Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 28

Writing a Chapter Book, part 6/Calls for Submissions

      This article is the sixth in the series: Writing a Chapter Book.

Try these tips: Spend time with kids who are the age of the characters and listen to how they speak. Reflect their language in your writing. A rich, lively language with expanded vocabulary makes the storytelling seem real. Action verbs depict a specific image. The boy ran is not as specific as the boy dashed. Dashed indicates a faster pace than ran; thus, more specific. Create an image with words so the reader can better imagine the action. Sensory language—using see, hear, touch, taste, and smell—create vivid scenes that take the reader along on the journey as though s/he is in the midst of the action.
Capture the interest of the reader at the beginning of the story with immediate action, where something important is happening to the main character. Hook the reader by focusing on the protagonist. Begin with a scene that mirrors the overall conflict in some way. If the story involves a ghost, you might choose to open with a scene in which the protagonist sees a ghost or finds something that make the character suspect a ghost is creating havoc. Conflict should be evident from the beginning. Avoid a long build up with backstory that will have readers moaning booooorrrring.  
Call for submissions for young writers:
Parallel Ink is your friendly, neighborhood e-magazine publishing writing by students around the world in grades 6-12*. Aside from super-imaginative sci-fi serials and epic fantasy tales, we welcome poignant poetry, quirky rants/personal essays, discarded love letters, and offbeat text exchanges with open arms (among many other countless gems of literature teenagers write). Anything goes if it's well-written, captivating, and ready for sending out into the world wide web!
Submission guidelines at http://parallel-ink.webs.com/
Call for submissions for adult writers:
MUSE Literary Journal Seeks Poetry and Creative Nonfiction. Send up to 3 poems (all styles welcome) or one piece of creative nonfiction (1500 word maximum) to be considered for Spring 2014 issue. Most recent edition includes work from new and established writers, including BZ Niditch, Donna Hilbert, Allison Whittenberg, Lloyd Aquino, Robert Cooperman, Irving Gaeta, Michael H. Winn, Candace Mayo, and Tina Holden Burroughs. Previously unpublished work only; simultaneous submissions okay if notified upon acceptance elsewhere. Include separate cover letter with full contact information, 5-7 line bio, and SASE. Mail to: MUSE Literary Journal, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92506.
Submission deadline: February 15, 2014 
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Writing a Chapter Book, part 5/Calls for Submissions

This article is the fifth  in the series: Writing a Chapter Book.
Try these tips:
Voice. If the characters are kids, they should sound like kids. Make the dialog authentic and age appropriate. Chapter books use lots of dialog to show character development. One character may stutter or have a lisp. The other may talk in a way that is easy to identify, such as ending sentences with a question. Let’s go for a walk, okay? Each character needs to have a distinct way of talking. These identifying markers—unique speech patterns and phrasing—make them seem real. Capture the reader’s imagination with action verbs and specific descriptors. The squirrel climbed up the tree is okay but The squirrel scampered is better.
Active voice usually works better than passive voice because the reader “sees” the action as it takes place. Example: The bicycle was ridden by the boy is passive. In passive voice the action is performed upon the subject. In active voice the subject performs the action, as in The boy rode the bicycle. Sentences with active voice are more concise and use fewer words to describe the action and express the idea.
Call for submissions for young writers:

TEEN INK, a national teen magazine, book series, and website is devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos and forums. Students must be age 13-19 to participate, register and/or submit work. Distributed through classrooms by English teachers, Creative Writing teachers, Journalism teachers and art teachers around the country, Teen Ink magazine offers some of the most thoughtful and creative work generated by teens and has the largest distribution of any publication of its kind. We have no staff writers or artists; we depend completely on submissions from teenagers nationwide for our content. We offer teenagers the opportunity to publish their creative work and opinions on the issues that affect their lives - everything from love and family to teen smoking and community service.
 Submission guidelines at http://www.teenink.com/About
Call for submissions for adult writers:
FrostFire Worlds is a new quarterly science fiction and fantasy adventures print magazine for young readers (ages 8-17) from Alban Lake Publishing. The first issue will be released on August 1, 2013. Submission guidelines at http://albanlake.com/guidelines-frost...
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Writing a Chapter Book, part 4/Calls for Submissions

