Writing for a younger audience

It may seem like writing for children would be a piece of cake, but there are several unique considerations when you write a young audience. Many of these factors require the writer to determine who exactly their audience is. A few years of age makes a big difference with children. Consider how much a child’s tastes change from the age of 6 to 10 to 14, then think about how much reading changes throughout those same years.

What’s your score?

Reader comprehension fluctuates greatly in a year or two. How does your writing measure up? Designed by Renaissance Learning, the ATOS formula provides a readability score for any text. A handy tool is the ATOS text analyzer, which will give you an idea of what reading level of your writing.

Generally, children and teens prefer to read about characters who are the same age as they are or are slightly older. It’s a publishing rule of thumb. Does the age of your protagonist match your reading comprehension score? If not, do you need to change the age of your characters or change the complexity of your writing?

Other points to consider when writing for children

• Books for small children will likely be read by an adult. How does your story sound when read aloud?
• How long is your book? The younger the audience, the shorter the book will need to be.
• Make note of what it was you most loved about the books of your childhood. Try to recall this with your childlike mind, without revisiting the work. Once you’ve established what it was that hooked you, go back and reread some of your favorites. What do you notice now that you’re older?
• Keep in mind this quote from E.B. White: “Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time. You have to write up, not down. Children are demanding. They are the most attentive, curious, eager, observant, sensitive, quick, and generally congenial readers on earth. They accept, almost without question, anything you present them with, as long as it is presented honestly, fearlessly, and clearly.”

Local Writers Workshop

Children’s book author Jenn Bailey

Children’s book editor and author Jenn Bailey will be joining us for the 6^th Annual Local Writers Workshop. She’ll be presenting a special breakout session on writing for children and teens.

The Local Writers Workshop features concise craft and business talks on subjects for writers of all styles and experiences. This year’s event takes place Sat, Aug 17, 9am – 2:30pm. Doors open at 8:30am with an opportunity for writers to connect with fellow writers and grab some refreshments.

In addition to learning about writing for youth, attendees will hear the following presentations:

• Using Twitter to find your agent, editor and writing community – Jenn Bailey
• The Joy of Journaling – Marcia Cebulska, award-winning playwright
• Drawing from personal experience – Bryn Greenwood, bestselling author
• Writing lyric poetry – Tony Silvestri, poet and lyricist
• Small press publishing advice – Jason Ryberg, editor in chief of Spartan Press
• Writing flash fiction – Andy Farkas, sponsored by the Kansas Authors Club
• Keynote presentation by Huascar Medina, Poet Laureate of Kansas

Email writers@tscpl.org for more information about the workshop.

Other resources

For some wonderful resources on writing for children, check out these titles:

View complete list

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The traditional path

Jennifer Brown knew nothing about publishing. She wanted to learn.  Brown spent the time she wasn’t writing to study the craft and the business of writing. She actively submitted her work, hoping someone would show interest. And she kept writing.

“I would move on to my next project,” Brown said of the time after she submitted her work. “Come to think of it, that’s how I still work. Always looking forward, always moving ahead, always trying new things.”

Brown wrote four novels—all women’s fiction—before publication came into view. “I worked and submitted for six years before I found an agent,” she said. “It was another three years before I saw one of my books on the shelf.”

That book was Hate List, not one of the four novels Brown had previously written, but a new young adult novel. Another four years passed before she saw one of her women’s fiction stories published. Brown added, “For those keeping score, that would be 13 years total.”

Despite the long wait, Brown (who also writes under the name Jennifer Scott) has published more than 15 titles for adults, teens and children during the last decade. Her novels have earned several acclaims including an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and a William Allen White Children’s Book Award.

The independent path

Theresa Hupp chose another path. She spoke with agents and publishers at writers’ conferences, but decided that traditional publishing was not for her.

“I came to writing fiction later in life,” Hupp said. “I didn’t want to wait several years before seeing my books in print.” She and a few writers in the Kansas City area formed a group called Write Brain Trust. “We helped each other learn about publishing and marketing our books as independent authors.”

