Victoria Hanley, award-winning author of teen fiction published in ten languages, spills the secrets for bringing action, adventure, humor, and drama to characters. All the elements of fiction, from creating believable dialogue to exciting plots, are laid out clearly and illustrated with examples taken straight from story excerpts by excellent writers. The book is packed with writing exercises designed to encourage young people to tell the stories that are theirs alone.
In addition, Hanley interviews other successful authors of teen literature who give their best insights about the writing life. Gain good advice from T.A. Barron, Joan Bauer, Hilari Bell, Chris Crutcher, David Lubar, Lauren Myracle, Todd Mitchell, Laura Resau, Denise Vega, and many more.
Winner of the Colorado Authors' League 2009 "Top Hand" award for young adult nonfiction.
Silver award winner in the 2008 PubWest book design competition.
Finalist for the Colorado Book Award.
Seize the Story review from School Library Journal:
"Capturing readers' attention from the very first page, this book is an excellent resource for both teenagers and their teachers. From the development of characters, setting, voice, style, and plot, to the end with rewriting and polishing, readers are able to hone their writing skills. By using the 'building your story' activities at the end of each chapter, they have opportunity to apply the techniques presented and experience the whole process. Hanley uses examples from familiar novels and authors such as "Harry Potter" and Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (Little, Brown, 2005) to illustrate elements of writing. The book concludes with interviews with young adult authors, in which they include advice to aspiring young writers. This book is an excellent resource for creative writing classes as well as individuals."
Seize the Story review from Children's Literature Database:
"Filled to the brim with inspiration and information, this handbook offers a valuable resource for aspiring writers of all ages, but Hanley has kept her teenage audience well in mind. The conversational tone, succinct text, and meaningful writing exercises take writers on a journey through the writing process. Techniques for freeing the imagination are followed with suggestions for creating characters (both protagonists and antagonists) that come to life. Next comes a discussion of the place, time, and moods of settings. Broad concepts for effective plotting are interspersed with practical suggestions for distinguishing beginnings, middles, and ends; creating conflict; writing dialogue; and ways to 'show not tell' what is happening. Tips for establishing varying points of view and for polishing rough drafts are offered. A section including interviews with fifteen successful authors of young adult novels includes titles of their books and responses about the easiest and the hardest aspects of writing followed by advice for writing fiction. Frequently asked questions and Hanley's candid answers appear near the back of the book. A useful resource for both teens and teachers of writing. Includes a bibliography and an index."
 by Victoria Hanley
Size: 7.5" x 9.25"
Pages: 228
ISBN: 978-1-877673-81-8
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