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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Serena Gingold Allen: Success with Scenes
“Even though it can be intimidating to share your work with others, particularly when you're starting out, find and join a critique group. It's important to find a good match, so keep trying out new ones if the first one you try doesn't work. I wouldn't be the writer I am today without my critique partners!”
Misa Sugiura: Taking It One Scene at a Time
“It is very easy to feel like what you've accomplished isn't enough. The solution (it's not easy): Enjoy the ride you're on. Let go of the stuff that's out of your control (other author's experiences, marketing budgets, awards) and control what you can, like writing your next book.”
Lea Lyon: Following Curiosity and Trying New Things
“If you're researching for a nonfiction project, search beyond library databases. Reach out to librarians and archivists. Visit locations where events from the story you're researching took place, and visit archives and libraries in the area. Above all, reach out to experts in the subject matter. They are invaluable resources and are invested in the public (especially children) knowing more about their area of expertise.”
Resonant Symbols, Part 1: Static Symbol in Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Brainstorming with Craft Audiobooks
Finding Meaning in Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Annie Saves the Cat and The Five Commandments of Storytelling--Annie B., Made for TV by Amy Dixon
An Evening with Cheryl Klein--Takeaways
What I Learned from YA: Save the Cat Analysis of The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron
How to Write a Stunning First Chapter: A. F. Harrold’s The Imaginary
Story Genius for Middle Grade Writers
Why WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT by Mary Kole Is, Well, Irresistible!
Save the Cat!: Not Just for Screenwriters