Hupp had two primary reasons for self-publishing. One was a desire to publish on her own timeline. The other is to have complete control over the content of her work. It’s a decision she is happy to have made.

“I’m so glad my parents saw my first novel,” Hupp said. “If I’d waited for traditional publishing, they would have missed holding my first novel.”

Despite the differences in the paths they chose, both paths required hard work. From concept and first draft, through publication and promotion, Hupp and Brown never stopped to worry about the rejection they might encounter. They believed it would happen and they didn’t quit, even after they’d reached the goal.

Get Published

Jennifer Brown and Theresa Hupp will share more about their experiences with publishing during a special panel discussion June 18 from 6:30-8:30pm in Marvin Auditorium BC. They’ll be joined by former literary agent and author Jennifer Haskin and Meadowlark Books founder Tracy Million Simmons.

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I’m kind of an on again off again knitter. I learned how to knit around 10 years ago from a coworker (thanks Lissa!). I’ve had something on the needles – many things actually – ever since. When it’s cold out I get inspired and start a hat. Then it gets warm out and I put it aside because I only want to knit cotton dishcloths, my go-to stress reliever. When winter comes around I will finish the hat – probably. Or maybe I’ll finish that other sock. I knit because some yarn is so pretty, bright and colorful that I just want to look at it for a long time. I’ll  figure out what to do with it later.

I’ve kept some and gifted some of my knitted pieces, especially to my sister. She always appreciates it no matter how many dishcloths I give her. I’ve taught my kids how to knit. It was awesome to watch my 6-year-old cast on about a thousand stitches. She was such a pro! This year she gave me a hand knitted scarf for Christmas. When I thought my teenager wasn’t paying any attention to anything, he asked me to quit using wooden needles because he missed the sound the others made.

Community Knitting

You can knit just about anywhere. I’ve sat and knitted with my friends, my kids, coworkers and strangers. I’ve knitted in waiting rooms, at recitals, football games and in front of the TV.

Knit with us at the library on Sat, June 8 for National Knit in Public Day in the Marvin Auditorium AB from noon – 4pm.  Bring your current unfinished object, your show and tell, and your skills. New to knitting? Come on over and bring your curiosity. Knitters are always happy to share what we know. We’ll have you knitting in no time. We will have yarn and knitting needles to help get you started. Crochet and other needle crafts are welcome as well.

Resources

In addition to all the great books on knitting you can checkout at the library. You can also check out knitting arts and crafts kits to get started and see if this is a hobby you like. We have kits to help you learn to knit, learn to spool knit, learn knitting in a round and learn to loom knit. Peruse all the arts and craft kits, there might be other art projects you want to try.

View complete list

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The 6^th Annual Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration will be at Hillcrest Community Center and Park, 1800 SW 21^st St., on Sat, June 15,  noon-8pm. The celebration features gospel artist Boy Big, KTWU Executive Director Eugene Williams and WIBW Multimedia Journalist and singer Deneysha Richard. Genealogy librarian Sherri Camp will also attend and share history information. There will be plenty of entertainment for the family with live music, raffles, vendors, food trucks and Kid Zone.

In 2014 the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015-2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent. The goal of this proclamation is to foster a society free of racial discrimination with enriched equal opportunity. This year the 400 Years of African-American History Commission will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans to North America.

The commission chairman Dr. Joseph L. Green said, “We are celebrating a people who overcame adversity and impossible odds. We want to use this moment to create legacy, to build people and communities.”

Attend this year’s Topeka Juneteenth Celebration to connect with the Topeka community and learn more about African American history.

View complete list

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The Unhoneymooners (release date May 15, 2019) is Christina Lauren’s 23rd book together, and it has already received starred reviews. Publishers Weekly called the book “…a delightful romance that will have readers hanging on every word.” The authors will be launching that book with us here in Topeka! Join us on May 15 at 7 pm for a conversation with the authors, Q&A, and a book signing after the event. We can’t wait! See our Facebook event to add it to your calendar.

Thoughts from Christina Lauren

Lauren Billings and Christina Hobbs write together under the pen name Christina Lauren.

