Character creation

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”

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?”

It’s time to write!

Is it just me or is finding the time to write a challenge? There are so many things to do, especially when you add three kids into the mix. Like most people, I have responsibilities, but how do I successfully balance those responsibilities with finding time to sit down and write? When needing to getContinue reading “It’s time to write!”

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”

Worldbuilding a fantasy series

Following on from my last post about getting your facts straight in an imaginary world, this post is all about building that world! So, what is worldbuilding? Well, in short, worldbuilding is the process of designing a fictional world that feels realistic and multidimensional. Every facet of a world, from its geography and landscape toContinue reading “Worldbuilding a fantasy series”

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”