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.

AUGUST Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

July 29, 2022 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

SELF-PUBLISHING: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

July 22, 2022 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Audrey Beth Stein There’s been an explosion of self-published books in recent years. Including self-published picture books. Technology has evolved to make

Something Spooky Comes Our Way: Nancy Tandon Talks About Her New MG Novel, THE GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT

July 19, 2022 Laura Fineberg Cooper

It’s my pleasure to welcome author Nancy Tandon back to Writers’ Rumpus to discuss her second middle grade novel, GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT. If you missed our interview on Nancy’s poignant debut novel, THE WAY I SAY IT, click here. By the title alone, we can tell something spooky comes our way in Nancy’s newest book, published by Aladdin and available on 8/2/22.

Brand New Water-Splashed Picture Books!

July 15, 2022 Marcia Strykowski

I’m excited to review several new picture books generously provided and published by Candlewick Press. These beauties all share a summertime theme and take place

THE ASSIGNMENT by Liza Wiemer: Would YOU speak up for what is right?

July 12, 2022 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Imagine this scenario: Your favorite high school History teacher passes out an assignment requiring you and your fellow classmates to debate the Final Solution as members of Hitler’s Nazi Elite. You must provide five well-researched points to defend a PRO or CON position on how best to destroy all Jews. The PRO position is extermination and the CON position is sterilization, ghettos, and work camps.