I asked the authors what can readers expect with The Unhoneymooners.

“Enemies to lovers meets fake marriage meets destination book? Is that a thing?” the authors said. “We wanted a book that lets you disappear from the real world for a few hours, with gorgeous scenery and tropical drinks and two people who can’t stand each other… until they can. It’s the book we’d take with us on vacation, or just when we want to feel like we are.”

Christina Lauren got their start writing in the fan fiction community. Their career is a great example of the talent that can come out of fan fiction. They are also an example of  how writers can connect with their tribe online and do great things together. The two writers first met by reading each other’s work online.

“When Lo [Lauren Billings] organized a panel at San Diego Comic Con in 2009 on fanwork and fan art, she invited Christina,” the authors said. “That’s how we met in person!”

Fans of Christina Lauren can look forward to seeing one of their favorite books on screen soon. The duo are currently revising the script for the film adaptation of their 2017 book Roomies. I’m there! They are also working on a new book. I asked for a teaser, and the authors obliged:

“Two good people work for two hilariously terrible people and have to help them fake it for the entire world. Chaos ensues,” the authors said. Sounds like another hit!

See below for a booklist of recommended reads and books by the authors. Read on for the full interview with the authors. Start thinking of questions to ask on May 15.

 View complete list

An Interview with Christina Lauren*

Christina and Lauren, how did you two start writing together? You can be brief, we’d love to hear the whole story when you’re here for your visit.

We met writing fanfiction online. We were both reading each other’s stories, and Christina’s fanfiction “The Office” was very popular. So when Lo organized a panel at San Diego Comic Con in 2009 on fanwork and fan art, she invited Christina there. That’s how we met in person!

The House is very different from your usual writing. What’s the story behind the story? How did you get inspired to write that book?

We consider ourselves very lucky that we’re able to write the story that’s in our head. One day Lo said, “I think I have an idea that’s very Edward-Scissorhands-meets-Christine. What if there was a boy who lived in a house, but the house is alive and basically provides him with everything and is his parents/siblings/best friend?” It grew from there!

I loved Autoboyography. What made you decide to write a story that speaks to LGBTQ+ youth?

We’d had the general idea for Autoboyography for a few years, but weren’t sure how to make it work until 2016. Lo is bi and grew up in a very progressive family in California. Christina has lived in Utah for most of her life, where she worked with kids who were, in many ways, just like Sebastian. If you had to ask us the book of our hearts it would be this one. It’s there on every one of the pages.

We’re so excited about your new book, The Unhoneymooners, and that you’ll be doing a book launch here with us at the library! Tell us just a bit about this book, beyond the blurb on the jacket. Why will your fans eat it up?

Enemies to lovers meets fake marriage meets destination book? Is that a thing? We wanted a book that lets you disappear from the real world for a few hours, with gorgeous scenery and tropical drinks and two people who can’t stand each other… until they can. It’s the book we’d take with us on vacation, or just when we want to feel like we are.

Give us a teaser, what are you working on now?

Two good people work for two hilariously terrible people and have to help them fake it for the entire world. Chaos ensues.

What do you like to read? Are there authors who have inspired you?

Christina: I usually reach for romance or thrillers, but will read anything. I just finished Daisy Jones and the Six and it was so amazing. I thought I knew exactly what would happen and I was totally wrong. I love when a book does the opposite of what you think and the author was right.

Lo:  I’ll jump around from nonfiction to romance to YA to literary fiction—it just depends on my mood. I recently read the upcoming The Grace Year by Kim Liggett and it was amazing! Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Maze Runner and The Handmaid’s Tale. I also recently enjoyed The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, and am currently reading Bad Blood by John Carreyrou – it is riveting.

*Miranda Ericsson interviewed Christina Lauren via email in April 2019.

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Students at Monroe School in Topeka in 1948.

May 17, 2019, will mark 65 years since the historic decision of Brown v. Board of Education. The landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision ruled that racial segregation of students in public schools was unconstitutional. Topeka played a pivotal role in the decision and holds a permanent place both in the nation’s history and as a global beacon.

