The aim of this book is to get you writing. It's full of inspiration, tips and writing exercises for anyone who wants to write children's fiction. Included are tips from other published writers, useful links and answers to questions you've always wanted to ask. Includes chapters on: Know-how: the difference between writing for children and writing for adults. How to get ideas for your stories from your family, your work and your life - and how to expand those ideas. Creating believable characters children will love reading about. Writing by the seat of your pants, or plotting? Basic things you need to know for either approach. Writing realistic dialogue. Writing the first draft How to create 'reel them in' beginnings, sustain the pace in the middle, and write satisfying endings. How to write page-turning chapter endings; keeping continuity when writing series. Writing for the educational market. Writing a synopsis and a proposal. Submitting your work to a publisher or agent. Dealing with rejects and rewrites. Publicity and marketing. Publishing your own work.
Full of both inspirational and practical advice, Writing Children's Fiction: A Writers' and Artists' Companion is an essential guide to writing for some of the most difficult and demanding readers of all: children and young people. Part 1 explores the nature, history and challenges of children's literature, and the amazing variety of genres available for children from those learning to read to young adults. Part 2 includes tips by such bestselling authors as David Almond, Malorie Blackman, Meg Rosoff and Michael Morpurgo. Part 3 contains practical advice - from shaping plots and creating characters to knowing your readers, handling difficult subjects and how to find an agent and publisher when your book or story is complete.
The latest in our best selling Encyclopedia of Art series now focuses on a popular topic for both writers and illustrators: how to make, craft, and sell children's books. This practical book is a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful graphic storyteller, showing how to create exciting plots and engaging characters that will delight young readers. Topics feature a wide range of genres, from fantasy and fairy tales to action-packed adventure, and offers guidance on how to tailor work to suit different age groups. The Encyclopedia of Writing and Illustrating Children's Books also features a special section on the commercial realities of the children's publishing industry, with tips on presenting and promoting work, and includes a gallery of inspirational examples from renowned children's writers and illustrators.
LEARN HOW TO WRITE COMPELLING STORIES FOR CHILDREN. Get Started in Writing for Children will help you at the very beginning of the creative journey to gain confidence and find inspiration, and then support you in the completion of your first piece of children's literature, whether it's a picture book, a middle-grade story or a young adult novel. Each chapter includes a central writing exercise and four shorter ones, while key quotes, key ideas and focus points will be clearly signposted and will summarise important concepts and advice. At the heart of each chapter is the 'Workshop', a key exercise in which you will gain a deeper insight into the craft of writing for children. In addition to coverage of the key categories and their conventions, this book includes substantial information on getting established in the writing community, gathering a fan base and pitching your work to publishers. What are you waiting for? This book has all you need to get started.
KEY BENEFITS: A comprehensive exploration of fiction and nonfiction -- from the fundamentals of writing simply and directly to preparing a complete manuscript to approaching a publisher. KEY TOPICS: Selecting characters; using classic "hooks," creating effective dialog; developing theme fiction, fantasy, and sagas; do's and dont's of query letters; writing an interview; finding an agent; and analyzing contracts and royalties.
Describes techniques that teachers can use to increase their students' appreciation for writing and offers a detailed, week-by-week description of fourteen sessions designed to improve students' writing and reading skills.
