Tag: writing for middle grade readers

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Mastering Middle Grade

How to Make a Cliché Work for You

In middle grade novels, do you know what gets my goat? Stories riddled with clichés.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: cliches often come across as lazy writing. Cliches can make dialog as flat as a pancake and cause your labor of love to become as dull as dishwater. Worse, an ill-fitting cliché can throw the reader out of the story world you’ve created. Mark my words, your writing will improve if you weed out these overused sayings. But how?

Once upon a blue moon (and for a different website), I wrote a longer article detailing six ways to deal with this issue. But here, I’d like to focus on just one tried and true method that works especially well for middle grade stories. Consider it my “two-cents worth” approach because it adds humor to your story and gives you more bang for your buck.

Are you ready for this tip? It’s “Run with the cliché.”

I can explain it best like this: Take an old phrase and give it a middle grade twist by adding onto the end of it. The result may tickle your funny bone.

Look at my examples and then try this method for yourself.  

  • That problem was as old as time… but not nearly as old as the Twinkie Mom packed in my lunch today.
  • Sweet Sally. She’s always bending over backwards for people. Literally. She’s a gymnast.
  • I was left with one burning question. I guess that’s what happens when you set your homework on fire and your best friend douses the flames at the last second.
  • In my homeroom, finding a friendly face used to be a dime a dozen. Not with today’s inflation.
  • It’s hard for grandma to jog her memory. It’s more like a crawl.
  • If the shoe fits, it’s probably not on sale.
  • It takes two to tangle. Unless you’re my mom, and then you’re too exhausted to do anything.
  • You can’t hold candle to a good book. Well, you can, but it will burn.
  • Sometimes I feel like I’m all thumbs. Which comes in handy when you’re playing video games but not so much when picking your nose.

Now it’s your turn.

Go out on a limb. Think outside the box. Put the pedal to the medal. Take your favorite cliché and run with it. I’d love to hear what you come up with. Post it in the comments. I’m all ears.

Teacher and author Lori Z. Scott writes fiction because she’s like an atom. She makes everything up. She also has two quirky habits: chronic doodling and lame joke telling. Neither one impresses her boss, but they still somehow inspired Lori to accidentally create a ten-title bestselling children’s book series and on purpose write over 175 other publications. She continues penning stories as an excuse to not fold her laundry. Find her silly drawings, poems, and whatnot on Instagram @Lori.Z.Scott and look for her debut YA novel Inside the Ten-Foot Line coming October 2022.

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Mastering Middle Grade

How to Persevere in Your Writing

When I first started writing, I assumed publishing occurred as writers often presented in Hollywood films. Authors complete a first draft of a story and send it to a publisher, who is anxiously waiting for the manuscript. Then, a team of people publicize the story. Talk show hosts call, bookstores hold signings for crowds of adoring fans, news reporters request interviews, the book sells a million copies, and everybody lives happily ever after.

Reality is so different.

Authors work hard.

We craft a story (sometimes through years of labor) and then revise it multiple times. We research into the wee hours of the morning. We hire beta readers to give us feedback, and then go through the process again. When the manuscript is finally ready, we can’t just send it out, lest it land in the bottomless slush pile of submissions from which few ever return. Some publishers require an agent, so off we go, hunting for someone to believe in us and our vision. We send query letters and book proposals. We attend conferences, read articles, build a brand and platform, and the list goes on.

Yet even we they understand all the work involved, authors still pick up the pen and write. Why?

Perhaps because authors have learned the value of perseverance. If we continue with determination and dedication, we can succeed.

So today, let’s examine three ways we can persevere in our writing journey.

Set Goals

If you work full time like I do, your writing time is limited. I try to my redeem time by focusing on a big objective that might take longer and several smaller goals that can aid in accomplishing the bigger goal. It’s a method that has helped me survive life’s demands.

