Misadventures of a Teenage Writer

Book Review Club: December

2010-12-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

Can you believe today is the first day of December? Seems yesterday was only November…oh, wait—it was. Silly me.

Today, I’m reviewing The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I must admit, this one has to be my ultimate favorite book. Her fame is true to her amazing writing style—she’s the new J.K. Rowling. I swear.

Katniss Everdeen, the main character, lives in District 12 of a nation called Panem, located in the ruins of what used to be North America. (This story is futuristic in setting but lacks all the science-fiction-y future elements that some may cringe at.) Each year in Panem, each of the twelve districts offer two of their children (one boy, one girl) as tributes to take part in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live television.

When Katniss’s sister, Prim, is called to be the female tribute from District 12, Katniss steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. When she befriends the male tribute from her district, Katniss must make painful choices that “weigh survival against humanity and life against love.” (From The Hunger Games back cover)

My favorite book of all time, The Hunger Games easily tops my list of favorite books with Collins’s eloquent, captivating, poignant, and beautiful style; as well as a gripping plot line and expert pacing. With a fresh and unique voice, the protagonist is easily loved and even more easily relatable.

A must-read for teens and adults alike.

Read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins—you will fall in love just as much as I did.

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@ Barrie Summy

Descriptions

2010-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I'm back, and this time for good. Today, I have a post on descriptions - just a few things I have learned as a writer and reader.

1. As a writer, you have to be your readers’ eyes. Your readers are totally lost when they pick up your story. You need to ground them where they are and what is going on.

Example:
At least I didn’t have to wear a dress to my father’s funeral.

Right away, we know that the main character’s father has died, and that she has a sense of humor. We know that she is probably more of a tomboy, too. We are grounded in the story with a conflict, a mood, and a character.

Take & Use: When you are writing your opening lines, ground your readers with a conflict, a mood, and a character.

2. If you don’t bother to describe your setting, your readers will not understand the story. It’s likely your readers will stumble around in the story until they finally give up and read something else.

Example: (This is a NOT-SO-GOOD beginning.)
“We have to hide.”
“Why?”
“They’re going to get us.”
“No, they aren’t.”

Immediately, we wonder: Who are the characters? What do they need to hide from? What is the conflict? If you don’t describe those things, your readers are going to be too frustrated to continue the story.

3. Take your time. Don’t rush through descriptions so that you can get back to the action. Good descriptions will make your characters’ actions more powerful.

Example:
Her hair like gold flew through the hair as she charged him, her blue eyes flashing.

Take & Use: Incorporate descriptions into your action so that it sounds smooth and natural.

4. Most writers work from a mixture of the real and the imagined. Close your eyes and “see” the things you are trying to describe. Skip descriptions like “eyes as blue as the sky” and dig deeper—try to find your own description that explains how blue her eyes are. Perhaps it could be a robin’s egg or the river that flows by your character’s house.

Example:
The color blue was substandard once you saw her eyes, as graceful and captivating as the river that flowed through the forest with a matchless perseverance.

Take & Use: Consider how you can describe your character without using cliché similes and metaphors. Go beyond the obvious to create descriptions that no other writer has even considered.

5. Find your style for writing descriptions. Some writers prefer a less-is-more approach. In other words, if you like to keep your descriptions simple, that’s fine. Others may prefer long, elaborate descriptions. Find your style and stick with it.

6. The Rule of Three: To use the rule of three, you employ three adjectives in a description, or have a person do three actions, or have a dialogue of three parts. It usually makes the sentence flow a bit better, but it isn’t a rule you need to adhere to at all times. Find what works for you—that’s what writing is all about!

Example: (This is a description using the rule of three.)
Her clothes were rumpled, her hair was disheveled, and she looked like she hadn’t slept in weeks.

Example: (This is a description NOT using the rule of three.)
Her clothes were rumpled and her hair was disheveled.

Good luck with your writing this week! Is anyone participating in NaNoWriMo?

Sorry...

2010-10-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

So I know I promised a post yesterday, but I just don't have it in me. I'm much too busy today, I apologize. Please standby...I promise to get my schedule back on track and give you guys some posts! In the meantime, check out my favorite writing-related blogs:

http://www.kidlit.com
http://www.writerunboxed.com
http://www.gailcarsonlevine.blogspot.com

Ah, It's Good to Be Home

2010-10-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness! More than a month has passed since my last post! Things have been crazy busy around here, so that's my excuse.

As such, my schedule for tonight is way out of whack and so I will have to save my post til tomorrow. Prepare yourselves for an awesome post on CHARACTERS tomorrow!

9/11

2010-09-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's 9/11.

Just by saying those words, everyone knows what I'm talking about.

I'm watching this show about the day on the History Channel and it is truly overwhelming. I remember being in elementary school when it happened, we were all suddenly rushed to the auditorium for an assembly. The teachers were all stony-faced and silent. We sang the national anthem and all the teachers and some of the students were crying. I didn't know why we were singing or why we were crying. I just cried and cried. I knew something was seriously wrong.

I never got the chance to learn about what happened. Watching what happened that day, I'm just overcome with emotion. I don't know what to say or what to think. All I keep saying is Oh my God. Tears running down my face. It is just horrid.

I don't know what to say.

WriteOnCon!

2010-08-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my absense as of late...summer has been wooshing by and I'm left with little free time.

I wanted to tell you about WriteOnCon, this -GREAT- online writing conference for kidlit writers. It's free! It's very informative! There are a lot a lot of writers, agents, editors, and other helpful writing experts.

The site functions as a blog, with posts every hour or so from a different writing expert. Sometimes the posts come in video form ("vlog"). Sometimes there are live chats with agents and authors and others in the chat room. Sometimes there are query and manuscript critiques in the forum.

Needless to say, it is G-R-E-A-T. So head on over there! I guarantee you'll learn something. http://www.writeoncon.com/

A few people I know that are going to be there:

Agent Mary Kole of http://www.kidlit.com
Agent Natalie Fischer of http://www.adventuresinagentland.blogspot.com
Agent Jennifer Laughran of Andrea Brown Lit
Editor Anica Rissi of Simon Pulse (imprint of Simon & Schuster)

...to name a few. PLEASE--get your booty on over there. It is the -BEST- online (and FREE!) writing conference there is.

