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.

Two Reviews and the Role of a Designer

July 7, 2023 Joyce Audy Zarins

Birds Everywhere, written by Camilla de la Bedoyere and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup, is a marvelous overview of what it means to be a bird. Filled with fascinating information about the similarities and differences between some of the 10,000 species of birds worldwide, this introduction will make appreciators of young readers.

Celebrate Freedom, Patriotism, and Diversity with a Wonderful Collection of Children’s Books

July 4, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

In honor of July 4th, I’ve collected a bevy of interesting, informative, and entertaining books to share with the children in your life. Kick back and enjoy!

How Difficult Can A Comp Be?

June 30, 2023 Marti Johnson

VERY! That’s my conclusion. I have been reading and writing in both YA and MG for nearly twenty years (where has the time gone). My querying nightmare continues to be comps!

Interview with PHAEA CREDE – #Kidlit Writer Extraordinaire

June 23, 2023 Carol Gordon Ekster

Carol Gordon Ekster: Phaea, more than two years ago Writers’ Rumpus interviewed you about being a debut author when JET THE CAT first came out. Now that you are an established author, what has changed for you?

When to Use THAT (Which and Who, too!)

June 20, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

When I ask writers which word confuses them the most, the most common answer is THAT! There are some complicated grammar rules, but rest assured, I waded through them and strove to make my explanations as clear and understandable as possible. I promise we’ll ease into this slowly, starting in the shallow end and moving progressively deeper.

Hook Your Readers from Page One with Three Ingredients

June 16, 2023 Rebecca Moody

Whether it’s an agent, editor, or reader, the first page is your first, and sometimes your only, chance to make an impression and convince them to continue with your story.