This article is the fourthin the series: Writing a Chapter Book. 
Try the following tips:
1.      The readability level should match the age of the child. Word choice, sentence structure, and sentence length vary with age/grade levels. The reader will not recognize every word, but may be able to use context clues or sound out the word to figure it out. Use the readability check on the Word program. Many chapter books range from 4,000-12,000 words, with chapters running 400-1000 words, depending on the guidelines of the publisher. These books have shorter sentences and shorter paragraphs than middle grade novels and are often accompanied by line drawings scattered throughout the text. 2.      Many chapter books have 10 chapters with approximately 1000 words per chapter. I like to outline the plot with a general beginning, middle, and ending. I do this by numbering vertically 1-10 to indicate each chapter; then I write a sentence or two or maybe a paragraph defining the action in each chapter. As I write the story I allow myself to detour from this outline if I think it benefits the story. Sometimes, I rearrange the action in the chapters. If the action in chapter 8 works better in chapter 4, I make those changes. The outline helps me stay focused on the overall story, but I’m always modifying it as the story progresses.
 Next week, I’ll continue with chapter book tips.
Call for submissions for young writers:

Kid's Imagination Trail. All aboard! Welcome to the Kid's Imagination Train, where children can take the journey of readingin a brand new way. KIT offers book reviews, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction for kids ages 5 - 12. It’s unique in that it engages children by providing the opportunity to illustrate their favorite features and have them published online. I invite you to read, to learn, and to draw! ~ Randi Lynn Mrvos, Editor.
Submission guidelines at http://www.kidsimaginationtrain.blogs...
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale Magazine is an online publication for ages 13 and up. It publishes 2 pieces each month (story and/or poem). Authors receive a $25 gift certificate. Submissions are only open the first two days of each month.
Submission guidelines at http://www.fairytalemagazine.com/2011...
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Writing a Chapter Book, part III/Calls for Submissions

This article is the third  in the series: Writing a Chapter Book
Try the following tips:
1.      The simple, clear plots are fast paced. Smart, clever kids who outwit dragons or villains work with these readers. Events can be filled with drama but should not be nightmarish, nothing too scary. The story is told through the viewpoint of one character or is a narrative about the adventure of one character, sometimes two. This age group loves action-packed adventure and solving mysteries.        I’m in the process of writing an adventure story that has a puzzle the reader tries to solve. The puzzle involves distance so the puzzle keeps changing as the characters travel, but when the characters discover the solution to one puzzle near the end of the story, the readers can figure out the others. Some readers will figure out the solution before the characters do. That’s part of the fun of reading this type of book.
2.      As I begin forming the plot, I ask What if. What if a boy had a speech problem that embarrassed him but others thought was funny? What if a girl found a hoodie that could make her fly? What if a boy understood the language of bark and knew exactly what his dog was saying with each yip. The What if question stimulates the creative juices and provides the writer a variety of plot possibilities and character development opportunities. “What if questions work with any subject and almost any genre of literature.
What if…
You were unable to smile for a year
A space alien wanted to be a friend
You had a supernatural power for three days only
What if you tried this question when writing a chapter book and What if your work garnered a contract? Food for thought.
 Next week, I’ll continue with more chapter book tips.
Call for submissions for young writers:PATRIOT'S PEN CONTEST. The Patriot's Pen program is open to
students in grades 6-8 (on the Nov. 1 deadline), who are enrolled
in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program
in the United States and its territories. 2013-2014 theme, "What
Patriotism Means to Me." Limit 300 to 400 words. Top prize $5,000.Submission guidelines at http://www.vfw.org/Community/Patriot-s-Pen/Deadline: Deadline November 1, 2013
 Call for submissions for adult writers:
At U.S. Kids Magazines (Turtle, Humpty Dumpty, and Jack and Jill),
providing fun, entertaining reading material is our priority. We
accept humorous, playful, and witty stories that kids would love
to read—not stories that grownups think kids should read. As part
of the Children’s Better Health Institute, we are always in need
of high-quality stories, articles, and activities with a broad
health and fitness focus. Averages 25 to 30 cents/word.Submission guidelines at http://www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines/