“So many efforts are going on in Topeka today to advance the vision of Brown v. Board,” said Topeka Councilwoman Karen Hiller, chairperson of the Brown v. Board Sumner Legacy Trust. “The various events will give us shared time through arts, experiences and conversation to explore the people and strengths of our past, the strengths and challenges of our present, and to explore together whether we want to create a community-wide initiative today to revision what success would look like and to again advance the agenda.”

Highlighted Events

Between May 10 and 19, The 65^th Anniversary of Brown v Board: An Unfinished Agenda will offer Topekans a chance to come together in more than 20 events. Included will be a symposium on May 10 featuring keynote speaker Carlton Waterhouse of Howard University and testimony from plaintiff-era Topekans. The first weekend will include premieres of Smoke Behind Closed Doors, a Tyson Williams theatrical production, and DANCE…in Black and White…a movement in desegregation by Steven Massey’s Blaque Onyx Artistic Creatives. Tickets for the theater and dance events are available online, all other events are free.

Ruben West will be the keynote speaker at the wrap-up symposium on Fri, May 17. This symposium will focus on community conversations about our own stories and our future, with a multicultural multi-generational community celebration starting at 5 pm and lasting into the evening at the Brown v. Board outdoor mural.

To view the entire calendar of events visit www.bvb65.com or Events via BvBSumnerLegacyTrust on Facebook. For more information about the events and activities call 785-276-9228 or e-mail info@bvbsumnerlegacy.org.

Partners

The 65^th Anniversary of Brown v Board: An Unfinished Agenda is made possible by the initiative of Brown v Board Sumner Legacy Trust, a Topeka nonprofit, whose mission is to save Sumner Elementary School and to engage the community in interpreting and advancing the story and legacy of the Brown v Board vision. It is an all-volunteer community-based effort.

Major partners are Brown v. Board National Historic Site and Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area. Other partners include KTWU, NAACP, Visit Topeka, GO Topeka’s EMBD, Kansas African American Affairs Commission, USD 501, ArtsConnect, Metro Transit, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Mulvane Art Museum, Topeka Performing Arts Center, Jayhawk Theatre, AARP, Kansas Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (KAAHGS) and Topeka First United Methodist Church.

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Like many young boys of the period, Dixon’s earliest interest was in baseball cards. He grew his collection while neighbors listened to games on their transistor radios. When he saw neighborhood kids playing on the local playgrounds Dixon wanted to join them.

“We had a community baseball team in my neighborhood,” said Dixon of his team, the Terrace Tigers. “We only had blue jeans, white t-shirts and a blue hat, yet it felt like a real uniform. Other communities had teams and we would travel to their neighborhoods to play.”

It was while playing for the Tigers that Dixon met Reggie Smith of the Boston Red Sox. Smith was in his rookie season with the Sox. While in K.C., Smith visited his cousin, a player on the Terrace Tigers. He came to see one of their games and gave the young players a pep talk. That year, the Red Sox played the Cardinals in the World Series. “I was so excited watching Smith on my television,” said Dixon. From that point on, Phil Dixon was completely hooked on baseball.

Turning Passion Into a Career

Dixon amassed a wealth of baseball knowledge, memorizing facts and statistics. By the end of his teens, he’d collected more than 100,000 baseball cards. He began to write freelance articles for the Kansas City Call, which led him to a position in public relations with the Kansas City Royals. In 1990 Dixon co-founded for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Two years later, he released his book, The Negro Baseball Leagues, a Photographic History, which won the Casey Award for “Best Baseball Book” of 1992.

For more than 30 years Dixon has shared his knowledge about baseball. He continues to write, contributing to historical journals in addition to writing his own books. Recently he completed a 200 city tour speaking about the Negro Leagues in an effort to improve race relations.

“Amazingly, I drove the entire route just as the barnstorming Negro League teams did for generations.”

It’s not the first time Dixon traveled the country. Before settling down to a career as baseball ambassador, Dixon toured with a funk band as a trumpet player. When asked about his interests outside of baseball, Dixon mentions music, geography and the American landscape in general.

