From the Mixed-Up Files is a new blog that focuses on middle grade fiction.Their mission statement; "From the Mixed-Up Files is the group blog of middle-grade authors celebrating books for middle-grade readers. For anyone with a passion for children’s literature—teachers, librarians, parents, kids, writers, industry professionals— we offer regularly updated book lists organized by unique... Continue Reading →
Co-author needed for middle grade fantasy
Ian Paulsen wrote to let us know the following: I have a small time publisher interested in my manuscript for a middle reader fantasy book called the "Ornithspeakers." But I can't quite get the story right and I feel it's time to get a co-author. Do you know of anyone who might be interested in... Continue Reading →
Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop
Take part in a team-taught seminar for writers of character-driven MG and YA novels at the eighth annual Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop.It'll be held Aug 20-22 at the Pajaro Dunes private beachfront facilities near Santa Cruz, CA. There are spots for 30 savvy and/or published writers, "active observers," and teen readers and writers.Faculty includes... Continue Reading →
The difference between MG and YA
The MiG Writers blog has posted on the difference between MG and YA novels, explaining how length, subject matter, intended audience, and other factors work together to determine where a book belongs: For those unfamiliar with the acronyms, MG = “middle grade” and YA = “young adult.” But what’s the difference? I’ve come across different... Continue Reading →
Thurber House residency search underway
Molly Blaisdell sent this along: Who will be the next recipient of the Thurber House Residency in Children’s Literature?Are you passionate about sharing your love of writing with students? Do you have trouble carving out time in your busy schedule to focus on researching that new book idea or solving that plot issue? Do you... Continue Reading →
Stories from the headlines
The New York Times has a piece on a 6-year-old facing a 45-day suspension from school because he brought a fork/spoon/knife combo from Cub Scouts to school. He wanted to use it to eat his lunch, but the school has a "zero-tolerance" weapons policy (apparently it doesn't apply to lunch ladies who need knives to... Continue Reading →
Word count for novels and children’s books
Chuck Sambuchino has what he calls the definitive post on word counts for children's books and novels. The most important thing here is to realize that there are always exceptions to these rules. And man, people love to point out exceptions - and they always will. However, if there is one thing I remember from... Continue Reading →
This just sort of seems like a scene…
...from a middle-grade novel.
Secrets and Surprises at Southcenter
There's an extravaganza of middle grade excellence coming up soon at Southcenter. Here are the details: 6 p.m., Saturday, September 19, Southcenter Barnes & Noble in TukwilaTalk books, play a game, and maybe win prizes — including one of two audio books from Trudi Trueit’s SECRETS OF A LAB RAT series! Meet and talk with... Continue Reading →
Good advice on length of MG/YA novels
This comes from Kristin Nelson's blog:When I was at RWA, I did a workshop with my client Ally Carter. We were the only workshop at that conference that addressed anything in the Children’s realm. Let me tell you, the session was packed (to my surprise).Anyway, the point of our workshop was this: people who want... Continue Reading →