MIDDLE SCHOOL READING: I Want To Be Older Now A common trait in middle school reading and being a middle school student is the burning desire to be older, NOW. This is why you guys read books with characters who are older than you are. Sad to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s no getting […]
WRITING CHILDREN’S BOOKS One of the biggest secrets to writing children’s books is to watch your own thoughts. Be careful not to judge your abilities, just trust in the process and keep moving the story forward. Remember, if a chapter or page doesn’t propel your story, then CUT IT. Be bold. Be ruthless with […]
Middle Grade Boredom: Think Again Middle Grade Boredom is a myth. How do I know this? Well, are you really bored as a middle grade kid or are you just being lazy? What does it mean to be bored or “bide one’s time?” The Webster’s Dictionary, one of my favorite books of all time (ask […]
MIDDLE GRADE CHILDREN Are Messengers of Greatness Why do I think middle grade children are messengers of greatness? Well, when I sat down to write the Saltwater Taffy book, I knew I wanted to tell a story of adventure for middle grade readers. Middle grade children are at an age where they still know what it is like […]
The Secret to Writing Middle Grade Fiction The secret to writing middle grade fiction is not really a secret, but rather a discipline of practice for authors. That discipline is the craft of rewriting and being ruthless on your own work. This is what I had to do when I began writing the Saltwater Taffy book…an […]