Dixon remains busy with a new bookThe Dizzy and Daffy Dean Tour, Race, Media and the National Pastime being released in August. He’s also completing a movie script based on one of his books and beginning work on a book about his 200-city tour to be released in 2020.

Hear Phil Dixon share his expertise on the Kansas City Monarchs at the library on Tues, March 12 at 7 pm. Sponsored by Humanities Kansas, this event will also feature a Q&A session and a book signing. Join us for this and other 2Book Topeka events.

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Jen Mann is a blogger whose work offers an often sarcastic and hilarious look at life without a filter. In addition to her New York Times best-selling People I Want to Punch in the Throat, she has written or contributed to more than half a dozen other books. Angie Pickman is a cut-paper artist who recently published her first book, Merry Menagerie, a children’s alphabet picture book. Her work has been featured in Midwest Living and Martha Stewart Living magazines. Aside from attending this year’s fair, what do these authors have in common? From a childhood desire to create, through careers that led them away from their passions, these two women have put hard work into making their dreams come true.

Jen Mann from Real Estate to Professional Blogger

Jen Mann had long held a passion for writing, but she pursued a career in real estate.

“I’d wanted to be a writer since I was 5 years old, but I didn’t know how to achieve this dream,”Mann said. “So I toiled away at other jobs hoping and dreaming an opportunity would come along. Lucky for me, one did.”

That opportunity came with a post Mann published on her blog in 2011. A week after putting it on her site, the post suddenly went viral. Within a 24 hours Overachieving Elf on the Shelf Mommies had been read over one million times. After a period full of disbelief, elation and worry, Mann decided to make the moment work for her.

“I had a choice to make, do I let myself become a one-hit wonder or do I get to work and try and make a career for myself” Mann said.

Angie Pickman from Business Owner to Award-Winning Artist

Pickman had been in a similar place along her path. Though she’d always been drawn to art, she ultimately decided to major in business. Pickman discovered her love for cutting paper while in graduate school, but once she graduated, Pickman went right into business. She opened a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. When that venture failed, she converted it into a bakery that saw some success. Still, Pickman was an artist.

“It was during my long days working in the bakery that I realized I needed art as an outlet,” Pickman said. “So at night when I was at home, I’d make images that reflected my experiences at that time.”

She began to post her work online. The responses she received convinced Pickman there was an audience for her work. Learning from her experiences with the restaurant and the bakery, Pickman realized that “pursuing a passion took effort.” Art was Pickman’s passion. This passion eventually led her back to Kansas and toward a life as a full-time artist.

Angie Pickman and Jen Mann will be attending the Great Writers Right Here author fair on Sat, Dec 8. They’ll be joined by more than 40 authors, including some other new faces as well as many familiar ones. Stop by between 1 and 4pm to visit with fabulous local authors and to shop some great books.

Continue reading to learn more about Angie Pickman’s artistic process and Jen Mann’s love of art.

A few questions for Jen Mann

You’ve long had a passion for writing, but pursued other career paths. During that time in your life, did you imagine you’d one day have a published book to your name?
“Imagine” is the right word, because I never really believed it would happen. I’d wanted to be a writer since I was five years old, but I didn’t know how to achieve this dream, so I toiled away at other jobs hoping and dreaming an opportunity would come along. Lucky for me, one did, otherwise I’d probably still be in a cubicle farm somewhere.

You became a blogging sensation with a single post that garnered millions of views in a day. What was your reaction? Did you doubt the reality of what was going on?
My blog post about the Elf on the Shelf was read over 1 million times in a 24-hour period. It was unbelievable. A lot of emotions go through your head when 1 million people are reading something you wrote. My first thought was, “There must be a mistake” and my second thought was, “It wasn’t my funniest post! Why that one?” I was also quite terrified because I’d never experienced anything like that. I had a choice to make, do I let myself become a one-hit wonder or do I get to work and try and make a career for myself.

