This article is
the third in the series: Writing a
Chapter Book
Try the following
tips:
1.
The simple, clear
plots are fast paced. Smart, clever kids who outwit dragons or villains work
with these readers. Events can be filled with drama but should not be
nightmarish, nothing too scary. The story is told through the viewpoint of one
character or is a narrative about the adventure of one character, sometimes two. This age
group loves action-packed adventure and solving mysteries.
I’m in the process
of writing an adventure story that has a puzzle the reader tries to solve. The
puzzle involves distance so the puzzle keeps changing as the characters travel,
but when the characters discover the solution to one puzzle near the end of the
story, the readers can figure out the others. Some readers will figure out the
solution before the characters do. That’s part of the fun of reading this type
of book.
2.
As I begin forming the
plot, I ask What if. What if a boy had a speech problem that embarrassed him
but others thought was funny? What if a girl found a hoodie that could make her
fly? What if a boy understood the language of bark
and knew exactly what his dog was saying with each yip. The What if question stimulates
the creative juices and provides the writer a variety of plot possibilities and character development opportunities. “What if questions work with any subject and almost any genre of
literature.
What if…
You were unable to smile for a year
A space alien wanted to be a
friend
You had a supernatural power
for three days only
What if you tried this
question when writing a chapter book and What if your work garnered a
contract? Food for thought.
Call for
submissions for young writers:
PATRIOT'S PEN CONTEST. The Patriot's Pen program is open to
students in grades 6-8 (on the Nov. 1 deadline), who are enrolled
in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program
in the United States and its territories. 2013-2014 theme, "What
Patriotism Means to Me." Limit 300 to 400 words. Top prize $5,000.
students in grades 6-8 (on the Nov. 1 deadline), who are enrolled
in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program
in the United States and its territories. 2013-2014 theme, "What
Patriotism Means to Me." Limit 300 to 400 words. Top prize $5,000.
Submission guidelines at http://www.vfw.org/Community/Patriot-s-Pen/
Deadline: Deadline November 1, 2013
At U.S. Kids Magazines (Turtle, Humpty Dumpty, and Jack and Jill),
providing fun, entertaining reading material is our priority. We
accept humorous, playful, and witty stories that kids would love
to read—not stories that grownups think kids should read. As part
of the Children’s Better Health Institute, we are always in need
of high-quality stories, articles, and activities with a broad
health and fitness focus. Averages 25 to 30 cents/word.
Submission guidelines at http://www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines/providing fun, entertaining reading material is our priority. We
accept humorous, playful, and witty stories that kids would love
to read—not stories that grownups think kids should read. As part
of the Children’s Better Health Institute, we are always in need
of high-quality stories, articles, and activities with a broad
health and fitness focus. Averages 25 to 30 cents/word.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
I really like your "what if...." tag line ideas! The concept of asking a question of your "creative mind" is such a great start off of a story, or an illo. Thanks for reminding me of that technique!
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you, Alison. Are you going to be at the Kentucky Book Fair in November? I'd love to see you.
ReplyDelete