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Writing a Chapter Book, part II/Calls for Submissions

This article is the second in the series: Writing a Chapter Book. 
1.     Before writing the first word, develop a character sketch of the main character. How does this character sound, look, and act? What upsets this character? What problem does the character face? How does the character act under pressure? Ask the questions and allow the character to answer in his/her voice. The point is to learn the character so the actions will stay consistent. Each secondary character should have distinguishable actions and voice so the reader can identify each. If all the characters act and sound alike, the story won’t be as interesting and the language won’t be as lively.
2.      Everyday experiences. As with all writing, keep the audience in mind. What appeals to kids in the 7-9 age range? They are interested in stories that reflect their own experiences, including such topics as friendship, school, family, playing sports (or dance or music or gymnastics), fitting in with a group, and other areas that directly affect their lives. They also face such challenges as parent’s divorce, loss of a sibling or beloved pet, or best friend moving away.
The more time you spend developing the story BEFORE you lay words to paper, the less time you will spend in revision. Call for submissions for young writers:
RED HOUSE YOUNG WRITER'S YEARBOOK 2013 COMPETITION (UK)
---
We want aspiring young writers from around the country to enter the
2013 Red House Young Writers’ Yearbook competition and win the chance
to see their stories or poems published in a beautiful book. The
winners will also be invited to a writing workshop, hosted by a
children's author, at The Imagine Children's Festival in February 2014.
To enter the competition, your child should be aged between 7 and 17.
They can submit a story, poem or article and it’s up to the individual
what subject they choose to write about. This year the competition
entries will be divided into four age categories: 7+, 9+, 11+ and 13+.
Entries must be under 1,000 words.
Submit by July 31st. Winners will be notified by September.
Details at http://my.redhouse.co.uk/content/red-house-young-writers-yearbook-2013-competition

Call for submissions for adult writers:
Spellbound is a children’s fantasy e-zine for 8-12 year olds.  Each issue will be published in ePub format, and available from Amazon.com, B&N.com and other online vendors.  This is a quarterly publication with reading periods.
A week or so ago, I posted information on Spellbound themes. An editor at Spellbound sent this message: We have started reading for a special, fairy tale themed edition of Spellbound which will be published in print and electronic.
Details for Spellbound available at http://eggplantproductions.com/genera...
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Writing a Chapter Book, part 1/Calls for submissions

This article is the first of a series.

Chapter books are for kids who are becoming fluent readers and bridge the gap between early readers and middle grade novels. Let’s take a look at the ingredients for stirring up a good chapter book.

The main character. The protagonist should be close to the age of the reader, or a little older. If the character is totally offbeat, completely strange, make the setting familiar, such as home or school. Conversely, if the characters are normal, the setting can be anywhere, even outer space or somewhere in the past or future.
The main character should be “good” even though s/he might display rude or mischievous behavior at times. Allow the characters to make mistakes so they can learn from those mistakes by the end of the story.
Next week, I’ll continue with chapter book tips.  
Call for submissions for young writers:
Crashtest publishes poetry, stories and creative non-fiction in the
form of personal essays, imaginative investigation, experimental
interviews, whatever, but please don’t send us the book report you
wrote for English or your Speech and Debate abstract. Any student
grades nine through twelve from any high school in the country (or
abroad) can submit to Crashtest, but we’d like to know a little bit
about who you are and where you come from. Please include a brief
cover letter in the body of your email submission that tells us a
little bit about yourself, your name and your grade at the very least.
Details at http://www.crashtestmag.com/?page_id=8
Call for submissions for adult writers:
CHICKEN SOUP: THE CAT DID WHAT? --- Our cats make us smile every day, but sometimes they really outdo themselves. Whether they came up with the idea themselves, or you put them in a situation that caused them to do something unusual, we want to hear about it! Tell us what your cat did that made people want to ask again and again, "The Cat Did What?" We are looking for first-person true stories and poems up to 1200 words. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both. We can't wait to read all the heartwarming, inspirational, and hysterical stories you have about your cats! Pays $200 and ten copies of the book.