I Have Returned!

2010-08-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've finally returned from a week-long trip to Minnesota. We visited family there, and while it was quite hot, the amount of good memories was overwhelming. There's something about your birth place, that unbreakable connection, that brings you back time after time.

As we slowly drove along our old street, I smelled the faint scent of the sparkling lake just beyond the sprawling houses. I listened to the breeze as it swept across the land. I watched as sunlight streamed through the dense tree canopy overhead and I breathed in deep the smell of freshly-cut grass. Nostalgia rose in my throat as I gazed upon the tree-lined street, the wildflowers growing on the side of the road, and the quiet that I so dearly missed living in the city.

Oh, how I sometimes long for the past to become the present.

Below: A view of the sunset from the lakeshore.

Lookie Here! I'm on Blog Frog!

2010-07-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Not a huge announcement or anything, but I'm now a member of Blog Frog! It's a really cool community of bloggers like me and you. Check it out!

http://theblogfrog.com/

This Week's Lamentations

2010-07-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sigh. You do NOT know how hard it is to take care of children.

Okay, maybe you do, if you're a parent--unlike me. But this week, at my church, I've been taking care of preschoolers for Vacation Bible School. VBS is a super-dee-duper fun, week-long learning experience where attendees learn about God by participating in games, crafts, videos, and fun activities that convey the day's message. It's like a Christian day camp! Anyway, it's [supposed to be] fun and while I do enjoy it, the kids wear me down. I haven't slept so hard for a long time. Anyway, this one kid spit in my eye. Another likes to blow air in my face. Yet another pretends she is a dog and chews on her nametag-lanyard thingy. Still another tries to escape a lot. And lastly, another kid constantly makes loud noises while the teacher is talking, regardless of how many times I've told him to hush it. Ay, ay, ay.

So last night, while I was trying to get off my caffeine kick, I got a little panic-y. I realized I only have one and a half months left until school begins. Dread filled my mind and a feeling as though I was suffocating came to my throat. School (don't say it! It's taboo!) is a place of torture, embarrassment, loneliness, and downright negativity. Thus, it is to be avoided at all costs. Unlucky for me, I'm a goody-two-shoes and so therefore do not have the nerve in me to run away or ditch school or whatever unruly kids do in their spare time. I'm going to be forced to go to school and then--then!--I will be subject to endless humiliation and torture as the teenage years continue. Great. Cannot wait.

Now, don't get it in your head that I'm some negative, not-very-well-off child. Because I am. ...well-off, that is. Anyway. It's not like I don't have friends or anything. Because I do. ...have friends, that is. (Okay, fine, I'm done with the stupid jokes. Grr.) I'm not really a very "social" person and I'm not super "outgoing". But, you know, I do have a few close friends that make school the slightest bit easier. But I am completely--completely!--dreading the academics. Now, I'm more of an academically-minded person, already thinking about college (shoot me!), but I don't enjoy doing work. But sometimes I do.

Blergh. I am criss-crossing my words now and I am confused. Perhaps I've just forgotten how relatively easy and fun-ish school was last year. Well, regardless, I'm not one who enjoys getting up early and wasting precious time doing homework. *Rolls eyes*

So, that's it--for now--for my negativity and pessimistic views on life. Just kidding. Anyway, that's what I have to say about the faults in this world--school, and annoying little children. Please, don't take me seriously. It's for your own good. Trust me.

Looking for a Blog Makeover?

2010-07-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

The amazingly awesome April over at April Showers Blog Design is giving away a Wordpress OR Blogger blog makeover!!! EEEE! This is an awesome giveaway. You really must check it out! This is a $160-$300 value, yours FREE if you win! Not something to miss. So, GO!!

Enter and cross your fingers for a win!

Book Review Club: July

2010-07-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

This week, I’ll be reviewing A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. A Wrinkle in Time is a succinct blend between fantasy and science fiction with some lovely elements of family relationships, tension, funky characters, and a futuristic world combine to create an exciting, tension-filled novel that was hard for me to put down.

Here’s what the author’s site says about the book:

“Meg Murry, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their mother are having a midnight snack on a dark and stormy night when an unearthly stranger appears at their door. She claims to have been blown off course, and goes on to tell them that there is such a thing as a "tesseract," which, if you didn't know, is a wrinkle in time.

Meg's father had been experimenting with time-travel when he suddenly disappeared. Will Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin outwit the forces of evil as they search through space for their father?”

Meg is the protagonist. She doesn’t have very high self-esteem, and doesn’t have many friends either. She's known for her bad temper, yet her family believes she is capable of great things, though she is not emotionally mature. Her family consists of her mother, twin brothers, and a super-genius 5-year-old brother named Charles Wallace, who seems to have exceptional mind capabilities. Their father, a scientist, supposedly disappeared out of wanting to leave the family, but Meg and her family believe he’s still out there, but just got lost on his last mission. In A Wrinkle in Time, they try to seek him out.

The novel begins on a dark and stormy night when an out-of-this-world being arrives at the Murry’s door. Her name is Mrs. Whatsit and she tells Mrs. Murry that “there is such a thing as a tesseract,” which almost causes Mrs. Murry to faint—for it was a joke between her and her husband.

Meg, curious about what exactly a tesseract is, finally discovers the term refers to a scientific concept her father was working on before his mysterious disappearance.

Later that day, Meg and Charles Wallace encounter Meg’s schoolmate, Calvin O’Keefe. They go to Mrs. Whatsit’s home and meet her equally eccentric friend, Mrs. Who. They promise to help Meg find and rescue her father. The only what to do that is to tesser, or to fold the fabric of space and time.

They visit many odd planets, including a Utopian planet similar to the world in The Giver by Lois Lowry, before they arrive on Camazotz, where their father is being held captive. Can they rescue their father? Or will he be trapped forever under The Black Thing?

Like in the Harry Potter books, there’s one big problem looming overhead, while others are happening before their eyes. I like this structure in novels because it’s never-ending excitement.
Now, I’m not one to read science fiction, but this book really topped my favorite books list.

