All Things Middle Grade

timp67 · 08-24-2009, 08:49 AM

Well, there's so many threads dedicated to YA here on AW that I thought I would start one dedicated to MG ... although everyone's welcome.

Just testing the waters to see if there's any interest in MG bonding!

Smish · 08-24-2009, 08:57 AM

I'm an MG writer.

I have a first draft of an MG completed, but I'm letting it sit a bit before I revise it. In the meantime, I'm writing another book.

Congrats on your good news!

Smish

MissKris · 08-24-2009, 09:48 AM

Congrats on your future book! Keep us updated.

I write MG and YA. My MG projects are MG fantasy and MG magical realism. I'm also toying with/plotting an MG sibling saga in the vein of an updated Little Women. Sort of.

chocowrites · 08-24-2009, 09:52 AM

I wrote a MG fantasy...but it's looking like I'm going to have to shelve it. *sigh*. Starting on a YA project, but I really love writing for MG.

Mumut · 08-24-2009, 09:57 AM

My published books are YA (I've had emails and letters from readers from 9yo to 74yo, so I suppose it's YA smudged a bit). These are historical fantasy. My four MG stories are with a publisher now, hoping to be accepted. They are purely adventure stories. They are set in places I've visited or lived - Papua New Guinea, Isle of Man, south coast of England and Scotland.

timp67 · 08-24-2009, 11:41 AM

Wow, it's great to start a community of MG friendly writers here! I look forward to sharing news and exploring writing issues particular to my favorite genre.

Sary · 08-24-2009, 03:29 PM

Yay for MG! My first MG novel is scheduled for release in 2011. I'm working on the second (and third ... and fourth ... all in different stages ... but only the second is under contract).

RoseColoredSkies · 08-24-2009, 04:30 PM

I'm sort of all over the spectrum but I am shopping around an MG urban fantasy right now. Hopefully the first in a trilogy. I've been pondering the second book, almost started it last night but was a bit on the "holy crap I'm starting law school tomorrow (aka today..in about 2 hours and 20 minutes) so I didn't. But who knows, depending on how fast I get my homework done today, I might actually start it.

The other book I have in the works is definitely adult, even though it has a 9 year old MC in it. I'm sure I'll come up with some more kid friendly stories. I was thinking about the whole maiden-mother-crone myth last night. Thinking I could work with that somehow.

Amarie · 08-24-2009, 04:49 PM

Good to know there are other MG writers here. Anyone going to any upcoming SCBWI regional/state conferences? I've never been to one, but I signed up to go to the Central Ohio conference on October 3rd.

WriterEm · 08-25-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melia

Good to know there are other MG writers here. Anyone going to any upcoming SCBWI regional/state conferences? I've never been to one, but I signed up to go to the Central Ohio conference on October 3rd.

I'm going to one of the SCBWI conferences next month (Nashville). I'm really looking forward to it!!

It'll be my first as well.

Yay me!

Jo · 08-25-2009, 11:20 AM

I've been naughty, so feel free to whip me with a wet noodle. I should be rewriting and editing my MG fantasy, but life has been offering me other creative endeavours to explore. Yanno... Oooh, look. Shiny...

*opens MS file* Well, that's a start...

Hiya, fellow MGers!

Hedgetrimmer · 08-25-2009, 03:45 PM

I've given up on MG. It's a great genre, and I do enjoy reading it, but I just don't think I can cut it as a writer for this group. After writing three novels in as many years, I'm still nowhere nearer to breaking in. Fiction never has been kind to me. I'm currentlly concentrating my efforts on narrative essays, with which I've had measurable success in the past. Still, I wish all you MG writers much luck and success.

MsJudy · 08-27-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedgetrimmer

I've given up on MG. It's a great genre, and I do enjoy reading it, but I just don't think I can cut it as a writer for this group. After writing three novels in as many years, I'm still nowhere nearer to breaking in. Fiction never has been kind to me.

