“When adults look at kids or imagine their lives, they often see them through the lens of all the restrictions placed on them. Cleary, however, understands that kids still very much have agency and can and do assert themselves despite the limitations. From the very start of the novel, where Ramona is deciding who she is going to let take her to kindergarten, to the very end, where Ramona is deciding whether she will continue to attend kindergarten entirely, Cleary lets Ramona be the one to decide her own destiny as much as possible.”
Why It Works: Ramona the Pest :: Nathan Bransford
“Coming to terms with uncertainty is a running theme throughout The Rock from the Sky. Rocks are falling. More rocks may fall. They could hit us. Life may change dramatically at any moment. ‘I was interested in finding ways of talking about potential problems that you are never going to understand—and maybe there’s no reason for them,’ Klassen says. ‘That rock doesn’t have an agenda, we don’t know what set it on its course, we don’t know where it’s from, but now it’s part of your day. I think that’s how kids feel a lot: they have to function in a world where they understand that they don’t understand.’”
How to Teach Kids About Impending Doom: An Interview with Jon Klassen :: The Walrus
Most writers instinctively know this. It’s a bonus if you have a dog! This article reminded me of the wonderful book, Daily Rituals.
On the Link Between Great Thinking and Obsessive Walking :: LitHub
“Published or not, you’ll need comp titles no matter where you are on your writing journey. Well-chosen comp titles will make it easy for agents, editors, publishers, booksellers, and readers to quickly understand the content and tone of your story. In particular, publishing teams rely heavily on comp titles to help with marketing and sales projections. Before your agent or editor asks, have your comps ready.”
Finding Comp Titles :: Good Story Company
“Starting a new chapter is kind of like starting a new mini-novel. Some time has likely elapsed since the end of the previous chapter, and we might also be shifting to a new physical location. We’re starting somewhat fresh, and it’s useful to help the reader get their bearings.”
Don’t start a scene without these four essential elements :: Nathan Bransford
“I think of it this way: not murdering the darlings, but relocating them, so you might re-home them later.”
Relocate Your Darlings :: Austin Kleon
I’m so happy my dear writing partner, Valerie Geary, has re-released her wonderful “This Great Love,” a fabulous short story and one of my favorite things she’s ever written (and that’s saying a lot). Go have a look at its fun new cover!
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