ABSTRACT

Do you wish you had a published writer's secrets at your fingertips, ready to help you achieve your goals of publication, success, and the chance to be the next great teen writer? In Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write, Victoria Hanley, award-winning author of young adult fiction, spills the secrets for bringing action, adventure, humor, and drama to stories. All of 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 teens to tell the stories that are theirs alone.

In addition, other published authors of young adult literature share their insights about the writing life. Teens can gain firsthand advice from accomplished writers T. A. Barron, Joan Bauer, Hilari Bell, Chris Crutcher, David Lubar, Lauren Myracle, Todd Mitchell, Nancy Garden, and many more.

Grades 7-12

chapter Chapter One|6 pages

Freeing Your Imagination

chapter Chapter Two|24 pages

Creating Characters

chapter Chapter Three|6 pages

Beginnings

chapter Chapter Four|13 pages

Setting

chapter Chapter Five|10 pages

The Heart of a Writer

chapter Chapter Six|15 pages

Writing Dialogue

chapter Chapter Seven|6 pages

Showing and Telling

chapter Chapter Eight|7 pages

Plotting and Scheming

chapter Chapter Nine|11 pages

Conflicts, Middles, and Ends

chapter Chapter Ten|11 pages

Polishing Your Writing

chapter Chapter Eleven|12 pages

Point of View

chapter Chapter Twelve|3 pages

Into the Future

chapter Chapter Thirteen|44 pages

Interviews with Authors

chapter Chapter Fourteen|10 pages

Questions and Answers