Consider a few smaller goals you can finish in a week. For example, Offsides, my upcoming YA fiction novel, will soon hit the market. When it does, I want pre-sales to be up, a launch team in place, and blog interviews booked. (Any takers? Asking for a friend…) Over the next several months, I’ll dedicate time each week to contact people, create social media posts, and market to my target audience. Being ready for the release is not something I’m going to complete on a short timetable. Instead, to reach my big goal, I’ll work on smaller goals each week, such as ‘Compile a list of endorsers,’ or ‘Contact libraries and bookstores.’ The ability to complete weekly small tasks will give me a great deal of confidence, and those little things will build into the bigger event: the release itself.

Take Breaks

Inspired or not, I often force myself to sit down at the computer. I love the challenge of writing, but I still wrestle with guilt for not being more productive. But here’s a secret: It’s okay to take a break. Shut down Word and go for a walk, go out for dinner with a friend, paint a picture, do the laundry, or find some other outlet for your mind. The change might actually be good for you. Medical studies show that downtime with limited stimulation helps replenish the brain’s ability to focus, create, make connections, and process information. I can’t tell you how many times a plotline problem resolves itself while I doodle a cartoon.

Adopt the Long View

Life makes many demands on us. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. And that’s okay. Unless you’re doing freelance editing or working on a publisher’s staff, you aren’t likely to be a fulltime writer, so when the unexpected pops up, it’s okay to make room for it. As much as you love writing, it will never love you back the way family and friends will. You want to write, but does that trump every other area of your life? Hopefully not. What if it’s a unique writing opportunity? Then yes, jump on it! But make sure your loved ones understand your situation and are on board. Initiate a conversation to explore your expectations and their needs so you can avoid hurt feelings.

I would define the long view as pursuing your writing dreams one manageable step at a time. Find balance. Say yes whenever possible and no whenever necessary and don’t stress about any self-imposed deadline. Flexibility frees the writer to create in the tiny slivers of open time without missing out on major life events.

“All of my writer friends and I have one thing in common: We didn’t listen to the naysayers. We kept writing. And eventually we have all been published.”

Author, Davi S. Laskar

So, when it comes to writing, set your goals, take breaks, and adopt the long view. Your perseverance will pay off.

Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lame jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/dogs/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 175 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Stories.by.Lori .

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Mastering Middle Grade

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development as a Writing Tool

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.

Erik Erikson’s eight stages of human development illustrated from left to right

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:

  1. Does my main character have realistic struggles? What is my MC good at? What challenges him/her?
  2. Are there opportunities for the MC to try and fail at something? What are the other characters’ reactions to this?
  3. 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. 

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Mastering Middle Grade

Motivation

What motivates the main character in your middle grade manuscript? If you struggle to pinpoint what drives them, you reader will too. I found this out the hard way. After sharing a chapter from my WIP, one critique partner asked, “Why do I care if your protagonist reaches her goal? And why is she so determined to win anyway? What’s her motivation?”

What indeed.A character’s motivation matters. It drives the plot, explains why a character behaves a certain way, and gives the reader a reason to root for a favorable resolution.

Without it, the story falls flat.

Lack of motivation is not an uncommon issue. Many writers plop a character into an adventure without considering why must their story be told by this person.

Take another look your work in progress. Starting with the first chapter, analyze your character—how she responds to her environment and other people. Can you identify what’s motivating her in one or two sentences?

If not, ask why questions to keep digging deeper. Do external forces (like survival or competition) or internal desires (like power or revenge) drive the character? What backstory might you need to develop in order to reveal and explain these actions and aspirations?  As you hone in on what drives your character, put obstacles, challenges, and limitations in their path. Make her respond in a manner consistent with this motivation.

You can also practice identifying motivation by reading a few well-written middle grade novels. Identify words, phrases, and actions the author uses to communicate what’s driving the main character. You can even borrow the character (for practice purposes only, of course!) and put them into the first chapter of your book. How does a difference character change your story? Put your story into their story. What happens?