This book won many awards and earned itself the title for infamous worst novel beginning for its first line, “It was a dark and stormy night…” Personally, I see no problem with the first line; it quite sets the mood for the first chapter. But perhaps that’s what is so bad about it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend this classic to all readers, whether or not you aren’t particularly fond of sci fi or fantasy—it’s a must read. I really loved it!

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@Barrie Summy

My Town Monday: San Diego Fair

2010-07-05T17:40:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago I went to the San Diego Fair in Del Mar. It was just the event you expect--the smells of delicious, deep-fried and artery-clogging food; carnies begging passers-by to play their game; animal smells wafting from the barns; booths selling many different services, items, and odds-and-ends. It was wonderful. Lots of people, though, and I don't like to see all those poor animals in tiny little pens being poked and prodded. That's the main downfall for me, Miss Animal Enthusiast. There were also a lot of people, which made it hard to enjoy it as much as I could've with all the lines and waiting. I'm not a patient person.

The theme of this year's fair was "Taste the fun". I sure could--they had literally everything you could imagine for food. Deep fried everything, too.

This is a picture of a sign that says "chocolate covered bacon". This is exactly what I mean when I say "everything".

I ordered the usual pizza, kettle corn, and cinnamon rolls.

Here's one of my cinnamon rolls. A little too much cream cheese, but it was still good. Heck, anything cinnamon roll-ish is good! But wait--there's more! Artery-clogging services in a dessert-appearing treat!

We took a ride on the ferris wheel. Now, I'm not exactly a ride person. When I was younger, I was scarred when my cousins bribed me into going on this water ride where I dropped what seemed straight down--after a bunch of head-whipping, blazing-fast turns. More like corners. I actually lost my stomach that day. After, of course, my cousin told me someone died on it last year. Needless to say, I was a bit prickly.

Since that experience, I've become more cautious than I was (by nature) and don't ever go on rides that seem the slightest bit scary. I was feeling adventurous that night and decided to go on the ferris wheel, but that was my limit. (See what I mean?) It was my first time on one, and it was amazing. It went just fast enough to not be scary and slow enough to not be boring. In other words, perfect.

This is a picture of the view from at the top of it.

There were a lot of crazy rides. Like, ones that would make me lose my stomach. There was one where you jump from this little platform and you dive towards the earth and hair-raising speed--like bungee jumping, except you're going head first. Talk about needing a chiropractor. You'll never catch me on such a ride.

This is a ride where you drop 30 stories in under 5 seconds. Not fun.

A view of the crowds--and people eyeing me and questioning my mental stability, wondering what the heck I'm doing taking a picture of normal people.

A picture of a food stand (one of many!), offering a plethora of artery-clogging goodness.

Ahh, good times. I love the fair. Just wish it wasn't so unhealthy. And busy. And filled with crazy too-fast-for-me rides. All in all, the fair is not a summer event to miss. I don't know about you, but I will always come back.

The Value of Critique

2010-07-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take the time today to explain the value of critique on one's writing. For me, critique is how I improve my writing and although it does sometimes hurt to hear that someone dislikes my work, I take it with as much of an open heart as I can muster and spring forth with revising ideas.

Now, I'm not going to tell you that all critique is good critique. Because some of it isn't. Some critique is purely subjective, just the person's opinion. We all know that our specific book may not appeal to every single person in the world--and that's just the way it is. But I think it's important to take critique with a grain of salt, and not read into what the person is saying. Just hear what she thinks, consider it, and then take it or leave it.

Taking advice about something into which you've poured your heart, soul, and mind is not an easy task. It's like listening to someone talk about your own child--how she looks, her intelligence, personality, etc. That's not fair! So when having your work critiqued, keep in mind that you don't absolutely HAVE to do what the critiquer says--it's up to you.

Most people will say something like, "I don't like how the protagonist ..." or "I don't like [blank] event ..." --in other words, they'll point out the negatives before discussing the triumphs in your piece. Remember this.

Instead of waiting for the critiquer to say something, ask specific questions--What do you like about it? What do you think I could change or improve? What should I take out?

Remember to take it with a grain of salt--and that it's ultimately YOUR decision and not that of the critiquer.

Good luck with critique and Happy Fourth!

Summer Reading & Writing Dilemmas

2010-06-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick post to let you know what's on my reading pile. Currently, all I have is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. I'm halfway through, and I absolutely LOVE it. If you have any suggestions for books that you'd recommend, I'd love to read them! I eat books as much as I eat food (which is a lot). Might explain my metabolic syndrome (kidding). Anyway, suggestions!

Also, what are YOU reading this summer?

My plan to write a whole novel this summer is out the window. I haven't even sat down to write ONCE. I am so discouraged. Maybe I'm not meant to be a writer. Every time I tell myself that I'm going to write, I panic and get myself involved with other stuff on the internet. I read blogs (about writing), post stuff (about writing), but never actually get down to writing. I want to pull out my hair, one by one, just to punish myself for being so bad.

Anyway, I'm off to go and try to force myself to write. AGAIN. (Is there no mercy?!)

Good-bye. I'll let you know if I survive.

Taking Writerly Advice

2010-06-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I want to post today about how you should take writerly advice. Now, there are a gazillion blogs out there that tell you what to do, what NOT to do, what you should kinda sorta maybe do, and everything in between. In my eyes, it's completely and totally overwhelming to read all these Don'ts, Dos, Nevers, and Sometimes. Writing, for me, has always been about the writer. What she wants to do, not what the market says is best. That's why today I'd like to talk to you about my views on how you should take writerly advice.

Please visit THIS page as the core of this post.

You may or may not read blogs and websites to gain suggestions and advice on writing. If you do, you'll know that there's more than a wealth of information out there. All that information can sometimes put my head in a fog. Which suggestions should I take? Which should I disregard?

That's why it's so important to take all advice with a grain of salt. Ponder about it. Reflect on it. Decide whether or not it'll work for you. Now, if you're writing a book to be published, then you should probably take the advice more openly. But doing everything just because your favorite writing blog says so is just...wrong to me. Writing is about the author--her thoughts, characters, plot, events--and it all comes down to her. In writing, you pour your heart out. So thrusting all this advice into it is just going to make it something not your own. Like trying to be someone you're not.

