Fiction

MG Authors Share Their Secret Holiday Wishes

By on December 24, 2018   /   Articles, Author Interviews, Fiction, MUF Contributor Books  

In celebration of the holiday season, and in eager anticipation of 2019, we asked a merry band of MG authors to share their holiday wishes, big and small. Here’s what they had to say:

Beth McMullen, author of the MRS. SMITH’S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS series.

“I wish for the world full stomachs, sturdy roofs, good books, good friends, joy, laughter and possibly some chocolate. For my author friends, I wish for words that flow like a river, a fully charged laptop, a great answer to the question ‘what happens next?’ and a sense of humor for when it all goes sideways. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a spectacular 2019!

 

Jonathan Rosen, author of NIGHT OF THE LIVING CUDDLE BUNNIES and FROM SUNSET TILL SUNRISE.
“For everyone who has persevered and worked hard toward a goal to accomplish it this year.”
Wendy McLeod MacKnight, author of  IT’S A MYSTERY, PIG FACE! and THE FRAME-UP.
“That every child finds the book that lifts them up, inspires them, and brings them peace.”
Hayley Chewins, author of THE TURNAWAY GIRLS.
“For every young girl in the world to find her true voice–and to have the courage to use it.”
Kim Ventrella, author of SKELETON TREE and BONE HOLLOW.
“That ghost stories return as a popular winter pastime. After all, there’s no better time to get spooky than the deep, dark of winter.”
Darcey Rosenblatt, author of LOST BOYS.
“That everyone finds time next to a fireplace with a good book. “
Kristin L. Gray, author of VILLONIA TAKES CHARGE and the upcoming picture book,
KOALA IS NOT A BEAR.
“I’d love a magical snow day where the world pauses, and everyone in it sips hot cocoa with marshmallows, reads their pile of wondrous books, and watches  movies by the fire with loved ones.
Amanda Hosch, author of MABEL OPAL PEAR AND THE RULES FOR SPYING.
“To give everyone that lovely moment when they feel safe and cared for. And then have that moment last! (Of course, if they’re characters in a book—it won’t.)”
Susan Tan, author of CILLA LEE-JENKINS: FUTURE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE and CILLA LEE-JENKINS: THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC and CILLA LEE-JENKINS: THE EPIC STORY.
“Peace on earth, a good book for all.”
Melissa Sarno, author of JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS and the upcoming A SWIRL OF OCEAN.
“For all women to have confidence in their voices, and for their words to be lifted and heard.”

Jarret Lerner, author of ENGINERDS and REVENGE OF THE ENGINERDS.

“That everyone have a nice, long, uninterrupted chunk of time to a read a book that they’ve been wanting to read all year long.”

 

Jake Burt, author of  GREETINGS FROM WITNESS PROTECTION and THE RIGHT HOOK OF DEVIN VELMA.
“For every kid to find a book that, while reading, they can experience with as much joy, wonder, and excitement as I did when I first discovered the magic of stories (thank you, James and the Giant Peach!).”
Sally J. Pla, author of THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and STANLEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, and picture book BENJI, THE BAD DAY, AND ME.
“That this impossible world gets way better at cherishing life in all its forms, but especially the lives of children. And that our own special kidlit community continues its excellent work caring about both kids and each other.”
Alyson Gerber, author of BRACED and FOCUSED.
“That every kid can find at least one book that makes them feel heard and understood and accepted.”
Rob Vlock, author of SVEN CARTER & THE TRASHMOUTH EFFECT and SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY.
“I actually have two wishes. First, I wish everyone on earth could learn to love each other and live in peace and harmony forever. Second, I wish for a large cheese pizza. Actually, I’m starving. Let’s go with the pizza first and that whole love, peace and harmony thing second. Have a wonderful New Year everyone!”

Bridget Hodder, author of THE RAT PRINCE.

“This year, I wish you all the courageous persistence represented by the light of the Hanukkah candles, which kept burning even when common sense said there was no hope left. And I wish you the loving unity represented by the angels of Christmas, who proclaimed at Jesus’s birth: ‘Joy to the World’– the entire world, without boundary or limit. Happy Holidays, everyone!”