Details at http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books

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Correction--Spellbound Call for Submissions

I mistakenly posted incorrect Spellbound calls for submissions and dates in the previous blog. The following is the correct information. Thanks, Rosi, for letting me know.
 Spellbound is a children's fantasy e-zine for 8-12 year olds. Authors and poets are welcome to submit their own artwork to accompany their stories and poems. Artwork should be submitted as per the art guidelines. Please understand artwork, poetry, and prose will be evaluated separately, and there is no guarantee that any or all “companion” work will be accepted together.
Please note this is a Middle Grade reader publication, not Young Adult.Themes and Submissions Periods
· Winter 2013: Giants, Reading/Submissions Period: July 1 – September 30, 2013
· Spring 2014: Dwarves, Reading/Submissions Period: October 1 – December 31, 2013
· Summer 2014: Sea Monsters, Reading/Submissions Period: January 1 – March 31, 2014
· Fall 2014: Magical Cats: Reading/Submissions Period: April 1 –  June 30, 2014
· Winter 2014: Elementals: Reading/Submissions Period: July 1 – September 30, 2014
All submissions will receive a response.
Fiction
Fiction Editor: Raechel Henderson
Word limit = 2,500
Payment = 2.5 cents per word
Rights bought: First World Electronic English-language Rights
Multiple submissions okay
No simultaneous submissions
We’re looking for stories involving magic, myth, legend and adventure in a fantasy setting. We want Spellbound to introduce children to fantasy in all its wonderful forms.
What we’re especially interested in seeing
· Young protagonists and showing girls in “heroic” roles.
· Non-Western European settings, characters and stories.
· Minorities and disabled characters.
· Stories where children protagonists have an active role in the story’s resolution.
Please send fiction submissions to submissions@eggplantproductions.com. Send submissions in the body of the e-mail. No attachments!
 






   

Publishing Trends/Calls for Submissions

Autumn has arrived, and with the changing season, it seems appropriate to look at the changes in the publishing world. Today, I’m once again focusing on trends in children’s publishing.

The middle grade and young adult fiction markets continue to be hot, but with some deviations. For years, series and trilogies captured the attention of agents and editors and still are, but stand-alone books are beginning to as well. Favorites of young readers are fantasy, science fiction, and mysteries.Nonfiction books dealing with history, science, and biographies are becoming more popular. This trend will probably continue due to the Common Core used by teachers across the nation. Picture books seem to be more popular, compared to the slump in the past few years. Animal stories have been a big hit in 2013.Beginning/early readers written with humor are growing in popularity.I enjoy staying current with the trends, not necessarily to write toward the most popular subjects, but to gain a better understanding of the publishing world.Call for submissions for young writers:
Speak Up Press accepts writers ages 13-19 years old as well as adult. We are always looking for new and engaging works of nonfiction for young adults. (Poetry submissions are closed.) We are looking for stories about finding voice, overcoming adversity, striking out in new directions, or being creative. Contemporary stories are preferred, but historical nonfiction is also accepted. If you are querying historical nonfiction, make sure you have a fresh and engaging angle for your story. Query one page first.

