Writing for Youth/Children

Question 1

how to start

Answer 1

• initial idea
• character (followed by “what would happen if…”)
• voice (ie. first person narrative allows us to get into character’s head)
• the world (where does he live? with whom? who does he go to school with? etc.)
• the journey

Question 2

Explain ABDCE

Answer 2

• A: Action (grip your reader)
• B: Background/backstory
• D: Development
• C: Climax
• E: End

Question 3

outlining for YA

Answer 3

• make an outline, but not a super-detailed one

- let your characters lead the story and inform what’s happening next

Question 4

do’s of writing YA

Answer 4

• DO keep up a good pace
• DO grip readers from the get-go
• DO tap into emotional memories
• DO stay true to your emotional memories
• DO stay true to your protagonist
• DO have respect for your reader

Question 5

don’ts of writing YA

Answer 5

• DON’T self-censor

- DON’T moralize