Katie Slivensky, author of THE COUNTDOWN CONSPIRACY and THE SEISMIC SEVEN.
“My greatest wish for the new year is for everyone to have something to look forward to in 2019. Never underestimate the power of an ambition, dream, or hope!”
Allison K. Hymas, author of UNDER LOCKER AND KEY and ARTS AND THEFTS.
“My greatest wish for the holidays is that I’ll be able to spend some good, quality time with my family and that no one will ‘retrieve’ something (i.e., my Christmas candy) that does not belong to them.”
Natalie Rompella, author of COOKIE CUTTERS & SLED RUNNERS and the picture book,
THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS.
“I am very excited about a book I have out on submission. I would love for this book to come into the world!”

And finally, my wish…? For anyone facing rejection to say, “Today, I will NOT give up.”

Melissa Roske, author of KAT GREENE COMES CLEAN.

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Do’s and (one) Don’t for Emotionally Deeper MG Writing

By on December 21, 2018   /   Articles, Book Lists, Fiction, For Writers  

How do master storytellers develop empathy, resilience, and emotional maturity in their middle grade readers? Sometimes it’s by being tough. These authors aren’t afraid to go emotionally deep in their writing.  They tell stories outside what’s considered age-appropriate, write against type, or make readers laugh in the darkest of times. The five Do’s and one Don’t below represent the wisdom of writers who have touched the hearts of young readers. Each is paired with a book that is a both a great story and a master class in how to go deeper into your writing. Dare to be profound!

  1. Don’t Limit Subject Matter Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

A thirteen-year-old boy becomes a father, showing us that subject matter, if handled with honesty and sensitivity, shouldn’t have borders. This gorgeously written story of love and loss leaves readers wiser and more compassionate.

 

  1. Do Break Hearts! Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo            

Part angel, part grifter-in-training, twelve-year-old Louisiana is forced by her inscrutable ‘granny’ to move away from the town she’s come to love and the only friends she’s ever had. They quickly run out of gas, food, and shelter. Readers share Louisiana’s heartbreak, but they also share her resilience, goodness, and ability to love and forgive.  We could all learn something from Louisiana.

 

 

  1. Do Let Humor Lighten Up the Dark One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia                           

Three girls, ages eleven, nine, and seven, who’ve never been out of Brooklyn, fly to Oakland, California to meet the mother who abandoned them. It’s 1968 and instead of seeing Disneyland, they end up in a day camp run by the Blank Panthers. The novel is moving, eye-opening—and funny. Williams’s masterful use of humor makes the sadness bearable while showing readers the girls’ growing awareness of injustice.

 

  1. Do Create an Unexpected Hero The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor

Mason Buttle is an oversized boy who has difficulty reading or writing. In other words, he’s a perfect target for bullying. Yet he’s the kind of guy who’d make a perfect friend, if only kids could look past his disabilities and see his kind heart and brave spirit. As author Leslie Connor says, “I aim to present academic underdogs as multifaceted humans,” and in this book, she lights the way for us all.

 

       5.   Do Dare to Face the Worst! Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson; See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles; Mrs. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson; The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin; The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly; Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Sometimes the ones we love die.  These books handle death with love, sensitivity, and great respect for young readers. Enough said.

If you’d like to add a Do or Don’t to this list, I’d love to read it! Please write it in the comment section below, along with the title and author of a book that illustrates how it’s done.

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Interview With Middle-Grade Editors of Angelella Editorial

By on December 16, 2018   /   Articles, Book Lists, Fiction, For Writers, Nonfiction  

For today’s post, we asked the editors of Angelella Editorial five burning questions about middle-grade books.

Angelella Editorial  is a community of highly skilled editors, specializing in but not limited to children’s literature. We focus on the craft, career, and community of writing and look forward to helping you craft your storytelling magic. Here’s what they have to say.

  1.   What are your top three favorite middle grade fiction/nonfiction books from 2018?

Marissa Graff: Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed, Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani, The Science of Unbreakable Things by Tae Keller

Diane Telgen: Regrettably, I haven’t read as much MG as I would have liked this year, but I really enjoyed the skillful weaving of stories in The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson, the clear-eyed look at various social issues in Breakout by Kate Messner, and the off-the-wall humor of The Mortification of Fovea Munson by Mary Winn Heider.

Denise Santomauro: The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson, The Mortification of Fovea Munson by Mary Winn Heider, Louisana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

Jenn Bailey: Charlie and Frog by Karen Kane; The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson; The Collectors by Jacqueline West

Jay Whistler: Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson, Journey of the Pale Bear by Susan Fletcher, Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Kate Angelella: Having just had a baby and amidst growing this business, I have not had much time for free reading this year. But a few of my all-time favorites: Dani Noir (aka Fade Out) by Nova Ren Suma, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass, and Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead.

