Are you interested in writing children's fiction? For years, perhaps you've secretly been wanting to indulge your inner child, or maybe you have a manuscript buried away somewhere that could - possibly, maybe, given a chance - be the next Harry Potter.
No matter what stage you've reached with your manuscript though, if you're interested in writing for the children then the Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2014 should certainly be of interest. Available on August 1st, this invaluable guide contains all the information, advice and contact details you need to see you through your writing journey.
To give you a sneak peek at what you can expect from this year's version, successful children's author Jon Mayhew tells us his top rules when it comes to writing for children:
"I always want my main character to be one that children will like. That isn’t to say that the main character is always a paragon of virtue or even particularly pleasant. In Mortlock, Josie is a fairly ‘aspirational’ character, she has abilities and is bright and brave, but my other main protagonists are far from perfect."
"I have a pathological hatred of the word 'was’. It’s the first word I go for when I start editing a book. For me, ‘was’ deadens the action and makes things passive. It’s part of showing rather than telling."
"Is your character trapped in a room? Put a tiger in there with him. There’s nothing more frustrating than reading about how a character easily overcomes every obstacle. There has to be a struggle. Even worse, if a threat is mentioned but never materialises, think how annoyed the reader will be. If there are crocodiles on the river bank, you don’t creep past them and say ‘Phew! So glad they didn’t wake up!’ They should wake up and at least nearly take a chunk out of someone."
To read the article in its entirety, purchase your copy of the Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook now and receive a a 25% discount if you order by July 31st.
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