Details at http://speakuppress.org/submissions/ 

Call for submissions for adult writers:
Spellbound is a quarterly fantasy magazine for children 8-12. Each issue will be published in ePub format.  This is a quarterly publication with reading periods.
Themes and Reading Periods:
Winter 2012: Rings & Other Magic Things, Reading Period: July 1 – September 30, 2012
Spring 2013: Changelings & Doppelgangers, Reading Period: October 1, 2012 – December 31, 2013
Summer 2013: Dragons, Reading Period:  January 1 – March 31, 2013
Fall 2013: Creatures of the Deep Dark Woods, Reading Period: April 1 – June 30, 2013 
We want Spellbound to introduce children to fantasy in all its wonderful forms.Details at http://eggplantproductions.com/spellb... out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

WRITING PICTURE BOOKS—SIMPLY DIFFICULT, part 5/Calls for Submissions

This is the final article of the series, WRITING PICTURE BOOKS—SIMPLY DIFFICULT.1.                          Add humor. Kids love to giggle. Target the humor to a specific age group. The word “underwear” will make a five-year-old laugh out loud but a toddler won’t grasp the wit. The entire narrative doesn’t have to be loaded with humor. One funny line may be enough. For the best effect, place the humorous section at the end of the sentence.   
2.                          Write the unexpected. Predictability in pictures books can be a worthy format, but the story should not be predictable. Children love to chant repeated phrases, but keep the reader guessing about the plot.  
After completing the first draft, take your writing from simply difficult to simply fun. Play with the words, tweak them, and make them zing.  
Call for submissions for young writers:
Kid's Imagination Train, an ezine for ages 5-12, is now a paying market. Fiction/Poetry is $5.00 and nonfiction articles are $10.00.Submit manuscript by email.Details at http://www.kidsimaginationtrain.blogspot.com/ Call for submissions for adult writers:
Creative Nonfiction announces an anthology about all things babies, tentatively titled "Oh Baby! True Stories about Tiny Humans."Deadline:  October 14, 2013Details at http://www.literarymama.com/blog/archives/2013/08/calls-for-submission-round-up-august.html#sthash.KVb92X91.dpuf 
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Writing Picture Books--Simply Difficult, part 4/Calls for Submissions

This article is the fourth in the series, WRITING PICTURE BOOKS—SIMPLY DIFFICULT. Tips for writing nonfiction picture books.

Nonfiction literary devices. Creative nonfiction is a genre that uses literary devices often used by poets and fiction writers. The information is factual with a fun and interesting presentation. Biographies are often written in a creative nonfiction style and many have longer text than the typical picture book. Most of my fiction picture books are less than 650 words but my biographies are approximately 1,100 words.Speak to both the child and the adult. Sometimes, children want a particular book read over and over. If the character is creating chaos, aka misbehaving, develop an appropriate ending. If a lesson is learned, keep it subtle. Didactic stories that stress a message or moral don’t work in today’s market. THE MUNCHED-UP FLOWER GARDEN has a theme of “hard work pays off,” but those words are not in print, just implied.

This article will be continued in next week’s blog.
Call for submissions for young writers:
Letters About Literature Contest. Open to Children 4th-12th grade
Submission deadline for grades 9 to 12- December 10, 2013
Submission deadline for grades 4 to 8- January 10, 2014

Is there a favorite book or poem that changed your life? Why not write to that author and tell him or her just how important it was? Letters About Literature, sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, encourages students to write to authors.
Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters are judged on state and national levels. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature each year. Winners receive national recognition.
Details at: http://www.literarymama.com/blog/archives/2013/08/two-literature-contests-for-children.html#sthash.seaOeaPI.dpuf
Call for submissions for adult writers:
 Chicken Soup for the Soul is seeking submissions for a number of upcoming potential books. Topics include: Think Positive for Kids, The Dating Game, Miracles, and Multi-Tasking Moms.
Details at: http://www.literarymama.com/blog/archives/2013/08/calls-for-submission-round-up-august.html#sthash.KVb92X91.dpufCheck out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/