 

  1.   What is your favorite thing about editing middle-grade novels?

Marissa Graff: Middle-grade novels are misunderstood as being simple to write, especially when compared to YA. Rather, I think the author has a much more difficult task in conveying heart and age-appropriateness, all while respecting the audience’s savvy and perceptiveness.

Diane Telgen: MG allows for more kinds of complexity, both in content and structure, than most people give it credit for. One thing I particularly enjoy is that the tone of MG often tends to be more open and less cynical than works for older readers, and that makes for a refreshing read.

Denise Santomauro: Young people in this age range are old enough to engage in a deep way with challenging topics, but still have a sense of wonder about the world, which is what makes working on stories for them interesting and fun. Characters in MG dive deep into complex social and emotional situations while going on adventures and finding magic and whimsy in the everyday. It’s exciting to help authors balance all of these elements.

Jenn Bailey: When kids start reading MG they are entering a time in their life when they are less self-absorbed and far more curious. They are looking at the world, seeing what it has to offer, and finding their place in it. I love how open they are to experiences that dwell beyond what they know, even when it comes to what kinds of stories they will read. This makes editing middle grade stories delicious. Nothing is really off the table (as long as it stays PG) and it is a time where authors can weave in Big Ideas and take risks in style, approach, and content. It is a chance to awaken wonder in readers and reawaken wonder in ourselves as we write, and edit, for these kids.

Jay Whistler: I love that middle-grade kids are still at the age at which they haven’t figured out how to manipulate people and lie the way older teens and adults have, so the books are more honest and raw. There is a vulnerability in the main characters that you don’t see in YA because the MC still hasn’t figured out how to put up those walls yet. I like being able to help authors navigate that.

Kate Angelella: There is a rawness about this age that has always appealed me. Young people in this age group are experiencing life in all its fullness–joy, sorrow, grief, excitement, and heartache included. Honesty and emotional truth are paramount when creating an authentic voice for this age range. A good MG book will allow the adult reader to travel back in time to that time in their lives in a way that leaves them feeling almost breathless, and will allow the MG reader to feel as though they’re not alone.

 

  1.   If you could have lunch with a middle-grade author, who would it be and why?

Marissa Graff: Lauren Wolk, hands down. I read Wolf Hollow and Beyond the Bright Sea back-to-back and scrambled to see what else she had written or what was coming out next. Her characters have such believability and life to them, as do her settings. The worlds she creates are these perfectly sculpted packages she delivers to her readers in a way that makes you swear she was watching the stories as they happened. I also love that she delivers messy endings. The characters get what they need, but not necessarily what they want at the novels’ outset.

Diane Telgen: Can I have another lunch with Philip Pullman? While studying in England, I actually attended a group lunch with the author of my favorite MG series (His Dark Materials). I could have stayed past dinner time listening to him talk about the power of poetry and how he builds worlds.

Denise Santomauro: I would love to spend a few hours with Kate DiCamillo. I love pretty much everything she writes. She infuses so much heart and courage in her stories and isn’t afraid of delving into challenging topics, which leads me to believe that we would have an amazing conversation and become best friends.

Jenn Bailey: I would love to cruise the Costco aisles, eating free samples with John David Anderson. I discovered him a few years ago and have since devoured everything he has written. He pairs funny, trope-busting, quirkiness with great heart and honesty. And he’s comfortable in multiple genres — fantasy, contemporary, scifi. I will never forgive him for writing The Dungeoneers before I could (as if I could) but I will always love him for Ms. Bixby’s Last Day. Speaking of last days, if I could have lunch with somebody who is dead I’d pick Terry Pratchett. Always Terry Pratchett. I’d eat out of a dumpster for Terry Pratchett. But I’d bring John along with me.

Jay Whistler: There are almost too many to name. I love Julie Berry’s ability to switch genre and age level and voice, to sound as if she is writing as a plucky preteen in Victorian England in one book and then a persecuted religious heretic during the Inquisition in the next. Then there’s Katherine Paterson, who has managed to navigate a changing landscape of children’s literature over her nearly fifty years of writing. How does one stay relevant to that age group, when one’s original audience could almost be grandparents now? Or Lois Lowry, or Diana Wynne-Jones, or Terry Pratchett. I could go on. Just too many.

