SOME FUN THAT IS FUNNY . . .

As an antidote to this ceaseless rain we've been having and my last blog post, here are 6-1/2 THINGS ABOUT WRITING THAT ARE FUN:

1.  Meet my co-workers . . .

2.  And my Secretary of Silliness, Teddy, and his assistant, who was feeling rather sheepish . . .

3.  Some days, I get to work with incredibly talented professionals, like the amazing people at Page Turner Adventures.  And they create a video that includes:  a rapping/dancing hamster, a funky guinea pig, syncronized dancing mice and a hip bubbe . . .  (And it's still work.  Shh.  Don't tell anyone.)

 

4.  Stuck on a YA story idea?  Worry no more!  David Lubar and Dian Curtis Regan have created this hilarious STORY GENERATOR.  (Hurry over and create your next masterpiece.)

5.  Ernie from Sesame Street has written his masterpiece on a typewriter . . .  (Poor Bert.)

6.  And of course, for those having trouble with limericks -- Because who doesn't have a little limerick trouble every now and again? --  there's this video about limericks (written in limericks) . . .

6-1/2.  But the FUNNIEST thing I can share with you -- the thing that inspired me to write this post today -- is this HILARIOUS look at The Publishing Process in GIF Form by Nathan Bransford. Thanks, Nathan, for being a bright spot during a very rainy day!

Now, go be FUNderful . . .

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!