Hedge, I'm sorry to hear that. But this is what I've found to be true: If you're able to quit, then do it. If it's what you really want to do, though, the voices in your head aren't going to let you quit. Then you just have to keep working on it, learning a little more with each book.

FWIW, I'm on at least book number three. If we count the ones that I abandoned in the middle or after the first draft, then we're talking at least 5. No contracts yet, but I know this is what I want to do.

I tried quitting. It made me crazy. I've decided, sure, I'd love to be published, but if I have to make do with not-crazy, then I'm happy.

deblyfe · 09-07-2012, 10:07 PM

Hi. I am a newbie MG author. My work is presenting itself as an early chapter book. I had a lot of crazy adventures when I traveled around the world, which (along with my nieces) inspired me to write this book. Nine year old Rose willingly (and sometimes unwillingly) shares her Aunt’s crazy travel adventures. In this first book of what I hope to be a series, Rose has to a do a presentation in class. She is nervous and has to overcome her public speaking fear.

I look forward to hearing from other MG authors.

Debra

KTC · 08-24-2009, 05:12 PM

Congrats on the upcoming release, Timp! That's great!

I write MG...but the one completed novel I have, I have basically given up on. I plan to continue writing in this market...but Dubious Pickles and the Space Between the Walls has recently been set inside the ever filling TRUNK. (-; I have ideas...I will see where they lead me.

stormie · 08-24-2009, 06:44 PM

I had an MG novel that died after my ex-agent couldn't place it. Now I'm working on a third. #2 is in limbo. And I have an MG short story coming out in October. I write "across the board" but particularly love writing MG.

RoseColoredSkies · 08-24-2009, 09:47 PM

Speaking of SCBWI, I looked into joining the New England Central chapter but their conference is in Rhode Island so I can't go. Bummer.

timp67 · 08-25-2009, 01:03 AM

Yay Sary!

I can hardly wait to read your book. Keep us updated!

scope · 08-25-2009, 01:46 AM

My published works include MG, YA, and adult -- primarily nonfiction. Of all, I get the most satisfaction from MG work, and that, coupled with the fact that even in bad times like this, there always seems to be a need for MG, has led to to concentrate my efforts heavily on MG works.

RoseColoredSkies · 08-25-2009, 01:54 AM

Scope- what sort of non-fic topics do you write about?

scope · 08-25-2009, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoseColoredSkies

Scope- what sort of non-fic topics do you write about?

I think it's fair to say that except for some extremely rare exceptions there really aren't any brand new nonfiction subjects to write about. However, I find there are many subjects for which a really good book is needed, better than anything that's in the marketplace. And then there are some subjects where few books exist for what I see as a very large audience. And of course there are always new twists and approaches to subjects which I see as needed, and would be well received.

For personal reasons I try hard to remain anonymous on any posting site. So, I hope you will understand why I choose not to list the subjects of my published books (1+1 always = 2!) However, the subjects are diverse and include my work as an author, ghostwriter, and project director. In total about 80 published books.

RoseColoredSkies · 08-25-2009, 04:53 AM

Damn...just damn. 80 books. Wow that's...I'm floored. And I get you don't want to share.

timp67 · 08-25-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scope

Of all, I get the most satisfaction from MG work, and that, coupled with the fact that even in bad times like this, there always seems to be a need for MG, has led to to concentrate my efforts heavily on MG works.

I think there's a need for good MG, too. I have heard the age range for MG called "the golden years for reading." It's so important to reach that audience with quality and care!

MissKris · 08-25-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timp67

I think there's a need for good MG, too. I have heard the age range for MG called "the golden years for reading." It's so important to reach that audience with quality and care!

In speaking with my local children's librarian, she mentioned the desperate need for good, collection-style MG. Non-genre, non-series kinds of books, like The Penderwicks. According to her, it's becoming something of an epidemic!

So, yay to all the MG writers trying to keep our youth reading!

Kitty Pryde · 08-25-2009, 01:59 AM

I'm an unpublished writer of MG and YA and adult stuff. I think MG is closest to my heart though. I'm going to start subbing an early MG novel soon, I think. So cool to see all the published and soon-to-be-pubbed MG authors hanging out around here!

