Journey to KidLit

For MG/YA Authors

The Best Writing Takeaways from Game of Thrones

The series finale of Game of Thrones was this past weekend, and if you have been anywhere than under a rock, you have heard about the series. Because people LOVE to analyze and share their thoughts on the story. Which is why there are a lot of writing takeaways from Game of Thrones we can use as writers.

Even if you aren’t interested in becoming an international, best-selling author like George R.R. Martin, or don’t care about the fantasy genre, you can learn some serious writing tips that will improve your story immensely. And help you resonate better with your readers. Check them out!

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How to Write a Novel in Verse that Readers Love

I have always been hesitant to write poetry. Once in college I tried, but my professor told me it “wasn’t working”. So the idea of writing an entire novel in verse seems daunting to me.

But that’s exactly what author, Elizabeth Acevedo, did in her top-selling YA novel The Poet X. Watch the video to learn more about using poetry in your next book!

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4 Easy Steps to Write More with Less Time

So many times our lives can get crazy! We spend most of our weeks running around just trying to stay caught up with the laundry and putting food on the table, that our writing time always gets shoved to the back burner. If only there was a way to write more with less time. Then we might get some writing done.

Good news! There is. 😄 I’ve been using these four steps for almost a full calendar year and it’s AMAZING how much more writing I’ve been able to squeeze in.

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The Most Important Takeaways from Hey Kiddo

Hey Kiddo was one of the top graphic novels of 2018 and it covered some heavy topics. From addiction to having an alternative family to coming of age. Jarrett Krosoczka covered it all.

Some people find it easier to write about happy things. But it’s also important to provide books about the hard stuff that kids can relate to. Watch the video to learn more below.

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Top Advice: Don’t Tell Anyone Your Big Story Idea!

I recently received some life-changing advice over my writing. A few published authors told me that I shouldn’t share my big story idea with ANYONE. At first, I was defiant but then I realized that they had a point.

Watch the video to learn more about why you should keep your story lips zipped!

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Learn How to Control Your Pacing Like in Small Spaces

If you like the thriller genre, you’re going to love our Middle Grade read this week! Small Spaces by Katherine Arden was listed as one of the best new MG novels in 2018 and it’s a perfectly creepy read. Watch the video to learn how to control your pacing and more!

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Need a New Children’s Book Idea? Here’s How to Find it

Do you ever wonder how people come up with endless ideas? While you sit there and NOTHING comes to mind. How can you find a new children’s book idea that doesn’t already exist?

I’ve got you. Here are my little tricks I’ve learned to master the game of brainstorming so I never go without having a list of ideas to pull from.

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5 Reasons to Write the Book You Want, Not What’s Popular

Girl power. LGBTQ. Middle grade. These may sound familiar to you because they’re trending book ideas that have been buzzing around agents and editors A TON lately. However, you shouldn’t focus on the trends. You should write the book you want.

This can be very tempting to skip over and push off, but I’m serious. Chasing trends will not help you get your book published any faster. Unless of course you are a self-publishing author who is ready to publish that book right now!

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7 Writing Mistakes that will Lose Your Teen Audience

Wouldn’t it be cool to sit down with your readers and ask them what they look for when they’re reading? Then you could avoid any writing mistakes that you might be making.

Most of the time, that’s not possible. However, this week, I got to sit down with a class of seventh grade students for a writing critique. It was fascinating to learn what they pick up in writing and the things they value.

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