CALLING ALL WRITERS . . .

I'm delighted with today's guest!

Victoria Hanley is the author of several books, one of which caught my attention and hasn't let go -- Seize the Story -- A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write. 

This is one of the best book for young writers I've ever read.  Some of the tantalizing chapters are:  "Freeing Your Imagination," "The Heart of a Writer" and "Plotting and Scheming."  The book also includes informative, inspiring interviews with authors of young adult fiction, such as David Lubar, Nancy Garden, Joan Bauer, etc.

Isn't the cover fabulous?

After reading this book, I knew I had to invite Victoria Hanley to visit the blog. 

She generously agreed. 

The very talented Victoria Hanley

The new edition of her book, Wild Ink:  Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market, was released May 1, 2012. 

Victoria is sharing a sample chapter, along with  interviews with MT Anderson, Chris Crutcher, Lauren Myracle, and Amy Kathleen Ryan.  Wild About Words blog readers can enjoy this fascinating pdf file by clicking here. 

In addition, Victoria also shares ten tips for writers:

       Top Ten Tips for Young Adult Novelists
                                      By Victoria Hanley


1.  Write what calls to you. Open up to what’s most original about you. In the YA genre, a fresh voice is high on the list of what agents and editors are seeking.

2.  Add passion. The teen years are a time of exploration and honesty, of new independence, rebellion, and heartache. Tap your own inner teen to help you create authentic characters who have real feelings.

3.  Bring on the conflict. Without tension, your book will be like a balloon with no air. Put pressure on your characters—and don’t let the adults resolve things.

4.  Get into growth. In YA, whether you’re writing realistic contemporary or dystopian fiction, romance, sci-fi, fantasy,  horror, or some other subgenre, make coming-of-age a part of your plot.

5.  Pick a powerful point of view. First person? Third person? Second? Get close to your characters to discover which point of view will showcase your story best.

6.  Get through that sucky first draft.  Allow your first draft to be messy and jumbled. You can always tighten and polish later. Just write it out!

7.  Read. Seriously, read, read, read everything you can in the YA genre.

8.  Polish your pages. YA is highly competitive. For your final draft, don’t settle for “good enough.” Aim for outstanding!

9.  Study up. Pay attention to industry standards, including submission guidelines and correct manuscript format. Learn how to write a synopsis and a query letter.

10.  Get 'er done. Write at least an hour a day. Join a critique group. Take a class. Don’t be surprised if you hit the wall at some point, because writing YA can get emotional. But keep going, find the doorway, and finish your book!


Thank you, Victoria Hanley, for sharing your wisdom and the sample chapter and interviews from your new release!  We wish you continued success with your excellent books!

The Good, the Bad and the HUGE FREE AUTHOR EVENT . . .

The best part of my day yesterday was a Skype visit with Mr. Frantz's 6th grade class in Pennsylvania. What an enthusiastic, book-loving teacher. And those kids -- amazing!

Here they are, making their best silly faces.

The worst part of my day occurred while I was trying to write at a local library, surrounded by fabulous children's books.



While wrangling with stubborn characters, youngest son called from home, informing me that one of the following culprits peed on the couch. Again!

I know, they are entirely too cute to get angry with.

Once I cleaned up the mess and the other assorted messes that cropped up, I was finally ready to sit with my laptop, my imagination and a hot cup of tea on the back patio.

Uh-oh!

Sheesh! Some daze, er, days are like that, aren't they?

Today was better.

It began at our local middle school. I had the great pleasure of listening to fantastic YA author, Chris Crutcher, speak to a few hundred eighth graders. That man can tell a story!

(Objects in photo are larger than they appear.)

Chris Crutcher is one of 24 authors and illustrators who will be speaking and signing at a huge FREE event, APRIL IS FOR AUTHORS. If you live in Palm Beach County, grab a kid or twelve and come to Palm Beach Gardens High School, Saturday, April 30th from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to enjoy the festivities. I'll be there, speaking on a panel moderated by funny man, Frank Cerabino. Please stop by and say, "Hi!"

J. K. Rowling, R. L. Stine and Me?

Q: In which newspaper would you find mega-best-selling authors J. K. Rowling, R. L. Stine and, um, me in the same article?

A: The San Francisco Chronicle.

In other news . . .

Banned Books Week is September 27^th through October 4^th. Click here to read a letter from Chip Gibson, President & Publisher of Random House Children’s Books. Learn more here.

And still other book news . . .

Thanks to the people from the Osceola library system who did a great job putting together the Fall into Reading Book Festival.

Here I am at the display table with my goodies. (Notice the voter registration forms in the middle of the table? Everyone I asked was already registered to vote. Are you? If not, hurry it up; you only have until October 6^th!)

I had a blast meeting Chris Crutcher and hearing him speak and read from some of his books.

Lisa Campbell Ernst was wonderful, and I enjoyed our conversation, but unfortunately had to leave before her presentation.

Big thanks to Hubby for waking at 5 a.m. and driving 2 ½ hours with me even though he had a cold.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m off to exercise my right to read a banned book. Hmm. I’ve got one of Chris Crutcher’s right here.

Happy reading/registering,

Donna