So think about the advice you read. What does it mean? How could it improve your book? Where could you use it?

Bottom line: When you come across writerly advice, don't just immediately go put it into your book, crossing your fingers for increased marketability. Because, remember, the writing is YOU.

Summer...and a Problem

2010-06-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Summer is here!! This really must be the best time of year. With summer comes a lot of extra time, too--the perfect amount of extra time to write a novel. Which brings me to my next point--I wanted to get going and finally-FINALLY-conquer my procrastination and get to WRITING a novel this summer. Full-length. And my is it harder than I though it'd be. I just always seem to find something better to do. Writing seems so...hard. Any tips for this procrastination-aholic?

Listen Up, Writers!

2010-06-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you're a writer, (like me!) and you're looking for critique from others, I'd like to set up a critique-partnership forum in the comments section of this post. Tell us who you are, what type of books you write, and what you're looking for in a critique partner(s).

Also, I am offering free (yes, FREE!) critiques for any YA or MG novel if you're interested in someone reading your manuscript. If you're interested, please send an email with an attached PDF file of the first 5 chapters of your manuscript to me at cass234 [at] live [dot] com and I promise to send comments and suggestions within two days.

A blog-related announcement: on every Friday, I will be spotlighting an exceptionally helpful writing-related post from other blogs. Make sure to check each Friday for that!

If you're looking for writing help, there's a blog list on the right-hand side of my blog that has many of the blogs I read that you may also enjoy reading. Check it out!

Thank you for visiting my blog!

One of My Other Blogs...

2010-06-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'd like to introduce one of my other beautiful yet informative blogs. It is called One Planet, One Chance and is a sort of pet project (though I've never understood that word). Check it out at http://www.oneplanetmeansonechance.blogspot.com/

(It's long, I know...) Btw, (you all know what that means, right? If not, it's by the way. Geez.) I'm looking for followers, so just follow it, ok? :)

On a side note, I'm up to 7 followers on this beautifully amazing blog!!! Yays. I thought about following my own blog but that seemed too self-conscious, so I decided against it.

On another side note, we have our fourth (yes, fourth!) meeting of the one and only, the bold and beautiful Encinitas Teen Writers Group! Yes, this is the one that Barrie Summy attended once upon a time. Yes, I was supposed to do a post about that. (Sniff! I thought a picture was enough. But no! Demanding people...)

Yes, that's the humor you get when I'm stressed out and tired!

Peace out.

Book Review Club: June

2010-06-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the eighteenth meeting of the Book Review Club!

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@Barrie Summy

Today, I will be reviewing my new favorite book:

I So Don’t Do Makeup!

... written by Barrie Summy. This tween mystery combines many fun elements—paranormal, mystery, teenager woes, and family issues, to name a few. A fun, fast-paced, exciting book that will keep you turning the pages. Definitely her best book yet!

A synopsis from the back cover:
______________________________

What's better than a sleepover? A sleepover with makeovers! Sherry and her friends have an awesome time with eye shadow, glitter, and more hair products than a salon. But when the girls wake up the next morning with serious skin issues, Sherry is freaked. Someone must have tampered with her makeup!
It turns out that the mall's cosmetics kiosk has had lots of products returned by upset customers. Sherry is determined to get to the bottom of things. After all, she's a bit of a crime-solving celebrity (well, at least in the spirit world). Ghost academies around the world are impressed by Sherry's and her ghost mom's skills.
And if anyone can solve a mystery involving mascara, it's Sherry Holmes Baldwin.
This third mystery about fast-thinking sleuth Sherry Holmes Baldwin is perfect for tweens and teens who love investigating with heroines they can relate to.
______________________________

The main character of the third installment in the I SO DON’T DO… series is Sherry (short for Sherlock) Holmes Baldwin. [Fun name, huh?] The exposition of this fun, 271-page novel includes a slumber party at Sherry’s house. She invites her best friend, Junie, another friend, Briana, and Kim, a sorta-kinda-friend/acquaintance. At this sleepover, the four girls have a bit of fun doing each others’ makeup, makeup bought at this new kiosk at the mall called Naked Makeup which is supposed to be an all-natural, healthy-for-you kind of product. Before heading off to bed that night, they all apply a night cream from Naked Makeup and dream of soft skin—except for Kim, a member of the Janes, a group of non-makeup-wearing girls at Sherry’s school. In the morning, Junie wakes up screaming because her face is burning from the night cream; meaning, someone tainted the makeup. The girls rush to the kiosk to get to the bottom of the night cream issue, and soon more victims return to the kiosk for refunds and returns and whatnot. The owner of the kiosk, Lacey, becomes worried that all these returns will put her kiosk out of business. It’s up to Sherry to solve the case and find the perpetrator tainting the makeup.

Unfortunately, Sherry’s ghost mom is unable to help in the case, unlike two other mysteries the duo has solved together. This makes it slightly more challenging for Sherry to solve the case, but with the assistance of her grandfather (who became a wren when he died), her best friend, and her boyfriend, Josh.
Towards the end of the book, everything becomes mildly sappy and emotional, but I think it builds Sherry’s character and make her more relatable, because she, too, can feel deep sadness, though she puts on a tough shell. The ending was seamless and beautiful, a feel-good type of wrapping-up that made you want more.
This topped my favorites list, and I don’t put just any book on my favorites list! It was simply delightful and full of excitement. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Barrie Summy has shown growth in her writing throughout the three books, and I think she really nailed it in this book. Wonderful! Five stars!

**Please note: I received permission from author Barrie Summy to use a picture of her book's cover and synopsis for this review.

Book Review to Come

2010-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

I will be posting my book review of I SO DON'T DO MAKEUP later today. Please bear with me!

Blog Giveaway at A Blog to Brag About

2010-05-29T20:36:00.001-07:00

Enter to win $25 off a blog makeover! (A great one, at that!) http://www.ablogtobragabout.com/ Good luck!

