Craft Articles

Join us in exploring others’ craft and building our own.

Here you will find explorations of mentor texts – articles that dive into specific craft elements in published books, interviews with authors, and tips on growing and improving as a writer.

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Sam Subity: Keep Writing!
Author Interview, Middle Grade Anne-Marie Strohman Author Interview, Middle Grade Anne-Marie Strohman

Sam Subity: Keep Writing!

The inspiration for Valor Wings came from my daughter's nightstand. One day the two books on top were Anne of Green Gables and Wings of Fire. Just for fun, I started concocting some scenes that merged the two into a story about a great granddaughter of the famous Anne who led a squadron of dragon riders in World War 2. So my working title for Valor Wings for a long time was "Anne of Green Dragons."

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The challenge of depicting positive friendships in middle grade books
Middle Grade Guest Contributor Middle Grade Guest Contributor

The challenge of depicting positive friendships in middle grade books

Three of the top sources of depression and anxiety are loneliness, feelings of isolation and a lack of connection. I also learned that increased screen time combined with separation during the pandemic made it harder for kids to know how to interact with others in person. That cemented my decision to show how friendships can hold together even when interests change.

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How to Write a Big Emotional Scene: Fault Lines by Nora Shalaway Carpenter
Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman

How to Write a Big Emotional Scene: Fault Lines by Nora Shalaway Carpenter

Nora Shalaway Carpenter’s YA novel Fault Lines is a study in contrasts. It’s the story of Viv, a high school senior who lives in rural West Virginia, and Dex, a boy in her grade who moves to town. Viv lives a middle class life; Dex is only recently out of extreme poverty. Viv is anti-fracking; Dex’s mom works on the pipeline. But Viv and Dex are drawn to each other. This dual point of view novel barrels straight toward a huge conflict between these two characters. Carpenter handles the moment of greatest conflict with deft hands. Let’s take a look at how she helps readers connect with the characters’ emotions without getting maudlin.

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Crafting a Story of Contrasts: A Q&A with Nora Shalaway Carpenter, author of Fault Lines
Author Interview, Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman Author Interview, Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman

Crafting a Story of Contrasts: A Q&A with Nora Shalaway Carpenter, author of Fault Lines

I needed to write what felt right and natural to me, even though I was worried my agent and editor (and readers) might think it was weird. . . . I have always felt a deep, almost spiritual or magical connection with the natural world. That’s what was coming through in my writing.

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Put a Button on It!
Middle Grade, Picture Books Anne-Marie Strohman Middle Grade, Picture Books Anne-Marie Strohman

Put a Button on It!

A “button” is something that happens at the end of a scene that provides closure, a final touch that seals the deal. It can also be called a “tag” and is a final beat that can be used to close out the scene. Buttons create a satisfying ending that takes the scene just that one more notch. It can add a twist, focus our attention on a particular character or goal or theme, or emphasize an emotion.

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It’s Not Just Letters Anymore: Modern Epistolary in Carrie Firestone’s The First Rule of Climate Club
Middle Grade Cathy Petter Middle Grade Cathy Petter

It’s Not Just Letters Anymore: Modern Epistolary in Carrie Firestone’s The First Rule of Climate Club

In First Rule of Climate Club, Fisher Middle School’s new eighth graders get the opportunity to participate in a science class pilot program devoted to climate change. Firestone tells their story through protagonist Mary Kate’s eyes, but uses a slew of different types of communication that creates room for other points of view.

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Stories of Mental Health are Absolutely Necessary: A Q&A with Rocky Callen, co-editor of Ab(solutely) Normal
Author Interview, Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman Author Interview, Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman

Stories of Mental Health are Absolutely Necessary: A Q&A with Rocky Callen, co-editor of Ab(solutely) Normal

We were both adamant that this collection feature protagonists living with mental health conditions and be written by authors with lived mental health experiences. There are many incredible stories out there that aren’t written from lived experience, but we wanted this anthology’s mere existence to be a testament to how those living with mental health conditions can still chase dreams and lead fulfilling lives.

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