R.G. Cordiner's Blog, page 5
April 27, 2011
April 26, 2011
Candy Wars II – draft cover
This is the draft of the new Candy Wars II cover – opinions welcome.
April 17, 2011
Twists in books
I am a strong believer of utilising twists in books – particularly middle grade. Let's be clear here what we are talking about – I see a twist as something unexpected, a sudden turn in the story – often in the end. I feel it encourages, more than a happy ending does, a repeat reading – something crucial at this age. Also it facilitates readers to look at what they are reading more critically to see if they can pick the twist given the clues in the book – again an important skill.
April 12, 2011
Upcoming books
Click the next tab above – I have put in a rough guide to my upcoming books (obviously subject to change) – comments welcome!
April 11, 2011
Exclusive Candy Wars II preview
Today on cordiner.wordpress.com – an exclusive preview of Candy Wars II – click on the Candy Wars II tab above to go to the preview or download it here – CANDY WARS II preview.
April 10, 2011
The Middle Grade
When I initially started to write, it was because, as a teacher, there seemed to be a lack of books that were exciting for this generation, whilst encouraging them to broaden their vocabulary. Roald Dahl was one of the few authors who could do it. Charlotte's Web – great book, great vocabulary – but didn't grip my class. So this inspired me to write my own. Since then I've written three books, and am writing my fourth. Each one I write is about 35,000 words and I try to make them adult friendly as well. I was later told that this is the middle grade 'genre' or range – sort of the preteen to early teen readers (before they move to Young Adult). It is a tough market as a lot of purchasing decisions are made by parents, and ebooks have yet to be snapped up in bulk by kids yet. But the problem is – it is what I like to write. I like action packed stories, with a twist. My wife says that I should write romance or thrillers because that is what sells (and we could retire!). Problem is – it's not my thing. I'm a middle grade author – and I'm proud of it. Last term a mother came to me and told me that Bug Island was the first book that had excited her child and now, having read it, he loved it and is keen to read more books. I don't think I'd get the same reaction for adult books…
April 7, 2011
Writing and Inspiration
Sometimes it is difficult to write. There are other things going on in life, plenty of distractions. I often find it hard to avoid distractions – suddenly you visit sites you haven't visited in ages, or plan an elaborate meal, or go for a walk, or check the tv, or suddenly have a desire for a giant coffee. But more and more I'm finding if I just force myself to sit still and just write something, anything – then suddenly progress is made and all of a sudden I'm back in that world.
More later – feel an urge for a giant cooked breakfast 
