Writing For Children & Young Adults

Overview

The dynamic world of reading and writing has changed greatly over the past few years. Writers are pitching their ideas online, exchanging works in progress with critique partners and forming street teams to promote their work. The online community of writers is a fast-paced and often confusing place. In the publishing world today, writers need to direct online traffic to their book and stimulate sales. In addition to the tried and true advice author Marion Crook shared in earlier editions of Writing for Children and Young Adults, in this vibrant new edition, Crook explains some of the nuances and choices about the writing world online that can overwhelm writers.

Reviews

"An Inspiring Delight! Marion Crook shares her personal view of writing, from years of Writing, publishing and teaching, in such a lively style that readers are immediately drawn into the whole process. She cleverly shares her own experiences, second thoughts, and viewpoints--all highlighted with practical examples and quotes. A strong section is the examination of the craft of writing, focusing on increasing skills to plot the action, development, conflict, and turning points along with increasing the depth, creditability and speech of characters. Crook's work is unique in presenting a broad scope of the field of literature forchildren--writing, rewriting, publishing and promotion. Experienced writers will gain valuable tips and insights as they reflect on their own endeavors. This book is not just valuable for writers, as parents, teachers and educators will find that it offers a unique insight into 'what is a good book for children!' The specific suggestions for writers (character development, plot structure, voice) will resonate with adult readers wishing to heighten their awareness of the qualities to be found in fine writing for young people." —Dr. Ronald Jobe, Professor Emeritus, Department of Language & Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia

"An Inspiring Delight! Marion Crook shares her personal view of writing, from years of writing, publishing and teaching, in such a lively style that readers are immediately drawn into the whole process. She cleverly shares her own experiences, second thoughts, and viewpoints--all highlighted with practical examples and quotes. A strong section is the examination of the craft of writing, focusing on increasing skills to plot the action, development, conflict, and turning points along with increasing the depth, creditability and speech of characters. Crook's work is unique in presenting a broad scope of the field of literature forchildren--writing, rewriting, publishing and promotion. Experienced writers will gain valuable tips and insights as they reflect on their own endeavors. This book is not just valuable for writers, as parents, teachers and educators will find that it offers a unique insight into 'what is a good book for children!' The specific suggestions for writers (character development, plot structure, voice) will resonate with adult readers wishing to heighten their awareness of the qualities to be found in fine writing for young people." —Dr. Ronald Jobe, Professor Emeritus, Department of Language & Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia

"Writing for Children and Young Adults by Marion Crook is a guide which will certainly help any writer aspiring to create stories or non-fiction for children of all ages. The concise writing, coupled with the right amount of space given to address the assortment of subjects covered and information conveyed from someone who has been in the publishing world for years, will be a helpful guide for writers curious about or just starting out in writing for kids and teens." —Reader Girls

"Writing for Children and Young Adults is essential reading for anyone who is embarking on the journey of writing a book for children or teens. Thanks to the author's practical tips, common sense advice and a broad range of topics, budding writers will have a realistic picture of the skills that are required of a successful children's book writer." —Susan Heim, author, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

"Ms. Crook is a very knowledgeable author who is quite qualified to give us craft lessons. Her book engages in a memorable and exciting way. You can tell she loves teaching writing, and she loves writing. Her style captures you and holds you until the very end." —Robyn Campbell, author

"Writing for Children and Young Adults by Marion Crook inspires, educates, and motivates." — Karen Autio, Children's Author, CWILL BC Society member

"Writing for Children and Young Adults is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to learn about this challenging and rewarding field. Marion Crook covers the craft of writing for children, from creating believable characters to developing engaging plots. She addresses the complex business side, including finding a publisher, self-publishing, and marketing and promotion. Writing samples and helpful worksheets give writers practice in applying the principles. Highly recommended." —Ellen Schwartz, teacher; author of 16 children's books, including Heart of a Champion

Author Biography

Marion Crook has written many books for young adult and middle readers. Crook's background in child development education as a nurse and her PhD in education giver her solid knowledge, but she maintains that a keen observation of people, places and events can be the author's most useful tool. An experienced teacher and writer, she gives her readers clear and practical tips, with humor and understanding of what it's like to write and publish. Marion Crook's work includes ten novels and eight books of non-fiction for children and young adults as well as several books of fiction and non-fiction for adults.