ISWG: When a Story Feels Like a Hug: Lessons from the Winding Path of Writing

 

When I started writing my current book, I was focused on one thing: creating the kind of story I loved as a child and that my friends were longing to find for their own families. I wanted a world where homeschooling wasn’t a problem to be solved, but a natural way of life—a place where laughter truly is the best medicine. Most of all, this story is a love letter to my favorite book, Anne of Green Gables, and to my sons' beautiful childhood, which I am so grateful to have had a front-row seat to.
 

As I sent the manuscript off to beta readers, I wondered: would my joy (and my sense of humor) land? Would readers relate to my spunky, Anne-hearted main character? Most of all, I hoped my friends who love a comfort read would feel like the story was one big hug. I wanted to create something that fellow homeschool parents would not only feel safe with but would be excited to pass along to their children. After getting some early feedback from beta readers, I was so relieved to find that the heart of the story arrived safely.

 

If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share monthly about the winding paths of the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.

This month’s question: What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

 A few quotes that have encouraged me to keep going (and finish these endless edits):

a few of my favorite books

 Is my story too old-fashioned? 

"As a big fan of Anne of Green Gables... I was ten years old again, immersed in Anne's world."

–CW, Middle Grade Author

I was worried that no one read Anne anymore (as I was told numerous times) or that my story was too quaint. And I definitely worried I could not do Montgomery justice. When CW mentioned the classics, it reminded me why these stories matter so much and why many of us give our kids a taste of them early. It’s about building memories and being part of a long conversation.

a breed of rabbit similar to those in my novel

 Were my characters too niche?

 "Josephine. 100% Josephine... she has a really, really, really, exasperating food allergy. I have never read a book with a character with food allergies like that. Also, Josephine is a HUGE rabbit fan. I love rabbits."

–Lizzy B, Homeschool Graduate, Reviewer, and Up-and-coming Authoress

 

Sometimes, as writers, we worry that our characters are too small or too specific, or that no one will relate to them. But it’s in being so specific (and often writing from our own experience) that we create a character that makes a reader feel seen. As readers, we’re always looking for a story where we can latch on to a character like a long-lost friend. “Oh, you too?” That’s the wonderful part of reading—getting that inner glimpse of someone else’s life.

books, paints, and tea, what else do you need?

    Will readers even like the story? 

"It's a really great story, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to friends when you're done!"

–TR, homeschool mom

There’s the muddy middle of a rough draft, but there’s also the muddy middle of editing and finishing a book. It’s so easy to lose heart—to feel like we won’t ever finish and no one will ever read the story anyway.
 

But this quote inspires me to keep going. I have a goal—finishing—so those friends can read it. And as a reader, it reminds me of one of the joys of having this blog: suggesting my favorites, discussing yours, and feeling like we have our own online book club (where we actually talk about books—and not just other things).
 

Whether we are the ones writing the words or the ones tucked under a quilt reading them, we are all looking for the same thing: a story that leaves us feeling happy and a little less alone.

On the Front Porch

    To the readers: What is a book that made you feel "ten years old again"? 

    To the writers: What is the one piece of feedback that kept you going when the path felt long?

   

I'm so grateful to be part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group community. 

 

A special thank you to this month's wonderful co-hosts: 

Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

 

You can join us here.

 

If you love gentle, heart-filled stories, come sit a while—I’m writing one, too. 

Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Photo credits: Front porch from Canva, all other photos by Jenni Enzor, Watercolor of books, paintbrushes, and coffee cup by Jenni Enzor

MMGM: Four Cozy Winter Books for Tweens

Are you looking for some cozy winter readings for reading aloud or independent reading? I love nothing more than cozying up with a warm beverage (usually Earl Grey tea, but sometimes hot cocoa), a warm blanket, and watching the snow (or rain here in Oregon) fall.

Today I’m featuring a few winter themed titles we’ve enjoyed recently. Some are older classics and some new. 

 

If You Loved, Call of the Wild, Try Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson

 

 

What sets apart this sled dog story is that the main character, McKenna, is also trying to hide that she’s losing her vision due to Stargardt disease. Bringing the mail by sled means help and recognition for her sister, who has the same disease, but more progressed, but it will also test McKenna’s bravery and lack of vision. She is joined by some side characters—I particularly liked Guy, who had a blind lead dog and a great sense of fun. But the focus on family and McKenna needing to learn to trust others and not try to do it all alone made this book stand out for me. I love a character-driven novel, but this also had a ton of action and dogs, of course!

