Writing a Novel Series for Kids, Part 3
I’ve been thinking about novels in series quite a lot lately because I’m writing one and several of my clients are too. It occurred to me as I was watching Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (a prequel to the original Star Trek) that some novel series are more like episodic television.
Plot Flaw, Part 2, Or How to Let Your Subconscious Do Some of the Work
A couple of weeks ago I found a plot flaw as I worked on the inside outline of my zoo mystery. It was a little alarming given how carefully I thought I’d planned things.
Nevertheless, I told myself not to worry about it for the time being. I’d let my subconscious have a go at it while I wrote the “because of that” explanation pieces to make sure the scenes are causally linked.
Writing Craft: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
I have a fondness for books on the craft of writing. I like reading about other writers’ tussles with different elements of story and what they’ve learned as a result. The ones I enjoy the most and the ones I think I’ll continue to learn from find a permanent home on my book shelves. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel (Ten Speed Press, 2018) by Jessica Brody is one of these.
Quick Look at the Strong Structure of a Contemporary MG Novel
The contemporary middle grade novel Stanley Will Probably Be Fine by Sally J. Pla is fun for readers who’ve ever had friend problems, who enjoy comics, or who like treasure hunts. For writers, it offers a different kind of treasure—a wonderful example of tightly woven characters, plots, and subplots.
Two Great Middle Grade Novels About Storytelling
Recently I happened to read two MG novels that use oral storytelling as an important theme and plot device.