[julianne-black Posts: 6 Status: Offline Author & Illustrator]

Hi all! I write a monthly column for Story Monsters Ink Magazine and I wanted to switch it up in the next issue. Instead of doing a Q & A with one author, I wanted to do an open comment style article where I post author responses  (plus your name, author of..., and web address) in answer to the following questions:

• The term "Middle Grade" can be tricky to understand as parents and explain as authors. How do create your own guidelines for writing style, voice, content moderation, and/or vocabulary?
  
  Has anyone ever described the Middle Grade bracket to you in a way that stuck or was easily relatable?
  
  What do you find the hardest about sticking to that narrow 8-10ish age group?
  
  MG authors you admire and use to inspire your work?

***answers to any or all of these questions are HUGELY appreciated! As a mom and a columnist I don't think MG gets nearly enough press

 

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Would you like these in a PM?

[julianne-black Posts: 6 Status: Offline Author & Illustrator]

Sure! Thank you!!

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

I think the easiest for me was just to know it wasn't the same as middle school. It comes before. Ages 8 (fluent readers) through 12. My writing guidelines are to stick with the voice of the character or age group. If the main character sounds authentic, the rest will follow, especially when using a first person or close third person POV.

[julianne-black Posts: 6 Status: Offline Author & Illustrator]

The responses have been awesome - sorting through the text now as my article got pushed back a month so they could make way for holiday ads

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Julianne, please do post a link back here when your article is live. Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

[julianne-black Posts: 6 Status: Offline Author & Illustrator]

They usually come out on the 16th of each month, I know the editor sent a special note about how much she enjoyed it. Can't wait see it myself

[julianne-black Posts: 6 Status: Offline Author & Illustrator]

Hey all- the article is at: https://issuu.com/storymonstersink/docs/story-monsters-ink-february-2019/48
But I think it will ask you to buy the article. If it does, email me at hello@krakensky.com and I'll get you a PDF.
Pages 46-49

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Thanks Julianne