MEET YOUR READERS:

8 to 12 years old.

-3rd- 6th grades

-Reading range is from simple chapter books to longer, more complex titles.

-Developing a complex vocabulary.

-Beginning to form deeper relationships.

-Learning empathy.

-Starting to understand abstract ideas.

-Developing a better understanding of self.

WORD COUNT AND STRUCTURE

Typical length is about 30,000 to 55,000 words

Narrative structure

Anywhere from beginning chapter books like The Magic Treehouse to longer, more complicated stories like Harry Potter.

What are your favorite middle grade novels?

•How do your favorite titles influence your writing style?

•Why did you choose these books? What draws you to them?

•How can you draw upon these books to shape the narrative of your own story?

•What lesson(s) do you learn from these books?

•What lesson(s) do you learn from yours?

WRITING A NOVEL THAT SELLS:

Know Your Market: Research current trends and popular books in the middle grade genre.

Unique Voice: Develop a distinctive writing style that resonates with readers.

Strong Hook: Create an intriguing opening that grabs attention.

Polished Manuscript: Revise and edit thoroughly to ensure a high-quality manuscript.

Engaging Cover Design: A captivating cover can attract readers and make your book stand out.

View My Pinterest board to see a collection of eye-catching MG book covers–> (1924) Pinterest

VOICE:

•How do you have an authentic voice when writing a MG novel?

1. See Through Their Eyes

Understand Their World: Think about what life feels like for a 10-12-year-old today. This includes their interactions, concerns, and the technology they use.

Emotional Resonance: Tap into the emotions you felt at that age, such as excitement, fear, and curiosity. Use these feelings to inform your writing.

2. Authentic Dialogue

Natural Speech: Avoid outdated slang or overly formal language. Listen to how kids speak today and incorporate that into your dialogue.

Complex Characters: Create characters with depth. Even young characters can have complex emotions and motivations.

3. Avoid Preachiness

Show, Don’t Tell: Let the story convey any lessons or morals naturally through the characters’ experiences and actions.

Empower Your Characters: Allow your young protagonists to solve problems and make discoveries on their own, rather than relying on adult intervention.

4. Embrace Humor and Fun

Lighthearted Moments: Middle grade readers appreciate humor and fun. Incorporate lighthearted scenes and witty dialogue to keep the tone engaging.

Adventure and Imagination: Use imaginative scenarios and adventurous plots to captivate your readers.

5. Relatable Themes

Friendship and Family: Focus on themes that resonate with middle graders, such as friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery.

Real-Life Issues: Address real-life issues in a way that is accessible and relatable to your audience.

6. Use Kids as Gauges

Feedback from Young Readers: Have kids in your target age group read your manuscript. Pay attention to their reactions and any feedback they provide.

Observe and Listen: Spend time with kids, observe their interactions, and listen to their conversations to better understand their perspectives.

POPULAR TROPES

•-The Chosen One: A protagonist destined for greatness (e.g., Harry Potter).

•-The Secret Heir: A character who discovers their royal or magical lineage.

•-The Quest: A journey to achieve a significant goal or find a magical item.

•-The Mentor: An older, wiser character guiding the young protagonist.

•-The Misfit: A character who doesn’t fit in but finds their place through the story.

POPULAR THEMES

•-Friendship and Loyalty: The importance of friends and staying true to them.

•-Self-Discovery: Characters learning about themselves and their abilities.

•-Courage and Bravery: Overcoming fears and standing up for what is right.

•-Family and Relationships: Exploring family dynamics and relationships.

•-Adventure and Exploration: Discovering new worlds, places, and experiences.

CRAFTING A COMPELLING STORY

Developing Relatable Characters:

•-Protagonist: Should be relatable, flawed, and undergo significant growth.

•-Supporting Characters: Friends, mentors, and antagonists that add depth to the story.

Creating an Engaging Plot:

•-Inciting Incident: The event that sets the story in motion.

•-Rising Action: Building tension and developing the story.

•-Climax: The turning point where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge.

•-Resolution: Wrapping up the story and resolving conflicts.

Setting and World-Building:

•-Vivid Descriptions: Use sensory details to bring the setting to life.

•-Consistency: Ensure the world follows its own rules and logic.

PITFALLS:

Inauthentic Voice:

•Pitfall: Writing in a voice that sounds like an adult pretending to be a child.

•Solution: Spend time with kids in the target age group, listen to how they speak, and read contemporary middle grade books to capture an authentic voice.

Preachiness:

•Pitfall: Focusing too much on delivering a moral message.

•Solution: Let the story and characters naturally convey any lessons. Middle grade readers want to be entertained, not lectured.

Stereotyping:

•Pitfall: Creating one-dimensional characters based on stereotypes.

•Solution: Develop well-rounded characters with unique traits, flaws, and motivations.

Overcomplication:

•Pitfall: Introducing overly complex plots or themes that are too mature for the age group.

•Solution: Keep the story straightforward and relatable, focusing on themes and conflicts appropriate for middle graders.

Ignoring Modern Realities:

•Pitfall: Writing as if the story is set in the past without considering contemporary issues and technology.

•Solution: Incorporate elements of modern life, such as social media and current trends, to make the story relevant to today’s readers.

Underestimating the Audience:

•Pitfall: Thinking that middle grade readers can’t handle complex emotions or situations.

•Solution: Trust that your readers can understand and appreciate nuanced storytelling. Address their real-life concerns and emotions.

Lack of Pacing:

•Pitfall: Having a story that drags or moves too quickly.

•Solution: Balance action and quieter moments, ensuring that the plot progresses at a pace that keeps readers engaged.

Overuse of Adult Characters:

•Pitfall: Relying too much on adult characters to solve problems.

•Solution: Empower your young protagonists to take charge and make decisions, allowing them to grow and learn through their experiences.