When People I Want to Punch in the Throat was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in 2014, it was competing against books written by the likes of Amy Poehler, Neil Patrick Harris, et al. What were you feeling at the time? Were you at all surprised by the results?
I was very surprised. I was excited just when it was nominated, but as it made it through each round, I couldn’t believe it. I was a bit disappointed when Amy beat me, but it was expected and I was thrilled it went as far as it did. We can still be BFFs if she wants, no hard feelings.

On your website, you mention a love of crafting and art. How serious of a crafter are you? What artistic medium would you most likely choose if you pursued a career as an artist?
I spend entirely too much money at Michael’s. My daughter and I work together in our craft room in the basement of the house. We like to try out new things. Right now we’re collaging a lot. Modge Podge is our favorite! But I’ve always enjoyed watercolors, so I’d probably paint watercolors if I were an artist. Art is a form of therapy for me. When I’m stressed out, I tend to end up in the craft room with a paint brush or the glue gun.

What’s next for Jen Mann?
I’ve just finished the second book in my YA series, My Lame Life, and I’m working on finding it a home. I’ve started a women’s fiction novel and a nonfiction how-to book about blogging, publishing, etc.

And finally… What most excites you about participating in this year’s author fair?
I’m excited to meet other Kansas readers and writers.

A few questions for Angie Pickman

You grew up with a love of art, imagined you’d always be an artist, but decided to pursue a career in business. At what point did realize you could be an artist in the present? How has your business experience shaped your artistic practices?
I majored in business in college, though I considered majoring in art; however, my college did not even have an art major at the time and I decided business would be a good major that I could utilize in lots of different ways. I ended up going to graduate school where my focus was definitely more art than business, but as soon as I finished, I opened a restaurant! And then I opened a bakery (after the restaurant bombed!)… It was during my long days working in the bakery that I realized I needed art as an outlet, so at night when I was at home, I’d make images that reflected my experiences at that time. I started posting those online and the responses I was getting made me realize that there was an audience for my work. Having opened and closed the restaurant and then running the bakery for several years made me realize that more than anything, pursuing a passion took effort. Art was what I really wanted to be doing so I knew that if I was capable of what I had already done, I was capable of making a go at being a full time artist.

Where did the idea of creating a children’s book come from? Do you hope to publish others?
I got into my paper cutting craft through experimenting with animation. I love the idea of telling a story with imagery. Since I’ve been making art, I’ve always had the idea that I would like to make children’s books, and I definitely want to publish more.

What is your proudest artistic achievement or recognition?
I don’t think I necessarily have any single achievement that I’m most proud of. I’m incredibly grateful for all of the artistic accomplishments that I’ve made and for those whose support have made them possible. I suppose I could say that I’m pretty proud of the overall effort I’ve put into my art and the business side of it, as I realize that getting to be a full-time artist is a pretty special achievement.

How long does it take you to create a piece? Did the format of Merry Menagerie require you to deviate from your usual approach to your art?
The time it takes to create each of my paper cuttings varies based on the size, amount of detail, color, my mood, coffee consumption, etc. I have some tiny pieces that take a couple hours and some of my larger pieces have taken a few weeks to complete. When I created the images for Merry Menagerie, I had the idea that they could someday be a book, but I really created them for a library exhibit with the thought that it would be a fun series for children. I took a pretty similar approach to those as I do my other art, although they certainly required a little more technical thought to come up with both an animal and object to go with each letter of the alphabet.

What’s next for Angie Pickman?
I have had such a busy 2018 that I’d like to slow down some in the new year and focus on exploring my imagination a bit and seeing what kind of art comes out of it. I definitely would love to do a little bit of animating, as well as start on what hopefully will become my next book.

And finally… What most excites you about participating in this year’s author fair?
Making a children’s book has been a dream of mine for such a long time, so to be here showcasing my book at this event, amongst so much talent, is such a privilege and an honor.

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National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On Nov 1, participants begin working toward the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59pm on Nov 30.

Valuing enthusiasm, determination and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.