Okay, So I've Been Slacking . . .

2010-05-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I have been slacking, majorly. Blog posting just seems to fall to the bottom of the list. With so many more important (yet non-fun) tasks to do, it goes to the back burner. Those important yet non-fun tasks include homework. Blech.

And then there's writing. Another area in which I've been slacking. I. Can. Not. Get. Around. To. Doing. It. AHHH!?! It's a horrible thing. I procrastinate. And do other things. Procrastinate some more. And then repeat. Over and over. And over.

I have been Slacky McSlackerson.

Please forgive me. :*(

On the plus side, I read the most awesome-est book ever this week. A review to come on Wednesday! Oooh, what fun!

Alright, I THINK I've Figured it Out

2010-05-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

So, I've been working on the blog a little this week and some things have been being weird and funky and just wouldn't cooperate. Well, I think I've figured things out. Finally.

In the meatime, I've been reading I So Don't Do Makeup by Barrie Summy, and I must say I am smitten! This book is amazing. A book review soon to come... ;)

Announcement

2010-05-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

We are having some issues with the blog at the moment, so please be patient while I sort everything out. I apologize!

Writing Club with Barrie Summy!

2010-05-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here's me and Barrie Summy in our matching I So Don't Do Spooky t-shirts! (Thanks, Barrie, for the kind gift!) I'll add more about the writing group when I can. It will be soon!

A Little Break

2010-05-12T17:15:00.001-07:00

Let's take a break from all the writing and book-related stuff and read a funny (and cute!) cartoon.

Alright, I admit, it's book-related. But that doesn't count.

CLICK here.

2 MORE DAYS till the third meeting of the teen writing group, with Barrie Summy!!!!!

[What, me? Excited? NO way.]

Well, back to writing . . .

Book Review Club: May - DEAD IS THE NEW BLACK

2010-05-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Dead is the New Black is an extremely engaging, warm-and-cozy young adult paranormal mystery, written by Marlene Perez.

The back cover says . . .
“Welcome to Nightshade, California; a small town full of secrets. It's home to the psychic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case.

Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can't help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new look; Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.
Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad.”

First sentence: "Being dead became fashionable approximately forty-five minutes after Samantha "the Divine" Devereaux came back from summer break." Begins with a bang, does it not? Immediately, I want to know: “Being dead” – what is that supposed to mean? Who’s this Samantha character? And why is she called “the Divine”? This luring first sentence is what pulled me in. Head-first.
It continues, "Although stylish as ever, there was still something off about the Divine Devereaux. She strolled down the hall wearing a cleavage-baring top, a miniskirt, and stiletto heels. Her long blond hair had been freshly highlighted. But unlike after previous summer vacations, Samantha didn't have that sun-kissed Cabo glow. Her skin was, forgive the phrase, dead white. A large silver pendant hung around her neck, but I couldn't get a close look at it. I wasn't the only one trying to sneak a peek, because heads turned more than usual as she strutted down the hall. 'Get out of my way, Daisy,' she snapped at me as she passed by. She was only slightly hampered by the coffin she was dragging behind her."
Now we get a little more explanation behind who and what Samantha is, what she looks like, and why she is called “the Divine.”
We also learn about the protagonist, Daisy. And clearly, Samantha and Daisy have some sort of history.
The way Perez describes everything evokes an intimate, sort of pleasant feeling. Call it her voice or word choice; this book topped my “favorites” list with its charming, small-town setting, endearing protagonist, and exciting plot.
There’s romance. School issues. Family issues. And scary, thrilling encounters with fantastical creatures—vampires, especially. It seems just as Daisy is getting involved with one complication, another arises. This book is definitely action-packed.

Not only is Daisy dealing with the mystery involving the girls that are being attacked by some fantastical beast, she is also trying to find her dad, who mysteriously left her and her family many years before. With the help of her psychic sisters and mother, as well as her best friend and soon-to-be-boyfriend, Ryan, she might just be able to track the killer down. Unless she becomes the next victim.

If you enjoy paranormal/fantasy/mystery/reality all in one, this is a book you’re sure to enjoy. Even though I'm not one for the paranormal and fantasy stuff, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book.

Edited to Add: When I say there are vampires, there is a very minimal amount of vampire involvement in Dead is the New Black. So, [pointing at you, Sarah Laurence] this is definitely not just another vampire book. If you don't read this book, you're definitely missing something. :)

Next I SO DON'T DO... Book Coming Out Soon!!!

2010-05-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am extremely excited for the next I So Don't Do... book to come out. It's called I So Don't Do Makeup. That is only . . .

11 MORE DAYS

This book is bound to be awesome, considering Barrie Summy's amazing talent for writing. Seriously. Check her out at http://www.barriesummy.com/.

Counting down . . .

Titles

2010-04-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ahh, one of the challenging issues of writing—titles. For as long as I’ve been writing (which is a good amount of time), I have always had trouble with coming up with a great title that makes people want to read the book. Titles are like the advertisement for your book. It must encompass all the book is about. Here’s an example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is about Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. As you can see, that wasn’t rocket science for J.K. Rowling. But I am guessing you’re trying to come up with something a little more sophisticated than that. What about the Queen Geek Social Club by Laura Preble? That book was about two girls who start a social club for “geeks” like them, named the Queen Geek Social Club. And to provide themselves with some superiority, they add the queen to the beginning. Or maybe it is supposed to sound like queen bee. Anyway…

As you can see, titles don’t have to be amazing or phenomenal, when in fact most famous or popular books have ordinary, not unusual names. But in case you’re stuck, still, I’m going to try to help you sort out your title.

So for this little exercise, use a manuscript that you’ve written recently.
1. Can you sum up the conflict in one word? Think of synonyms for that word.

2. What is the main character’s name?

3. What is the setting?

4. Could you sum up the mood of the book?

5. Think about how you could combine a few of those to become a title.

6. Think about your protagonist’s nature. If she/he read the book, what might she/he call it?

7. What is your protagonist’s outlook on life, and how does the book explain that?

8. Think about the interests of your target audience. How are those interests used in the book?

9. Have someone from your target audience read the book. Ask them if they have any ideas for a good title for the book.

10. If you belong to a critique group, ask them about ideas. If you have an agent, ask him/her. If you have an editor, he or she might have a good idea.
Hope that has helped a little! Post in the comment area about your titles.