08-24-2009, 08:49 AM	#1
timp67 Guinea pig in the laboratory of God Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 787	All Things Middle Grade Well, there's so many threads dedicated to YA here on AW that I thought I would start one dedicated to MG ... although everyone's welcome. Just testing the waters to see if there's any interest in MG bonding! __________________ Blog: Reader. Writer. Boredom fighter! Twitter Robots have a favorite book THE BOY WHO HOWLED from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books Last edited by timp67; 03-03-2011 at 10:36 PM.

08-24-2009, 09:48 AM	#3
MissKris Is the random. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kate brought me. Posts: 1,692	Congrats on your future book! Keep us updated. I write MG and YA. My MG projects are MG fantasy and MG magical realism. I'm also toying with/plotting an MG sibling saga in the vein of an updated Little Women. Sort of. __________________ NOBODY BUT US HarperCollin's Children's Books: January 29, 2013 Yes, yes. A blog. This is my twitter. YA Highway: Come join the patrol

08-24-2009, 09:52 AM	#4
chocowrites I am a cat like anything Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,976	I wrote a MG fantasy...but it's looking like I'm going to have to shelve it. sigh. Starting on a YA project, but I really love writing for MG. __________________ (◡‿◡✿)

08-24-2009, 09:57 AM	#5
Mumut Well begun is half done... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,371	My published books are YA (I've had emails and letters from readers from 9yo to 74yo, so I suppose it's YA smudged a bit). These are historical fantasy. My four MG stories are with a publisher now, hoping to be accepted. They are purely adventure stories. They are set in places I've visited or lived - Papua New Guinea, Isle of Man, south coast of England and Scotland. __________________

08-24-2009, 11:41 AM	#6
timp67 Guinea pig in the laboratory of God Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 787	Wow, it's great to start a community of MG friendly writers here! I look forward to sharing news and exploring writing issues particular to my favorite genre. __________________ Blog: Reader. Writer. Boredom fighter! Twitter Robots have a favorite book THE BOY WHO HOWLED from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

08-24-2009, 03:29 PM	#7
Sary figuring it all out Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 92	Yay for MG! My first MG novel is scheduled for release in 2011. I'm working on the second (and third ... and fourth ... all in different stages ... but only the second is under contract). __________________ http://www.dooleynotedbooks.com

08-24-2009, 04:30 PM	#8
RoseColoredSkies It's a long and winding road Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brighton Posts: 736	I'm sort of all over the spectrum but I am shopping around an MG urban fantasy right now. Hopefully the first in a trilogy. I've been pondering the second book, almost started it last night but was a bit on the "holy crap I'm starting law school tomorrow (aka today..in about 2 hours and 20 minutes) so I didn't. But who knows, depending on how fast I get my homework done today, I might actually start it. The other book I have in the works is definitely adult, even though it has a 9 year old MC in it. I'm sure I'll come up with some more kid friendly stories. I was thinking about the whole maiden-mother-crone myth last night. Thinking I could work with that somehow. __________________ *UNPLANNED* - [Women's Fiction] coming Dec 21, 2012 from MUSA PUBLISHING

08-24-2009, 04:49 PM	#9
Amarie carpe libri Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: never in the here and now Posts: 2,961	Good to know there are other MG writers here. Anyone going to any upcoming SCBWI regional/state conferences? I've never been to one, but I signed up to go to the Central Ohio conference on October 3rd.

08-25-2009, 11:20 AM	#11
Jo Axed Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South of the equator, ahead of time Posts: 1,436	I've been naughty, so feel free to whip me with a wet noodle. I should be rewriting and editing my MG fantasy, but life has been offering me other creative endeavours to explore. Yanno... Oooh, look. Shiny... opens MS file Well, that's a start... Hiya, fellow MGers! __________________ Paintings by Jo

08-25-2009, 03:45 PM	#12
Hedgetrimmer What happened, just there? Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: At the Point of No Return Posts: 1,391	I've given up on MG. It's a great genre, and I do enjoy reading it, but I just don't think I can cut it as a writer for this group. After writing three novels in as many years, I'm still nowhere nearer to breaking in. Fiction never has been kind to me. I'm currentlly concentrating my efforts on narrative essays, with which I've had measurable success in the past. Still, I wish all you MG writers much luck and success.