Kate Angelella: Neil Gaiman, without a doubt. I would love to explore the wonderful weirdness that is his brain. That said, I am always a little afraid to meet the people whose worlds I’ve inhabited for so long, and in such a personal way! I’m always afraid that knowing who they are personally will shade the way I read their books.

 

  1.   How do you get a sense of the voice and character in a middle-grade novel?

Marissa Graff: When a voice can translate from words on a page to sounds in my ear, I know a writer has nailed the voice for their narrator or characters.

Diane Telgen: I love that MG often allows for a distinct narrative voice, in addition to the voice of the characters, and thrill to a confident narrator who can draw the reader deeply into a new world. As for character, it’s their emotions and actions, as well as their dialogue, that show me who they really are.  

Denise Santomauro: Unique voice is most apparent for me when it’s clear the author has fully fleshed out the character. A character who has a past, desires, dislikes, hopes, opinions, emotional responses, etc. will guide the voice and the way a character moves through the story.

Jenn Bailey: When I know exactly what that character will say (I don’t mean verbatim) and how they will say it before I read it. Voice and character — a great pairing — because I feel they support, enhance, and inform each other.

Jay Whistler: I read this question differently than my colleagues did, and I saw it as wondering how we, as writers, find that sense of voice for writing middle grade. So I answered it that way. This probably seems obvious, but volunteering in a classroom or library is a great way to be around that age group and see what is important to them, how they talk, how they behave, how they interact with one another and with the adults around them.

Kate Angelella: This may sound a bit strange…but when I can imagine myself in the character’s shoes, when the character is so real to me that I can move through their story as them, I feel as though that’s the moment a writer has conveyed voice and character successfully.

 

  1.   What advice would you give someone who is looking to hire an editor?

Marissa Graff: Request a sample edit, a few pages where the editor gets to know your writing and you get a sense of the value of their feedback. It’s an investment and you want to make sure it’s worthwhile. I think most writers are surprised at how valuable the feedback of a good editor really is. I also think a good editor shows you how to employ techniques going forward so that you learn deeply for all writing going forward.

Diane Telgen: I agree with Marissa that a sample edit can be useful in deciding whether you’ve found the right editor. I’d add that working with an editor requires an open mind-set. If you see a critique as just someone telling you what’s wrong, it can feel crushing when you see comments and corrections littering your pages. But if you approach a critique as a chance to learn and grow, to try new things, it can be amazing. Remember, we provide feedback because we have confidence you can make your writing better.

Denise Santomauro: I’d echo everything Marissa and Diane said, and add that I think it’s important to examine where you are in the writing process and read the editorial options carefully to determine the most useful type of edit for the manuscript in its current form. I’d also recommend taking a break from the manuscript after you send it off to an editor. Taking time away provides the necessary distance needed to be able to have a fresh perspective on the work when you get your editorial letter.

Jenn Bailey: Difficult to think of anything to add to the wonderful advice of my colleagues. I think Denise really hits on something by encouraging writers to know where they are in their process, and know what they will need from an editor, before jumping in. I realize that may sound counterproductive to getting folks to hire us, but it isn’t. We really want you writers to succeed. We want you to launch on your publishing adventure, but you have to be ready. So write your first draft, give it some revision, share it with your critique group, and when you are ready for that one-on-one deep dive into your story, that push that will make your story the best it can be, look us up.

Jay Whistler: My colleagues have covered a lot of the same points I would make. But I think it doesn’t hurt to reiterate that you must be open to having someone go through your story with a fine-toothed comb. While it might seem as invasive as having someone rifle through your underwear drawer, remember that editors are truly looking to help you make your story as strong as it can be. Professional editors have a reputation to uphold and want to help you on your journey to learn and improve your craft.

Kate Angelella: Yes, to all of the above! Be sure you get a sample edit, be sure you get a contract, and be sure you feel connected to the editor in some way. The reason we offer clients a glimpse of our editors’ favorite movies and TV shows on our website is to offer potential clients a way to connect with our editors outside of their own work. One of the very first things Kyle and I connected over, way back when he was a client of mine, was our love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the TV show Pushing Daisies.

Writers, did you know that Angelella Editorial is offering a 10% discount on all editorial services this holiday season? For more information about the editors of Angelella Editorial and the work they do, click here and here.

 

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