80 Dollar Gift Certificate

2010-04-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

...to Hip Mom Jewelry is part of the giveaways at April Showers Blog Design! Head on over to enter:

April Showers - CONTEST

2010-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

There's a great contest going on over at April Showers Blog Design! Click the below button to enter to win amazing prizes!

Also, April Showers is featuring a really amazing girl who does more than her share of work for her family. Check it out!

Procrastination

2010-04-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I've been attacked by procrastination, yet again. It's been almost a year since I've written anything for fun. The only times I've actually done any writing is if it's a requirement for school. Which makes me sigh again.

Oh, sure, I have plenty of good ideas. The problem is actually sitting down and writing. With so many other distractions, writing seems to fall last on the to-do list.

So, yeah, I just wanted to share my frustration. But here's a solution that might actually help . . . http://www.inkygirl.com/1000-words-a-day-project/

I'm slowly (VERY slowly) working my way up.

That's all for now,

Cassandra

Casual Blogger Conference

2010-03-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing conference for people who love to blog and/or want to blog, called the Casual Blogger Conference! If you don't know anything about blogging, who cares? That's just what this conference is about. And remember April from April Showers Blog Design? She'll be talking there, too. Lots of cool people will.

You'll learn how to gain more publicity, improve your posts, and much more! It sounds great to me...and I'm sure you'll love it too. It's hosted in Sandy, Utah and apparently costs $155 for the whole shabang. You can also purchase half-days and some other stuff.

Check it out! Casual Blogger Conference

PS: If you want to enter to win two free tickets, visit April Showers Blog Design.

Awesome Freebie Beautification!

2010-03-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Look at this amazingly cute free blog template by April Showers Blog Design! Is it awesome or is it awesome?! I love it, it's totally me and is completely free, too! (Which is a plus for us teens with a hole in our pocket.)

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while. (I've been saying that a lot, haven't I?) I'll try to get my lazy bootie away from other stuff and to the computer more often. Easier said than done, though...

I'm going to be having April of April Showers Blog Design (the awesome blog designer) over here in a few weeks. She'll be designing the blog and giving it a little more updating, which it really needs. So be sure to check back around the beginning of May!

We're working out the kinks in the plan for the writing club, which will be [like] new and improved within a few weeks. I'm also working on my babysitting business, so [if you can't tell], I have a lot on my plate.

If you want a free blog template, head on over to APRIL SHOWERS BLOG DESIGN.

Sorry again...
Cassandra

Amazing Blog Designer

2010-03-15T16:04:00.001-07:00

There is a fantastic blog designer named April. She's the owner of April Showers Blog Design, with her click-able button below.

Her designs are super cute and affordable. So if you're looking for a nice upgrade to your blog, look no further than April Showers Blog Design!

I'm Baaaaaaaack!

2010-03-15T15:29:00.001-07:00

Sorry for my short-term hiatus from blogging. It's been a little hectic around here, (to say the least) so I haven't been able to hop on the computer for a while. Anyway, just wanted to update you on the exciting things that have happened recently:

OUR FIRST WRITING CLUB MEETING!!!

While our first writing club meeting was exciting, the excitement hit a drop-off within the first 1/2 hour. To start off, we did a writing prompt. That seemed fine, but when we started to talk about starting a story as part of the discussion period, the members were less than thrilled. Some were interested, some were bored, one played on her phone the majority of the time. As you can guess, I was caught between a rock and a hard place. Not fun. Oh well, at least we figured out where we need to improve and what things we need to do next time. We'll see how it goes...

That's all for now!

Sincerely,
Cassandra

It's Been a While...

2010-03-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted for such a long time. I've been majorly swamped with schoolwork (tests, projects, etc. - UGH) and planning my writing group meeting which is tomorrow. (Eek!) There's 9 people signed up, so it's a fairly large group, which I guess is good, but I'm not sure if I can handle all those kids. Anyway, I'm sorry that it's been a while, but I promise to post as soon as I can.

Sorry!

~Cassandra

Book Review Club: March - MY SISTER'S KEEPER

2010-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome, come on in! This is our FOURTEENTH Book Review Club meeting and it's gonna be a good one. (It's written by me, so of course it is!) [Oops, sorry for the loud and obnoxious opinion of my ego...]

Click icon for more

book review blogs

@Barrie Summy

Synopsis:
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate - a life and a role that she has never questioned… until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister - and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable… a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life… even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Sister’s Keeper is a touching, remarkable story about a family’s love, the fight for life, and the triumph over an illness.

A realistic fiction adult novel, My Sister’s Keeper has been made into a movie and has been extremely popular not only for its callous humor but also its tear-jerking plot.

The protagonist, Anna, was created for a purpose. She wasn’t born because of love, because of an “accident” or because of the wish for a child. No, Anna was brought into the world for one main reason—to give herself to her sister. Anna’s sister, Kate, has leukemia. Because of this aggressive cancer, Anna has been forced to provide countless body parts, blood, and other necessities so that Kate can survive.

When the time comes for Anna to donate one of her kidneys to Kate, she enlists the help of attorney Campbell Alexander to sue her parents for the right to her own body. Not only are her parents shocked, they are also angry and horrified that Anna would want to allow her sister to die. Her father, Brian, has mixed feelings, while her mother, Sarah, has the firm stance: Anna should donate a kidney.
While Anna is torn between providing the things her sister needs and no longer being tied to Kate through DNA, the family slowly withers apart. Their brother, Jesse, lapses into a drug and alcohol addiction, experimenting with cigarettes and beer to ease the pain that he feels as his family’s bond slowly diminishes.
Each character struggles with their own personal issues while the bigger problem hangs in the wings. The attorney, Campbell Alexander, and the guardian ad litem assigned to the case, Julia Romano, have a history that stirs up some romantic tension to the story. Kate struggles with the cancer inside of her. Anna worries about her decisions that have suddenly become very important. Her parents argue about the right thing to do, while the fate of both Anna and Kate are left on the line.