09-07-2012, 10:07 PM	#14
deblyfe New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 11	MG author of fiction travel adventure Hi. I am a newbie MG author. My work is presenting itself as an early chapter book. I had a lot of crazy adventures when I traveled around the world, which (along with my nieces) inspired me to write this book. Nine year old Rose willingly (and sometimes unwillingly) shares her Aunt’s crazy travel adventures. In this first book of what I hope to be a series, Rose has to a do a presentation in class. She is nervous and has to overcome her public speaking fear. I look forward to hearing from other MG authors. Debra

08-24-2009, 05:12 PM	#15
KTC THE REASONS - Now Available! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 25,239	Congrats on the upcoming release, Timp! That's great! I write MG...but the one completed novel I have, I have basically given up on. I plan to continue writing in this market...but Dubious Pickles and the Space Between the Walls has recently been set inside the ever filling TRUNK. (-; I have ideas...I will see where they lead me. __________________ One-Stop Shopping - My books on Amazon Buy any of my 3 novels between MAY 15-31, 2013 and 100% of my royalties is donated to Male Survivor Weekends of Recovery Scholarship Fund! "I'll have no truck with plots." ~ Sheldon Cooper

08-24-2009, 06:44 PM	#16
stormie storm central Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Still three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Posts: 10,557	I had an MG novel that died after my ex-agent couldn't place it. Now I'm working on a third. #2 is in limbo. And I have an MG short story coming out in October. I write "across the board" but particularly love writing MG. __________________ .... ... .. BlogBlogBlog

08-24-2009, 09:47 PM	#17
RoseColoredSkies It's a long and winding road Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brighton Posts: 736	Speaking of SCBWI, I looked into joining the New England Central chapter but their conference is in Rhode Island so I can't go. Bummer. __________________ *UNPLANNED* - [Women's Fiction] coming Dec 21, 2012 from MUSA PUBLISHING

08-25-2009, 01:03 AM	#18
timp67 Guinea pig in the laboratory of God Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 787	Yay Sary! I can hardly wait to read your book. Keep us updated! __________________ Blog: Reader. Writer. Boredom fighter! Twitter Robots have a favorite book THE BOY WHO HOWLED from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

08-25-2009, 01:46 AM	#19
scope Commonsensical Maverick Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,763	My published works include MG, YA, and adult -- primarily nonfiction. Of all, I get the most satisfaction from MG work, and that, coupled with the fact that even in bad times like this, there always seems to be a need for MG, has led to to concentrate my efforts heavily on MG works.

08-25-2009, 01:54 AM	#20
RoseColoredSkies It's a long and winding road Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brighton Posts: 736	Scope- what sort of non-fic topics do you write about? __________________ *UNPLANNED* - [Women's Fiction] coming Dec 21, 2012 from MUSA PUBLISHING

08-25-2009, 04:53 AM	#22
RoseColoredSkies It's a long and winding road Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brighton Posts: 736	Damn...just damn. 80 books. Wow that's...I'm floored. And I get you don't want to share. __________________ *UNPLANNED* - [Women's Fiction] coming Dec 21, 2012 from MUSA PUBLISHING

08-25-2009, 01:59 AM	#25
Kitty Pryde i luv you giant bear statue AW Moderator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lost Angeles Posts: 8,859	I'm an unpublished writer of MG and YA and adult stuff. I think MG is closest to my heart though. I'm going to start subbing an early MG novel soon, I think. So cool to see all the published and soon-to-be-pubbed MG authors hanging out around here! __________________ My student teaching project is helping my fifth graders put on a bone marrow donor drive and raise money for childhood cancer!

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