“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/

Writing Children's Books with Child Appeal

One popular request by editors is the need for books with child appeal. So what can we do to add child appeal to a manuscript? 

Remember, the first person to whom the book must appeal is an adult—the editor. If an editor doesn’t like a manuscript, it doesn’t become a book with a traditional publisher. A parent, teacher, librarian, gift shop manager etc. must also find it interesting and worthy. 

Universal emotions, such as anger, taps into feelings everyone understands and deals with.

Consider the age of the audience. What are the interests of a two-year-old? This age group knows about family, pets, food… When choosing a topic, think about the child’s world and experiences they embrace. A simple walk down a lane is a learning experience for a toddler. They enjoy watching bugs, picking a flower, and blowing a dandelion. Colors and the many hue variations found in nature fascinate them. Shapes and sounds are part of their world. Stay within the child’s experiences and interest. 

Always reflect events that are age appropriate for the intended audience. The theme, subject matter, and events in the story should interest and be appropriate for the reader’s age group. Engaging a particular group of readers directly is the goal. A book that fits “all age groups” is usually too broad in scope for the picture book crowd. Narrowly focus the theme, with one theme carrying the book.

 

In my next blog, I’ll continue with more ideas for writing books with child appeal.

 

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

Magic Dragon, a quarterly publication, presents writing and art created by children in the elementary school grades in a magazine of quality four-color printing and graphic display. We believe that our objectives are special – to encourage the development of creativity in children and to provide a medium to share their creative efforts. 

Submission guidelines at http://www.magicdragonmagazine.com/ 

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

GLASS & GARDENS: SOLARPUNK SUMMERS

Solarpunk is a type of eco-conscious science fiction that imagines an optimistic future founded on renewable energies. It might take place in a wind-powered skyscraper or on a solar-powered robotic farm, in a bustling green-roofed metropolis or in a small but tech-saavy desert village. Often coupled with an art nouveau aesthetic, and always inclusive and diverse, solarpunk stories show the ways we have adapted to climate change, or the ways we have overcome it.

Submission guidelines at http://www.worldweaverpress.com/submit-anthologies.html

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com