Returning to my experience, when I addressed the deep motivations of my main character in my book Inside the Ten-Foot Line, she came alive. She morphed into someone more likable, relatable, and compelling. Because of that, the story broadened in depth, complexity, and impact. And when she finally met her goal, the reader was left with a sense of satisfaction.

So, get motivated! Unlock your character’s full potential and reveal what drives them.

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Mastering Middle Grade

5 Things Writers Can Give Thanks For

The American Thanksgiving falls in November, making now a great time for writers to count their blessings. I can’t resist adopting comedian Jimmy Fallon’s thank you note approach to pointing these out. Though Fallon employs irony or sarcasm in his remarks, this list is heartfelt.

Social Media

Thank You, Social Media, for being my friend.

 Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other media outlets give authors an affordable way to build their platform. Besides connecting with their target audience, authors can network or promote their work through cover reveals, giveaways, and branding. Authors can even find representation through pitch parties like #pitmad or #faithpitch. Click here for an Almost an Author article about how to promote your book on social media.

Writing Tools

Thank You, Writing Tools, for taking White-out off my shopping list.

Many authors have dog-eared resource books on their shelves. But a growing number of digital tools have found their way into writers’ hearts. These tools make crafting a polished story faster and easier. Click here for an Almost an Author article about some of these handy tools.

Fiverr

Thank You, Fiverr, for your current merry use of the double r.

If you’re looking for a way to make money as an author, this freelance community is a potential place to find gigs. Writers can offer services, such as writing blog posts, press releases or articles, and set their own prices. There are pros and cons to consider when embarking on Fiverr, many authors use it as a source of income.

Writing Conferences

Thank You, Writing Conferences, the nerdiest sleepover party ever.

Whether online or face-to-face, attending a conference offers advantages for authors at all stages of their career. Beginning and intermediate writers can learn craft through workshops taught by industry experts, make appointments with publishers and agents to pitch their ideas, get feedback on their WIP, enter contests, and network with other authors. Along with those perks, seasoned authors can sell their books or join the faculty.

Writers Touch Lives

Thank you, Writers, for touching lives. It sure beats touching your toes.

As writers, one the greatest privileges we have is the ability of our words to make a difference in the world. What we write can inspire innovation, heal hearts, or challenge authority. The worlds we create can offer sanctuary, hope, or encouragement. What we say matters and can last well beyond our last breath.

Jimmy Fallon ends his weekly skit with, “There you go, everybody. Those are our thank-you notes.” Usually, I suffer a sense of disappointment when it ends, especially when other ideas pop into my head. Now, you’re in that position. What else are you thankful for as a writer? Caffeine? Comfortable chairs? Let me know!

Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lame jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/dogs/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 175 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori also contributed to over a dozen books. Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Lori.Z.Scott.

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Mastering Middle Grade

Writer, Educate Thyself

Last month we talked about the basic steps involved in getting your manuscript ready for submission. This month, I want to talk about something I struggle with, and that’s keeping up.

I don’t mean keeping up with laundry or keeping up with the neighbors’ fabulously maintained lawn. If those are your things, high fives to you, but what I mean is the constant challenge to stay current in an industry that’s always changing.

I’m by no means an expert at this. I feel like I’m just starting to get my head around it, so don’t be shy about commenting here with suggestions or corrections.

I’m always curious about a) who/what is getting published, b) what are my readers reading? c) are there any new hints/tips/tricks for writers I need to know about?

You might be thinking, yes, but I can get all this at a conference, shouldn’t I just go to a conference or two and call it good? Why do I need to spend precious writing time on industry info?

Yes, you can and should get yourself to as many conferences as possible. They are an excellent and much needed resource. However, conferences can be expensive endeavors. My budget doesn’t allow for me to attend nearly as many as I’d like. Plus, working parents can’t always get time away from day jobs or find appropriate child care.  

And guess what happens when the conference is over? The industry keeps moving. If you rely only on conference info, you may find yourself out of touch sooner than you’d like. That’s why you need to invest a little time and energy each week.

How do we do it? How do we supplement the education we get at conferences?

