What are some things you wish you had known when you began writing for middle grade? Anything you’re still curious about?

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.

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The Poet's Pen

Novels in Verse – Poetry for the Reluctant Reader

Have you ever thought of taking your poetry one step further by writing an entire novel in verse?

What is a Verse Novel?

Verse novels combine poetry with story. Works such as the Iliad and the Odyssey and Vergil’s Aeneid are considered epic poems even though they are book-length. Epic poems are on a grand scale but nevertheless, they are still poems. Verse novels may consist of one long poem or shorter collections of poems but they still tell a story. Prose focuses more on story and character while poetry centers more on imagery and language.

I haven’t been ambitious enough to try a verse novel yet (except for a picture book), but since I write middle grade novels I decided to see what were the highest recommended middle grade novels in verse.

In researching, several verse novels consistently popped up on every list of suggested books. These lists included:

  1. Love that Dog – Sharon Creech

A boy finds his voice with the help of a teacher, paper, pencil and a dog.

  1. Out of the Dust – Karen Hesse

In the dustbowl of Oklahoma, a young girl must come to terms with a terrible accident that left her unable to play the piano.

  1. The Crossover (The Crossover Series) – Kwame Alexander

Follow the antics of twin basketball stars.

  1. Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson

Catch a glimpse of what it was like to grow up as an African-American in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

  1. Caminar – Skila Brown

This story was inspired by true events that happened during Guatemala’s civil war.

  1. Inside Out and Back Again – Thanhha Lai

The story is inspired by the author’s experience fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon when she immigrated to Alabama.

  1. The Red Pencil – Andrea Davis Pinkney

See the horror of Darfur told through the eyes of a twelve-year-old refugee.

  1. Home of the Brave – Katherine Applegate

The story of a young African boy, the only survivor of his family who is sent to America to live while he waits to find out the fate of his mother.

  1. Little Dog Lost – Marion Dane Bauer

The story of a dog who needs a new owner, a boy who need a dog, and a neighbor who need a family and how they all come together.

  1. Mountain Dog – Margarita Engle

A boy learns about unconditional love for the first time.

Parents might consider one of the above books or one of the many others available if they have a reluctant reader. Verse provides a way to entice a child to read. Try a verse novel with your reluctant reader.

Darlo Gemeinhardt writes middle grade novels. She believes that there is a story in every dog. In her spare time she takes care of 1 husband (of 40 years), 29 dogs and trains with TALLAO, K-9 SEARCH AND RESCUE. Visit her at From the D.O.G Pen.com

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Summer Reading Research

School is out, and summer reading programs are gearing up in public libraries everywhere. Summer months are the perfect time for audience research.

An editor at SkyHorse publishing once told me she reads thousands of manuscripts about growing up in the seventies and eighties. She said they were fun to read, but they are not what she is looking for. What she wants are manuscripts that are relevant for kids growing up in this decade. Kids do not understand nostalgia. They are creatures of the here and now, and need stories about their world – not the one we writers wish they had.

If you are writing for kids, you need to read kids’ books. If you write kid characters, you need to understand how kids speak to each other, how they think and behave.

I can hear you asking now: How do I do this without being creepy?

As I mentioned earlier, it’s summer. Public libraries and brick-and-mortar bookstores have summer reading programs and plenty of supervised activities from June until school starts. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to:

1) Find age or grade-specific reading lists. Read everything on them. Pay attention to how the authors write for their reader. What is working and why does it work?

2) Introduce yourself to the kids’ librarian or manager at your local bookstore. Ask them what your target audience is reading. Find out what he or she thinks will be popular and why. Find out what the “regular” customers are reading. Are there any under-rated books flying under the radar that they recommend?

3) Listen. Aside from eavesdropping in the aisles, you can ask your librarian for permission to take a poll at any of their summer reading or writing classes. You can ask for permission to read sample chapters and get feedback from the kids. You can ask things like, ‘Does this sound like something one of your friends might say?’ or ‘how do you think this character would solve the problem?”

What did I miss? How do you research your middle grade readers?

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.

Categories
Genre Mastering Middle Grade

Enjoy the Story: An Interview w/Author Matthew Brough, By Kell McKinney

Matt Brough is a lot of things. He’s a father, a husband, a pastor, and a sports fan. He’s also a podcaster and the author of the middle grade fantasy series featuring one of my favorite heroines, Del Ryder.

I met Matt a couple of years ago at a writing conference and thought the week before Christmas would be a perfect time to interview a pastor about his views on writing for middle grade readers. Because he wasn’t doing anything else, right?

I’m always fascinated with authors’ publishing stories––the journey that they took from spark to shelf. In my own career, I’ve written everything from news releases and presentations to picture books and how-to articles. So I was particularly curious about what inspired Matt––a pastor and author of sermons––to write a fantasy aimed at middle grade readers (ages 8-12).

“I knew I loved writing,” Matt said. “I’d tried my hand at several things before––historical fiction, science fiction, and I’d usually get three or four pages in before I abandoned it.

So how does a writer move from dabbling to dedication? “My daughter was five years old at the time, and I wanted to write something that she would like to read. I had the idea for this story, and I was really empowered by the idea that I could publish it myself. “

“I was empowered, and I was very motivated by my daughter. Plus, I was inspired by a podcast to try something that I would highly recommend any writer do. I set small daily goals and I wrote every day. Really small goals, like 250 words per day. When you do that you feel like you can achieve something every day.  And when you write every day, even just a couple hundred words, you’ll have a book in three or four months.

“When I started, even though I set a small goal, most days I ended up with 700 words.  And what happened then was that I really started to enjoy the story.”

Since kids are often the toughest readers (as in, if something about a story doesn’t make sense or ring true to them, they’ll put the book down), enjoying the story is a critical element. If the writer isn’t enjoying the story, it’s likely the reader isn’t going to be thrilled either.

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.