Full Description
Applying the methodology of 'reading-as-a-writer' to the craft of writing for young people, this textbook combines critical analysis, unique author-insight and practical application of ideas to give writers the skills to create successful fiction for youth audiences. Under the guidance of children's author Elen Caldecott, compelling close readings dig deep into the construction of modern classics and contemporary middle-grade, YA, picture books and more to explore how paragraphs, sentences and words engineer specific reader responses. Interviews with the author of the extracted work follow before each chapter rounds off with writing exercises that prompt writers to engage with techniques and ideas discussed.
Accessible and equipping writers with the valuable knowledge and skills to write in one of the fastest-growing fields in creative writing, Writing for Young People
- Draws upon the works of prominent writers such as David Almond, Leigh Bardugo, Louis Sachar, Jasbinder Bilan, B. B. Alston, Frank Cotrell Boyce and many more
- Author interviews cover topics such as the book's origin, their writing and editing process and their perspective on the analysis made of their work
- Discusses vital craft techniques in novel-writing and editing including language, plotting, constructing characters, narrative time, worldbuilding, dialogue, cultural history, tropes and conventions
- Covers key contemporary issues that students, teachers and professional writers of fiction for youth audiences will encounter from villains, archetypes, class and race, and transnational writing to conceptions of childhood, environment, colonialism, power, coming-of-age and social justice
- Considers the role of wider literary and community landscapes in creating compelling texts
- Includes a list of Further Reading resources
Light-hearted but intellectually rigorous and rewarding, the field of writing for youth readers has been waiting for this book.
Contents
Permissions
Introduction
Cited Works
Chapter One
Section 1: This Is Not My Hat written and illustrated by Jon Klassen, A Critical Discussion....................................................................................
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Jon Klassen
Section 3: This Is Not My Hat, Writing Exercises
Chapter Two
Section 1: Dave Pigeon, written by Swapna Haddow and illustrated by Sheena Dempsey, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Swapna Haddow
Section 3: Dave Pigeon, Writing Exercises
Chapter Three
Section 1: The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with L.D. Lapinski
Section 3: The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, Writing Exercises
Chapter Four
Section 1: October, October by Katya Balen, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Katya Balen
Section 3: October, October, Writing Exercises
Chapter Five
Section 1: Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Jasmine Warga
Section 3: Other Words For Home, Writing Exercises
Chapter Six
Section 1: When The World Was Ours by Liz Kessler, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Liz Kessler
Section 3: When the World Was Ours, Writing Exercises
Chapter Seven
Section 1: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Patrick Ness
Cited Works
Section 3: The Knife of Never Letting Go, Writing Exercises
Chapter Eight
Section 1: Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, A Critical Discussion
Cited Works
Section 2: An Interview with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Section 3: Ace of Spades, Writing Exercises
Bibliography
Index
