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.

Cybils Award Middle Grade Fiction Finalists

February 14, 2023 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

Those who know me even a little, know that I am positively NUTTY about good middle grade fiction. Nuttier than a squirrel stuffing her little cheeks full of acorns.

Meet the amazingly talented author/illustrator, Katie Mazeika!

February 10, 2023 Carol Gordon Ekster

Carol Gordon Ekster: Katie Mazeika is in my picture book marketing group, PBrockiteers22. When I read Annette Feels Free: The True Story of Annette Kellerman,

Examining the Personality Traits of Memorable Characters

February 3, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Charlotte, Wilbur, and Fern. Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, and Christopher Robin. If you read and/or write kidlit, I’m sure you know these well-loved characters and the phenomenally popular books they inhabit. So how do we create characters as memorable as these?

FEBRUARY Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

January 27, 2023 Lexi Donahue

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

HOW AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS INSPIRE EACH OTHER WITHOUT EVER TALKING!

January 27, 2023 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Rebecca Gardyn Levington When I first started writing picture books, I was FLABBERGASTED to learn that authors don’t choose the illustrators of

Kidlit Interview with Sarah Darer Littman

January 24, 2023 DrZatHome

DANNA ZEIGER: With antisemitism continuing to rise nationally and globally, Sarah Darer Littman’s book SOME KIND OF HATE couldn’t be better-timed. Not only have recent inciting incidents sparked serious concern and heightened security in places of worship and schools, but they have cultivated genuine – and familiar – fear for Jewish people around the world.