“Write” Start: Curiosity

 My last blog focused on the “write” start by introducing the unexpected as the beginning of the story. Another way is to appeal to the reader’s curiosity. In my book, AMAZING GRACE,” a young girl had two mysteries—a wrapped box and a letter—that intrigued her because she didn’t know what was in either.

When we stir readers’ curiosity, we hold their interest. They want to dig deeper and explore the story to discover the next turn of events. Readers enjoy immersing themselves in the plot as they attempt to figure out the mystery or how the protagonist will escape from the dire situation the writer has created.

As writers, we want to give the reader a compelling force to grasp and hold their attention. Allow them information so they, too, can become part of the team as they try to figure out the solution or solve the problem. End each scene with them wanting more, using such tactics as an unexpected twist to the story, a surprise, or another problem or setback.

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

Guardian Angel Kids.

MONTHLY THEMES AND DEADLINES 2019

March----- SADDLE UP! -----February 3 2019
April----- CHALLENGES-----March 3 2019
May------ LIVING IN A FISHBOWL -----April 3 2019
June----- I AM ME -----May 3 2019
July----- SCENT SENSE -----June 3 2019
August----- CONSERVATION FOR KIDS -----July 3 2019
September----- SUPER HERO -----August 3 2019
October----- TRAINS, TRACKS, AND TRAVELERS -----September 3 2019
November----- GAK SAYS LET'S EXPLORE OREGON TRAILS -----October 3 2019
December----- THE BEAUTY OF THE HOLIDAY -----November 3 2019

Submissions guidelines at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.html

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Cast of Wonders. Stories that evoke a sense of wonder, have deep emotional resonance, and have something unreal about them. We aim for a 12-17 age range: that means sophisticated, non-condescending stories with wide appeal, and without gratuitous or explicit sex, violence or pervasive obscene language. Think Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

Submissions guidelines at http://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. 

Comment or check out the blog at https://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

“Write” Start: The Unexpected

As we enter a brand new year, my goal is beginning with the “write” start. A recent study indicated that announcing our resolutions to the world makes authors less likely to follow through on those good intentions. So, instead of resolutions, I’ll broach the subject of ways to open a story to keep the reader interested, the “write” start. 

Whether writing a picture book or children’s novel, the opening lines should work as an invitation for the reader to keep on reading. It’s the writer’s job to convince the reader to follow along. 

One way to do this is starting with the unexpected. In my book, TROUBLE IN TROUBLESOME CREEK, kids swing across the creek and their landing creates a rock slide that opens an entry into a cave. My goal included an unexpected event to add an element of surprise, make the audience pause for a moment, capture their attention, and intrigue to the point the readers want to know more.

In my next blog, I’ll focus on another type of opening to a story: curiosity.

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

Magic Dragon. Writing – Work should be neatly printed or typed. If you type it, please double-space. Stories and essays can be up to three pages, poetry up to 30 lines. It is ok to send writing that you have also illustrated. You can write about anything that is important to you; it can be serious or funny, true or fiction. If you send originals and want them returned, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Submissions guidelines at http://www.magicdragonmagazine.com/?page_id=6

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide. Anthology. We’re looking for stories that:
· Have a main character that a middle grade reader (ages 8-12) can identify with;
· Show a diverse set of real characters;
· Are well written, fun to read, and encourage a love of reading science fiction;
· Tell of adventure, space, science. Give us rockets, robots and alien encounters, and we’re pretty happy; Steampunk, time travel, weird west and alternate history are all fine;
Are between 3,000 and 6,000 words

Submissions guidelines at https://dreamingrobotpress.com/young-explorers-adventure-guide-submissions/

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. 

Comment or check out the blog at https://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/