As I mentioned, I am figuring this out as I go. I have found three resources (aside from Almost an Author, which obviously I love) that consistently turn up new, reliable information.

1) SCBWI – Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. My local SCBWI chapter has been a fountain of information, connected me with critique groups (whom I love dearly), and hosts local quarterly events where we can meet other writers, editors, and agents, and exchange ideas.

2) PODCASTS – What better way to be productive during your commute than listening to podcasts about writing? I’ve recently discovered a delightful middle grade book review podcast hosted by a pair of Australian children’s authors called Middle Grade Mavens. A few others that I like are the SCBWI Conversations Podcast, Matthew Winner’s Children’s Book Podcast, and the Middle Grade Ninja Podcast by Robert Kent, and The Manuscript Academy.

3) SERIOUS WRITER – I subscribe to the Serious Writer Club, which I highly recommend for the access to content and frequent Q&A sessions. The SW Club is only open for enrollment a couple of times a year. Check out their website and subscribe to their mailing list for open enrollment dates.  

Whether you spend a little time each day or a little time each week, the point is the same: immerse yourself as much as you can in your reader and writer life. Staying as connected and current as possible will help you step closer and closer to your goals.

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

In Which We Use Memes to Represent the Writing Process

We all know what a distraction the internet can be for a writer. In the space of a split-second, serious research can devolve into a sideshow that steals your focus and energy.

However, sometimes the internet can be a source of inspiration, motivation, and even a little bit of fun. In that spirit, this month’s blog is a light-hearted look at the writing process represented by memes.

The Writing Process:

Step One: Idea

Maybe you’ve had friends tell you “You should write a kids’ book.” Or maybe you’ve had a story take residence in your head. Either way, this step is the launching pad.

(Source: Writers Write )

Step One A: Research

Your story idea may be the most amazing idea in the history of ideas, but if you don’t *actually* know your topic (setting, characters, time period) inside and out, it’s time to research.

(Source: pinterest.com/sara_tranum/writing-memes/)

Step Two:  The First Draft

Finish your celebratory ice cream and cozy up to the keyboard because Step Two is where things get real.

Source: Pinterest

Step Three:  Beta Readers and Critique Groups

Congratulations on finishing your first draft! Now sit back, relax, and let trusted partners read it and offer you feedback! This stage can be challenging, but with the right readers (and the right attitude), critiques can help your writing grow in ways you never imagined.

(Source:  https://tjwithers.com/how-to-run-an-effective-writers-critique-group/)

Step Four: Revision

Your critique partners have gently and constructively informed you that your precious manuscript baby isn’t perfect. Now what? It’s time to dig deep and edit.

(Source: Pinterest )

Step Five:  Repeat Steps Three and Four

You’ve heard the expression “best foot forward?” This is the work that produces your best foot – I mean, manuscript.

(Source: Pinterest )

Step Six: Submit

Step six is about preparing your proposal and query letter. It’s not quite as ominous as it sounds, especially when there are so many great resources to help guide you through the process. Do your research, and follow each agent’s submission guidelines to the letter. Don’t be like the guy in the meme below – give your proposal the same level of proofreading as your manuscript so you don’t wind up sending a query letter full of typos and bad grammar.

(Source: relentlesswriters.blogspot.com)

Do you have a favorite writing meme? Post it in the comments below!

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

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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Mastering Middle Grade

Want to Write Middle Grade Fiction? Here’s Three (Content) Issues to Consider By Kell McKinney

One of the first writing rules I learned in journalism school is that you have to know your audience.  This rule applies to writing children’s fiction every bit as much as it does to news, only there’s a catch.

When you’re writing for children, it’s important to remember you’re writing for two audiences: the young reader and the adult gatekeeper. Whether that gatekeeper is a parent, grandparent, teacher or librarian, there’s almost always another set of discerning eyes on work intended for middle grade readers.

Continue reading “Want to Write Middle Grade Fiction? Here’s Three (Content) Issues to Consider By Kell McKinney”
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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.