Brutally honest and heart-wrenchingly sad, My Sister’s Keeper is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that reminds you to appreciate everything, even the burdens--because they might just teach you something.

Writing Club News

2010-03-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Hope your Monday is going great! Mine was alright, not exactly wonderful, but decent.

Here's some news that I am excited to share. My writing group, held at the Encinitas library, will have its first meeting in 11 days (on March 12th)! It'll basically be a critique and practice group. The first meeting's schedule will go something like this:

1. Prompts while people arrive (first 15 min.)

2. Introductions & Welcome

Describing what the group will be like, the things we’ll do, expectations and rules, etc.

Getting to know everyone and trust-building exercise

3. Writing Discussion

Briefly discussing the elements that make up a story—ideas, plot, characters, theme, mood, words, etc.

4. Read & Critique Time

Group members will have a chance to share their work with the others in the group and receive positive feedback and advice to enhance their projects

5. Prompt

Finish with another writing prompt

I'm so excited, it's going to be SO much fun. (Plus, a famous, totally-awesome writer from San Diego will be coming to one of the meetings--the amazing, wonderful, inspirational Barrie Summy!)

My Monday & Random Stuff

2010-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody (that is, all 3 of my followers)!

We've got some new updates coming to my blog - a new facelift, some new ideas, and more. I'll be posting regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays (possibly), and Fridays, so make sure to check here on those days.

We have switched sites, from TeenLit to Misadventures of a Teenage Writer. Please tell your friends, etc.

MY MONDAY:

Monday was busy. It was challenging. Scary. Nerve-wracking. The like. But I am happy it's almost over. See, the thing about school is that it's a love-hate relationship with me. Some days I hate it and wish I could burn it down (don't worry, I'm not a terrorist), and some days I wish I didn't have to go home.

"Why is that?" you ask. It's because of a little something called being a teenager. Which is not the best time of your life, believe me. Everything's awkward, your face balloons into an acne metropolis, and your daily rollercoaster ride of emotions is just not that great. Please, be lucky you're done with this stuff.

I had two tests today, one in math, one in science. (Blech.) The good news is that it's over. Tomorrow, now that's another story. Tomorrow we'll be running the dreaded "MILE RUN" and I have to perform a lip sync in Drama. Oh joy. I'll letcha know how that goes...

On the upside, I'm starting a writing group for teenagers at the Encinitas library. The first meeting will be on March 12th at 3 pm. Can't wait!

Well, I'm off to shower because I feel tired and gross. A long, hot shower coming right up.

Best of wishes, everyone!

Sincerely,
Cassandra

PS: Check out Barrie Summy's super cool blog:

Book Review Club: February

2010-02-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

I apologize to my few followers (sob, sob) that I will not be able to post my review of Hershey Herself until I finish a few minor things (homework, eating, homework, running 2.5 miles, homework, and maybe some more homework). Please be patient as I finish some important things! I promise a smash hit review. (Ok, not really...more like a smash crash review.)

I'll be back soon!

Best,
Cassandra

Crafting Good Characters - Follow Up Part One

2010-01-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a really good post on Kidlit.com about good characters: http://kidlit.com/2009/12/04/what-makes-a-character/

That should help you out a lot.

Good luck!

That's all for now from my tired [make that lazy] butt.
Cassandra

Book Review Club

2010-01-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody,

As you probably don't know, I've recently joined an online Book Review Club. (YAY!) On Wednesday, February 3rd [I think it is], I'll be reviewing Hershey Herself by Cecilia Galate. One of my favorite books, highly recommended.

Be sure to read my debut review and see how horribly disorganized and odd it will sound!

The link below will lead you to Barrie Summy's website, who invited me to do the review. It will only start working on the day of the review, Feb. 3rd.

Click icon for more

book review blogs

@ Barrie Summy

That's all for now!

Best,

Cassandra

PS: The link is not yet working for some strange reason, so check back later for it to be fixed.

Characters - How to Make A Great One

2010-01-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

Characters. They make up some of the best stories. They move the story along. They engage the reader.

So it's just that more crucial that you make great protagonist, as well as plenty of great side characters, too. Take Sherry Baldwin, for example, in the I So Don't Do... mysteries by Barrie Summy. {http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/} She's easy to relate to, funny, a little impulsive at times, but she's great! She is almost like a close friend, which engages the reader even more into the book. Her flaws make her even powerful and makes her even more easy to relate to.

In the I So Don't Do... mysteries, Sherry IS the book. She makes the plot move, helps the story along.

That's what makes a great character.

Now let's try making our own imaginary character.

Name: Sarah
Gender: Female
Birthday: March 1st
Family: Mom, Dad, brother, Grandma
Parents Relationship: Divorced; mother is overprotective and a horrible cook, father is quiet and often absent
Sibling Relationship: Loves her brother but usually finds him annoying
Favorite foods: Turkey burgers, the one good thing her mom can make
Habits: Tugging on her left ear when nervous
Lives: New York City, NY
Plot Idea: Small town girl moves across the country to NYC; she's very "odd" to the local girls who make her an outsider as she tries to fit in and make friends...while there, she uncovers a mystery about the house she's living in

There you go! You have probably enough information to start a story. So try this exercise above and see where it goes. Also, you can try this link: http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/files/ywp/nano_ywp_09_workbook_high_school_final.pdf
At that link, go to page 14.

That's all for now, fellow writers! A good day to you and good luck with your writing!

Cassandra

Novel Beginning Contest!

2010-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Want to enter the beginning of your novel in a contest? There are many great prizes and plenty of fun involved! Head on over to KidLit, a blog operated by literary agent Mary Kole of Andrea Brown Literary Agency: http://kidlit.com/kidlit-contest/
Good luck and have fun!

Book Review: I SO DON'T DO SPOOKY

2010-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

Someone’s out to get Sherry’s stepmom. . . .Can she save her before it’s too late?

Did you know that the main campus of the Academy of Spirits is at a Dairy Queen in Phoenix? Me either. Until now. Some weird stuff has been happening to my stepmother, Paula, and the Academy has asked me, Sherry Holmes Baldwin, to get to the bottom of it. They think someone’s trying to hurt her.