If You Loved Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, Try Snow Treasure

 

A classic. Written in 1942, but based on a true event that happened in 1940, this book reflects the times it was written in as there tended to be more focus on the adults (at least at first) and more “telling” than in contemporary novels. However, the story really picks up at the mid-point. Norwegian kids must hide gold bullion on their sleds in order to take it to a waiting boat. Peter is the nephew of the man who will take the gold to America where it will be used to buy weapons for the resistance. There is a lot of excitement, and I absolutely loved how the kids were able to sneak past the Germans just because no one suspected kids.

Note: There is also a 1967 movie of the book. It added a romantic storyline, which wasn’t really needed, and some other changes to the plot that just didn’t sit right with me. Just stick with the book.

 

If You Loved Wind in the Willows, Try The Willows in Winter by William Horwood

 

 

This is a sequel, written by another author, of the Wind in the Willows novel. The author, William Horwood, said that he came up with the idea because he didn’t think Toad would continue to behave. 😊 In this story, Mole goes out in the snow only to get lost and the rest of the animal friends try to find them—and of course, in Toadian style—an airplane is involved. I thought Horwood did such a wonderful job of capturing the language and feel of the classic book (although if you love fast-paced action, this book may not be for you.) Except for a weird spiritual experience by a couple of the animals (maybe preread so that you can discuss with children), I really enjoyed this one.

There is also a movie, a cartoon version, on Youtube, which I haven’t watched yet. 

If You Loved The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis, Try I Lived Through a Windchill Advisory by Annika Klanderud

 

 

Full disclosure: Annika Klanderud is a dear friend of mine. Her debut released last November. As she said in an interview, "I wanted to write a book where being black was normal." In this novel, Ray tries to win friends through an elaborate pizza and frappucino scheme, but along the way, he discovers that the people he thought were "perfect" might not be so perfect after all, and true friends come in unexpectedly places. I really enjoyed this heartfelt take on discerning true friends, finding your people, and what it means to fit in.

 

 

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

Is it no surprise that I loooved Dog Driven? If only my owners would let me pull a sled—and get around snow more often. Oh, well. I will stick to my walks in the park.

 

I want to hear from you!

 

Have you read any good winter books lately? Are you a cozy up with a warm blanket or read in a hammock kind of reader? 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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MMGM: MG Comfort Reads

With all that's going on, I thought I'd post some links to some MG books that either make you laugh or take you to another world. Books can heal. They can also take you to other worlds when travel is not an option. I've also added a few classics at the end of this list that are in the public domain should you not be able to access your library.

Funny MG:

Alvin Ho--This kid who is afraid of everything will appeal to the younger middle grade set. My favorite is his book about traveling to China.

Ungifted--I've enjoyed all Korman's books I've read so far, but this one about an ungifted boy who ends up in a gifted school is especially hilarious.

Watsons Go to Birmingham--This is a serious book about the civil rights movement, but it has many funny moments. I especially enjoyed how this family dealt with their teenage son. :)

A Whole Nother Story--I'm always surprised this title is not more well known. How can you not chuckle about this family with their ever changing secret identities, a pet sock puppet, and a narrator doling out unsolicited advice? A favorite of my senior in high school when he was in late elementary school/middle school.

Take Me Away MG:

Penderwicks: I've enjoyed this whole series. This is a great title for anyone who likes to live with a family who's creative and intelligent and has adventures in our ordinary world. Great inspiration for ways to have fun that's not digital.

Gail Carson Levine Books--This link will take you to The Two Princesses of Bamarre review, my favorite, but all of her books take you away to another world with intricate languages, customs, fairy tale elements, and cultures.

Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place--This series about children raised by wolves and their governess reminds me of The Series of Unfortunate Events, but not as dark. It has a lot of literary humor woven throughout by the omniscient narrator. And its settings include the seaside, London, the English countryside, and Russia!

Bloomability: I don't have a review posted for this book yet, but it's my favorite Sharon Creech. A girl unwillingly goes to a Swiss international school and learns to "bloom." If you have had to cancel travel plans due to the epidemic, this book might help ease the pain.

Classic MG:

Railway Children or The Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit

Nesbit was one of the first writers to write for children. These are my two favorites. Railway Children, like the Penderwicks, will inspire you to find fun in the ordinary. Five Children and It is a fantasy about a creature who grants whatever you wish with hilarious results! (However, I don't recommend the movie. The book is so much better!)

The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I include this one, because Sara is a great example of how to keep your dignity when your life is turned upside down. She acts like a true princess, being kind to everyone no matter her circumstances or how she is treated.The ending of the book is different (and more believable) than the movie.

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

Pollyanna gets a bad rap for being too perfect at times. But personally, I needed this book to remind me to play the “Glad Game” and count my blessings right now.

I hope that you are finding solace in stories right now. What are your favorite comfort reads? What you watching right now? Let me know in the comments!

To join the MMGM fun or read more MG reviews, go to Always in the Middle.