WRITERS' RUMPUS

HOW TO MIDDLE GRADE

Hi! My name’s James Ponti, and I write Middle Grade book series such as City Spies and The Sherlock Society. I’m excited to share some pointers with you, but only with a major caveat. I know a bunch of writers and we all do it differently. I’m not talking plotting vs. pantsing, but radically different approaches.

SKIPSHOCK by Caroline O’Donoghue: A Master Class in World Building

For writers of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, this genre-blending novel is a master class in how to create details and imagery that pull readers into the plot and keep them riveted from first page to last, and importantly, leave them eager for more.

Interview with Debut Picture Book Author Ronni Diamondstein

October 13, 2023 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

I’m super excited today to be sharing with you not only a fun, interesting, and inspiring new story about an American icon, but also a

Meet the Very Talented #kidlit Creative, Amanda Davis.

October 10, 2023 Carol Gordon Ekster

Carol Gordon Ekster: I met a fellow NESCBWI member, Amanda Davis, on social media and when I read her debut book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring

The Thing To Remember About Stargazing: A Lesson in Learning to Rewrite/Revise/Recycle

October 6, 2023 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Matt Forrest Esenwine This is a story about four books and a poem, and how interconnected the publishing life can be. Folks

American vs British English: A Helpful Guide for Writers and Teachers

October 3, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

This post is inspired by The London Eye Mystery, a middle grade novel popular on both sides of the pond by talented Irish author Siobhan Dowd (who sadly, passed away in 2007). First in an award-winning two-book series, it features relatable, memorable, and unique kid sleuths.

Novel Review: Perchance to Dream by Debut Author Tamara Belko

September 29, 2023 Keri Demers

In Perchance to Dream, debut YA author Tamara Belko seamlessly intertwines dual points of view, one in verse and one in prose, to tell a coming-of-age story about loss and second chances.

OCTOBER Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

September 22, 2023 Lexi Donahue

Welcome to the MG/YA Opportunities post! Find all of the monthly opportunities on the MG/YA support page! All opportunities are available to anyone with an internet connection.