All Things Middle Grade
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Yep. Kristin Nelson, for example, says:
The main point of that particular blog entry is that word count is unimportant -- it's the story that counts. However, she apparently believes anything under 40,000 words is a bit short for MG. I disagree with her about that, but her opinion is worth noting, since she is a well-respected agent.
Smish
Hi all,
A few AWers(Timp) and I have joined some other MG authors on a new blog, Project Mayhem, to talk about publishing, writing, and everything kidlit related. I'm giving away a signed hardcover of my book, WILDFIRE RUN, so check it out if you are interested. Today's post is about some of the things I've learned trying to get published. Here'e the link
A few AWers(Timp) and I have joined some other MG authors on a new blog, Project Mayhem, to talk about publishing, writing, and everything kidlit related. I'm giving away a signed hardcover of my book, WILDFIRE RUN, so check it out if you are interested. Today's post is about some of the things I've learned trying to get published. Here'e the link
I just found this thread a few days ago and finally read all 20 pages. A big thanks to timp67 for starting it and to all who have contributed to it. Once again, I've been inspired to resume work on my middle grade novel, Play Ball, which I first began writing 7 years ago.
I use the excuse of running my small landscape design-build business to avoid writing, especially when my muse abandons me or I get yet another rejection. The closest I got to landing an agent was when one told me she loved the first half, then around 92k words, but the second half, which involves the MC moving in with his aunt in another state, the story was not nearly as strong. The agent requested a rewrite, then another before finally passing.
For those who have recently found agents or have been published, CONGRATULATIONS!
For those enduring the brutal road to publication, I'd like to refer you to a quote Amarie provides in her article in the linked blog: "Never give up! Never surrender!" For those who haven't, it says a lot about your character. And to you, I say, CONGRATULATIONS!
I use the excuse of running my small landscape design-build business to avoid writing, especially when my muse abandons me or I get yet another rejection. The closest I got to landing an agent was when one told me she loved the first half, then around 92k words, but the second half, which involves the MC moving in with his aunt in another state, the story was not nearly as strong. The agent requested a rewrite, then another before finally passing.
For those who have recently found agents or have been published, CONGRATULATIONS!
For those enduring the brutal road to publication, I'd like to refer you to a quote Amarie provides in her article in the linked blog: "Never give up! Never surrender!" For those who haven't, it says a lot about your character. And to you, I say, CONGRATULATIONS!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing the link.
I just found this thread a few days ago and finally read all 20 pages. A big thanks to timp67 for starting it and to all who have contributed to it. Once again, I've been inspired to resume work on my middle grade novel, Play Ball, which I first began writing 7 years ago.
I use the excuse of running my small landscape design-build business to avoid writing, especially when my muse abandons me or I get yet another rejection. The closest I got to landing an agent was when one told me she loved the first half, then around 92k words, but the second half, which involves the MC moving in with his aunt in another state, the story was not nearly as strong. The agent requested a rewrite, then another before finally passing.
For those who have recently found agents or have been published, CONGRATULATIONS!
For those enduring the brutal road to publication, I'd like to refer you to a quote Amarie provides in her article in the linked blog: "Never give up! Never surrender!" For those who haven't, it says a lot about your character. And to you, I say, CONGRATULATIONS!
Glad you're working on an MG novel, and hope you continue to hang out in our playground.
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Yep. Kristin Nelson, for example, says:
The main point of that particular blog entry is that word count is unimportant -- it's the story that counts. However, she apparently believes anything under 40,000 words is a bit short for MG. I disagree with her about that, but her opinion is worth noting, since she is a well-respected agent.
Interesting that she feels under 40K is short. I think the issue is, MG is actually such a huge reading range. Many MGs are quite advanced both in topic and reading level, while others are closer to expanded chapter books in some ways, yet with stronger more complex storylines. Me, I would hesitate to push the MG I'm writing to 40K because its definitely for the younger side.
One thing I found interesting too...this summer I won 9 MG ARCs, and I noticed a few of them have protags that are 14. This leads me to believe there's some leeway in the protag age if the style of writing and the type of storyline is cleary MG territory.
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A friend of mine, a successful MG author, mentioned she thought one of the big differences between MG and YA (besides the age of the mc) was that in YA, the focus tends to be on the internal life of the MC, as in coming of age stories, or how events (whether parents divorcing or aliens invading) affect the protag.
Whereas in MG, it's more about the story, the adventure. Sure, the effect on the protag is part of it, but it's the tale itself that holds the primary spot.
An interesting thought, because I've said almost the same thing about adult literary vs genre fiction.
I've heard it said that MG is about characters finding their place in the family, and YA is about them finding their place in the world.
I think the time perspective is another key difference. MG kids are focused in the moment: Right now and what's going to happen next. Adults are focused behind: How did we end up in this place? Teens are focused on the future: What is my life going to become when I finally get out on my own?
This is insightful!
I've been noticing that the adventure MG I've been reading really is all about the ripping yarn. Which makes it funner than ome of the more ponderous self-reflective fantasy adventures for adults I've read. It's much more to the point.
I've been noticing that the adventure MG I've been reading really is all about the ripping yarn. Which makes it funner than ome of the more ponderous self-reflective fantasy adventures for adults I've read. It's much more to the point.
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Yes. I think you're both essentially saying the same thing, though I'd word Timp's example to say "finding their place among family and friends", since school is such an important part of the middle-grade experience.
At that age, kids focus on what's immediate, as Judy says... which is how they fit in with their friends and family, as Timp says. You're both so brilliant.
ETA: Good luck with the agent hunt, Matt. Keep us posted!
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Was that an R and R, Smish?
Hmmmm. I don't think you're talking about rest and relaxation...
Just saw this and looked up your book. CONGRATULATIONS!LIVVIE OWEN LIVED HERE is out in the world! It's release day!
I'm going to celebrate by staying in bed all day and doing absolutely nothing.
This gives me a bit more confidence for my first queries I am sending next week!
WOW Sary that an interesting page spread!
WOW Sary that an interesting page spread!
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Thanks!!
Good!
I know, isn't it gorgeous? The art people at Feiwel are just unbelievable. I'm in awe of the job they did on this book.
My book launch party is today! I'm very excited!
YIPPY!! its nice to be proud of your book artwork. Thats the only thing that worries me! did you have any say in the artwork? I wish the writers at least were given a few options.
Sary who is your agent ?
Sary who is your agent ?
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