Contents

Introduction
How to use this book
Chapter 1: Interrogating your idea
Remain true to your vision; Read for inspiration; Big picture analysis; Write your pitch; The responsibility of writing for children
Chapter 2: Character by character
Interrogating your protagonist; Secondary character examination; Character continuum; Tangled characters
Chapter 3: Finding the plot
Structural edit; What is plot?; Solutions to your plot problems; Tackling your theme; Managing the middle; Plot formulas
Chapter 4: Chapter by chapter
Conscious creation; Structure; Taking inventory; For inspiration; Checklist
Chapter 5: Scene by scene
Identifying a scene; Breathing life into a scene; Setting and atmosphere; Checklist
Chapter 6: Honing voice
What is voice?; Point of view; Present or past tense?; Excavating voice; Enhancing your voice
Chapter 7: Writing with sensitivity
Tough questions; Dos and don'ts; Think big, think small; Checklist
Chapter 8: Sentence by sentence
Examining each sentence; Discovering how you tell a story; Checklist
Chapter 9: Word by word
Word choice; Tighten your writing; Checklist
Chapter 10: Beginnings and endings
Hooking readers from the opening pages; Evolution of an opening; Prologues; The end; Epilogue
Chapter 11: The final polish
Crafting the perfect title; Final check; Line editing and proofreading; The final proofread; When to stop
Chapter 12: Ready for the world
Why you need an agent; Choosing an agent or editor; Preparing your submissions packet; Never give up!

Resources and references
Acknowledgements
Author biography
Index