“The biggest thing separating people from their artistic ambitions is not a lack of talent. It’s a lack of a deadline. Give someone an enormous task, a supportive community, and a friendly-yet-firm due date, and miracles will happen every time.” – from No Plot? No Problem! A low-stress, high-velocity guide to writing a novel in 30 days by Chris Baty, NaNoWriMo founder

Get Started

To learn more or to join, sign up at nanowrimo.org and set Topeka as your home region. Fill out your profile, create your novel and then return to the website to log your word count beginning Nov 1. Once you reach 50,000 words during November, validate your novel and unlock your winner goodies, including a winner certificate! Students can also participate in the Young Writers Program.

Before you begin writing, follow Chris Baty’s advice from No Plot? No Problem! to consider what kind of book you would enjoy writing. The Two Magna Cartas of Novel Writing is basically a way to help you write the kind of book you would like to read.

Another important step before writing a first draft so quickly is to consciously prevent your own inner editor from sabotaging your efforts. These two pages from the Young Writers Program explain Putting Away Your Inner Editor in more detail.

Finding time to write will be one of your biggest challenges. Use the NaNoWriMo 2018 tracking calendar to schedule time to write and chart your own word count progress against the goal for each day in November. Of course, planning to attend Write Ins with other writers in November can be helpful also!

Events for writers

How to Write a Novel in 30 Days with NaNoWriMo
Write a 50,000 word rough draft in November with National Novel Writing Month. Get fun and helpful advice from former participants, plus official stickers from NaNoWriMo headquarters and other inspiring goodies that will power you through the month.
Mon, Oct 29 | 6:30-8:30 pm
Marvin Auditorium

Fiction writing: Come Write In at the library
NaNoWriMo participants meet to add scenes, chapters and characters to their stories, compete in word wars and further their plots. Bring laptops for a creative and frantic writing session to increase word counts.
Sun, Nov 4 | 1-5 pm
Sat, Nov 10 | 1-5pm
Sun, Nov 18 | 1-5pm
Sun, Nov 25 | 1-5pm
Menninger Room 206

Find more local writing events on the Topeka NaNoWriMo calendar and connect with other writers on the regional forums and updates at the Topeka region of the official National Novel Writing Month website.

Resources for writers

Learn and share strategies for creating believable characters in your novel using character sheets to develop their thoughts, personal struggles, reactions, problematic relationships, unique goals and motivations. Know who they are, where they’ve been, what they’ve done and why they continue.

• How to write Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland
• Crafting Unforgettable Characters by K.M. Weiland
• Myers Brigg Personality Types
• EpiGuide Character Chart
• Character Profile Questionnaire
• Character Chart
• Character Development and Plot Handouts from Topeka’s NaNoWriMo Municipal Liaisons Diana Marsh and Lissa Staley including: Super Powered Character Building, Ability Scores, Quirks and Flaws, Ideals and Values, Goals and Obstacles and Personality Traits

If you use Hoopla for ebooks, check out Pep Talks For Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo by Grant Faulkner, Executive Director of NaNoWriMo.

View complete list

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The application deadline (Oct 15) is approaching for the 6th annual Great Writers Right Here author fair.

Tell everyone you know–share the application on social media, and forward it to your writing friends. This is a great opportunity for both established and emerging authors to connect with readers and with other authors at a high-quality, curated event. We welcome authors representing children’s books, fiction, poetry, graphic novels and nonfiction. We also welcome Kansas publishers and small presses to sell their work and connect with authors in attendance.

This event is completely free to authors and the public. Avid readers and emerging writers are encouraged to attend the fair, where they can meet you and support your work.

Complete and submit an online application form for each author by Mon, Oct 15, 2018. We will respond no later than Nov 1. Space is limited for this event.

Each author should staff his/her table, be prepared to talk about his/her books, and handle all responsibility for books sales and signing.

Author Fair Application Checklist:

• Due by Oct 15, 2018
• Include contact info, author biography and book blurb
• Priority will be given to early applicants and those from Shawnee County and neighboring counties
• Additional criteria such as publication quality, local interest and artistic merit will also be considered.
• All decisions of the selection committee are final.

We can’t wait to host you here at the library! Please contact us at writers@tscpl.org for more information.

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