by Karen Krossing | Jan 29, 2012 | On Writing
It may sound like stating the obvious, but to develop as a writer, one needs to read, read, read. As writers, we need to know the marketplace, particularly the genres in which we write. We can also learn writing techniques and improve our own writing by analyzing what works – and what doesn’t – in the books we read.
To get the most out of your reading, here are a few tips:
- Form your own opinion.
Try to approach a book with an open mind. Although you may chose to read a particular book because of a review or word-of-mouth recommendation, try to set aside the opinions of others and determine your own opinion of how well the books works.
- Read for pleasure.
Don’t take notes or mark passages when you read a book for the first time. Simply enjoy the ride that the author has created. You can analyze later. With a well-written book, you’ll be compelled to experience the characters’ emotions, and all thoughts of analysis will be banished.
- Monitor your reactions.
After you read a book, consider how engaged you were when reading. Where was the greatest energy? Where did your interest fade? Monitoring your reactions will help you determine how well the book met it’s goal of satisfying the reader.
- Analyze your reactions.
Ask yourself why it works – or doesn’t. How could it be improved? You may even want to discuss the book with others, or consider the opinions expressed in reviews. How do others view the book differently?
- Read it again.
When a book evokes a strong reaction from you, read it more than once. On a second reading, you will likely discover aspects of the story that you didn’t notice the first time. You can also evaluate the details of the story – character, structure, plot, dialogue, and so on.
- Pitch the book.
If you had to sell this book to a reader, how would you do it? Try to write a one-sentence synopsis of the story that would compel someone else to read it. Your sentence should answer the question, “What is the story?”
by Karen Krossing | Jan 10, 2012 | Mentoring, Presentation News
Re-discover the fun of writing at my hands-on WordPlay Writing Workshop for ages 12 to 19 on March 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Cedarbrae Library in Toronto. With fresh and inspiring story-starters, you’ll dive into new characters and create captivating scenes. Come spark your imagination and enjoy playing with words while learning creative writing techniques.
To register, contact Ken Sparling at 416-397-5970, or ksparling@torontopubliclibrary.ca.
After the workshop, don’t forget to submit your writing to Young Voices – the Toronto Public Library’s annual magazine of teen writing and art. Poems, stories, rants, reviews, illustrations, and photography are all accepted. The submission deadline is March 31, 2012.
For guidelines and how to submit, click here. To read the Young Voices 2011 Magazine, click here.
Interested in more workshops? Check out the upcoming Young Voices Art Workshop with illustrator and teacher Michael Brown and the Young Voices Poetry Workshop with Matthew Tierney.
by Karen Krossing | Jan 6, 2012 | Book News
My new novel, The Yo-Yo Prophet, continues to get great reviews. Here are excerpts from the latest reviews:
“The urban characters are diverse and the relationships feel authentic. Krossing’s descriptions of bullying are powerful. Students 7th grade and up will connect with this story about finding our real family and owning our actions.”
Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Material Review Group
“Calvin is a strong young man whose resilience and growth through the book will endear him to caring readers. Recommended for middle and high school libraries.”
Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
“Krossing’s light, straightforward style presents the “big” issues of bullying, self-discovery and loyalty in accessible and inspiring ways. Watching Calvin cope with each of these issues invokes empathy and instruction. Her description of yo-yo tricks is exceptionally strong.”
Resource Links
by Karen Krossing | Dec 16, 2011 | Book News, Mentoring
Too often, I hear boys talk about how they don’t like to read. According to the Ontario Ministry of Education guide, Me Read? No Way! A Practical Guide to Improving Boys’ Literacy Skills, “nearly 50 per cent describe themselves as non-readers by the time they enter secondary school.”
Because of this trend, one of my goals when I wrote my latest novel, The Yo-Yo Prophet, was to write a book that young male readers would want to read. When I received this message from a mother of a 12-year-old, I was thrilled:
“My son LOVED The Yo-Yo Prophet and read it in record time. He even started playing with his yo-yo again and then recently made one. He highly recommends this book to his friends. It has initiated him reading every night at bedtime again and I am truly grateful for that.”
Lynn E.
I’m so glad that The Yo-Yo Prophet inspired Lynn’s son to read again, and that it encouraged him to get his friends’ hooked, too. I hope that well-written books can repeat this pattern over and over again.
Finding literature to interest young male readers can be difficult, and some of us are guilty of picking books for boys that we think they ought to read, rather than books that reflect their interests.
James Moloney says in Boys and Books: “A good book for a boy is one he wants to read.”
If you’re looking for books for a young male reader, my suggestion is to take him to a bookstore and/or library regularly so he can pick books for himself. You can also encourage him to check out www.guysread.com, a website developed by author Jon Scieszka to connect boys with books.
Happy reading!
by Karen Krossing | Dec 12, 2011 | Book News
I’m pleased that two local newspapers have recently published articles about my new novel The Yo-Yo Prophet:
It’s particularly meaningful to me to be recognized in the community where I live and write.
In an era where community newspapers are facing hard economic times, I’m grateful that these newspapers can showcase people, events and businesses in the local area. I particularly like how community papers make room for the “good news” stories of the day.