I really don’t want to get involved—my life is way too busy. Josh and I are celebrating two blissful months of togetherness. And my best friend, Junie, is finally showing a teeny bit of interest in clothes and makeup after years of brainiac behavior. But being that my mom is a ghost and all, me, my brother, and my dad rely on Paula a lot. So it’s not like I can just ignore what’s going on. Especially since my mom is competing at the Ghostlympics. If she comes in first place, she earns five minutes of Real Time.

And that means I’ve got to get involved in a creepy, freaky mystery.

But . . . I so don’t do spooky.

That's the synopsis from the book cover.

Here's my review:

Sherry's back with a whole new mystery! Her witty, sarcastic voice and relatable life/actions/feelings engage the reader deeply into the book. Her mother, the ghost, is also back. Being a teenager AND having a ghost mother? Now that's challenging. But Sherry can handle anything - right? Maybe except a super scary stalker ghost, which is the main point of this mystery. Sherry's stepmother, the Ruler (AKA Paula), is being stalked by ... you guessed it, a ghost. Sherry is enlisted, along with her mother; her best friend, Junie (the only two people who can help her in solving the mystery, as well as her dead grandpa - who happens to be a wren); cutie-pie guy and boyfriend Josh Morton; and a few other unsuspecting assistants. While delving deeper and deeper into the mystery and picking up clues as well as some super suspenceful sleuthing, Sherry tries to keep a tight grasp on her challenging teen life. The twists and turns of this story make it one that will definitely stay on your bookshelf for a while. The no-nonsense tone of Barrie Summy, mixed with Sherry's sarcasm make a lasting impression in the book world. There's suspence, action, romance, humor, and a great protagonist. What more could you ask for? This book is a gem! I know it's on my favorite book list.

Definitely destined for great things! (And maybe even the bestsellers' list!)

Interested in winning a copy? Check out this link for a chance to win: http://bookwormbooklovers.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-so-dont-do-spooky-contest.html

That's all for now folks! Happy reading or writing or whatever you do! *Poof!*

When You Get "IT"

2009-12-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

Writer's block. When you get it, it's horrible. You don't know where to take your character next. You're stuck, trying to figure out how to go with the story.

Fear not! Though writer's block is quite dreadful, it's not forever.

QUICK CURES: Exercise. Play with your kids. Walk the dog. Feed the rabbit/guinea pig/gerbil/hamster/whatever rodent or small pet you have. Do a writing prompt from this wonderful website. Email or call a friend. Do some errands.

Basically, do anything that will take your mind off the story for a little bit. Then, return back to your story. If you feel confident that you can keep going in the story, then it worked. If you find yourself remembering the horrible dreadfulness of your writer's block "incident", then it didn't work. Do more of the above quick cures. Repeat till you feel ready.

Don't worry, it will come to you. If not, then you're on your own! Just kidding...you'll merely need to start over with a new story. While this may be a daunting task for some, you should use this opportunity as a chance to go back through your old story, underline the parts you disliked or that took away from the story, highlight the parts that you liked or added to the story in some way. Write down what you liked about the characters. Pick apart the plot. See if you can find the plot points (AKA rising action), climax, resolution. Analyze your story as if you are a literary agent or a book scientist. {What is this rare, new climax situation? Caught between a dragon and her love interest, the girl must choose between herself or her honey. Hmm, yes, rare indeed. And the gentle but steady decline into the resolution. A scarce commidity, I must say! You don't see such defined declining to the resolution everyday!}

What? I'm supposed to be writing a blog post about writer's block? Oh...right.

Anywho, I think you know what to do now. Just keep performing the quick cures above, and in no time at all, you'll be back to writing that great novel.

Good luck, dear friends!

Sincerely,
Cassandra
Blogger Extraordinaire
Fanatic Writer
Oddly Short but Amazingly Attractive Woman
Animal Lover and Owner of One Adorable Dog and Two Super-Cute Guinea Pigs

All for now! *Poof*

Once You Have an Idea . . .

2009-12-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

So you've got that great idea. You've thought about it for some time and have gathered perhaps even further ideas to incorporate in your novel. Now what?

So get to the computer, notebook or whatever you use, and WRITE! Write till you fall asleep. Write till your fingers are sore. Write until you feel exhausted and don't stop until.

More later on what to do next.

For now, keep writing! And don't forget to do the daily writing prompt...keep your skills up while not working on your novel!

Ta-Ta for now! *Poof*

Getting the Idea for a Novel

2009-12-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ideas for novels are easy to find, if you're looking for 'em. They're everywhere - the newspaper, a book, the internet, your daily life, a conversation you overhear, literally everywhere!

The tough part is finding the ideas and figuring out if they work or not. First off, when you get an idea, write it down. I've made the mistake of not writing my ideas down and have lost some pretty good ideas. Though the idea might not seem so great at the moment, it may turn into a novel in the future. As you go on with your daily life, you may notice the idea continuing to push its way back into your mind. If it does, that's a good sign. Don't commit right away without knowing if it's persistent enough to stick with you.

So when you've developed this idea, maybe figured out who the main character is, what the plot is going to be like, when and what the climax is, start writing. Begin anywhere you want to - the middle, beginning, end. Just write down the idea you've been developing and see where it takes you. If you need the structure of an outline, then outline your idea. Fill in the parts you know, and leave blank the parts you don't know. That's sometimes the fun of writing - you don't know where the story will go.

Once you've started writing a bit, continue as far as you can go in one sitting. It may be one page. It may be one paragraph. Just write what you know and as far as you can go.

So be on the look-out for great ideas this week. Observe everything around you. Listen. Watch. Read. You'll find an idea. And if you don't, just keep trying. You'll find it eventually. Remember, there's always the writing prompts to resort to!

Welcome to the Teen Lit Blog!

2009-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome, one and all to Teen Lit! Here we'll be discussing just about every topic possible, relating to writing teen lit (young adult) and middle grade novels.
Let's start from the beginning of writing a novel: getting the idea. (Continued in next post)