As author‘s, we spend our days roaming around imaginary worlds and directing imaginary characters through an imaginary story. Nothing is real, and yet, sometimes you may come across a character so lifelike in personality and behaviour that they almost jump off the page. But what makes a fascinating, believable and relatable character? How do weContinue reading “Character creation”
Category Archives: Writing Theory
How many words do I need?
When I first started on this journey, it never really occurred to me to wonder how long my book should be. As a school librarian I had a clear understanding of the difference between a lower middle grade (MG) and upper MG book, but still no real concept of chapter length or word count orContinue reading “How many words do I need?”
Do you see what I see?
They say a writer should write what they know. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say this and it seems to be the most common piece of advice offered to all aspiring writers. But what does it mean? And does it help you become a better writer?
The Fantasy Series and the Middle-grade Reader
In a previous post, I discussed how fantasy fiction holds a strong draw for the middle-grade (MG) reader. As a school librarian, I always try to find the right book for every student, but sometimes finding the perfect book is easier said than done – especially when dealing with ambivalent readers or those that haveContinue reading “The Fantasy Series and the Middle-grade Reader”
Passing the Gatekeepers
In my previous post, I discussed how a degree in school library science and the writing courses I have taken with the late Dave Farland, have shown me that fantasy fiction – or wonder literature – is a great choice for the middle-grade (MG) reader. There’s something you need to consider though when writing forContinue reading “Passing the Gatekeepers”
Fantasy fiction and the Middle-grade reader
As a school librarian, part of my degree focused on understanding the stages a reader goes through from small child to adult and what kinds of books and stories appeal to readers in the different stages of reading development. An American language professor, Joseph Albert Appleyard suggests there are five stages or roles a readerContinue reading “Fantasy fiction and the Middle-grade reader”
Get your facts straight in an imaginary world
When you’re writing a story set in an imaginary world, with imaginary characters doing imaginary things – does it matter if they do things the “right” way? If you can imagine your characters travelling to a far off planet in a futuristic starship, does the science need to be accurate or can you wing itContinue reading “Get your facts straight in an imaginary world”
The Fantasy Setting
When writing a fantasy story – for kids and adults alike – the setting is key. Get it right and your story will spread its wings and transport your readers to a place they will never want to leave. So how do you create the perfect setting for your story?
The fantasy villain in children’s fiction
Sauron. Lord Voldemort. Need I say more? Every great hero needs a truly evil villain. Without them there’s no danger, nothing to lose, nothing to gain and no conflict the hero must overcome. Your story falls flat and your hero remains the slightly nerdy kid no one believes will amount to much.
The fantasy hero in children’s fiction
Harry. Matilda. Bilbo. Tris. Katniss. Unless you’ve been off planet or hiding under a rock for the last 20+ years, you will undoubtedly recognise at least a couple of these fantasy heroes and heroines. In children’s literature, the fantasy heroes and heroines are many and varied – each with their own personalities and back storyContinue reading “The fantasy hero in children’s fiction”
S.Veelo - Author 