9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
So very grateful!!!, Feb 8 2009
By Spring Lea E. Henry "Ellorien" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wild Ink: How to Write Fiction for Young Adults (Paperback)
I picked up this book when I started my NaNoWriMo project for 2008, which as it happens, was a YA novel. After spending 11 years as a librarian, and the back 6 of that as a teen librarian, I really thought I *knew* YA lit inside out. WRONG! I knew YA lit as a reader. This book made me look at all that back-end thought process that makes YA lit so appealing. Just what characteristics do teen characters have that make them so memorable? What are the big elements that draw in teen readers? How does adult involvement in the story affect the plot? I found myself being inspired time and again to new character developments and plot details because of a passage from this book. It's very easy to read, as well, and doesn't feel the least bit preachy. I feel like the author is sitting in the room with me and giving a one-on-one tutelage in crafting a story that will appeal to teens. If I had to pick a one-word descriptor for this book, I would say: INVALUABLE!!! Thanks so much for helping me out!
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Invaluable Resource, Oct 6 2008
By Jon C. Gilbert - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wild Ink: How to Write Fiction for Young Adults (Paperback)
As a graduate of two correspondence courses offered by the Institute of Children's Literature I can honestly say that I wish I'd seen Victoria Hanley's book, Wild Ink, before I signed up for my first course. It would have saved me from learning a lot of irrelevant material and it definitely would have saved me some bucks.
Victoria's book covers what any inspiring writer of young adult fiction needs to know, from finding your writing self to getting your manuscript published.
If you have the discipline and dedication to pursue a writing career on your own then this book's for you. Commitment to being a successful writer is definitely needed, whether you take the expensive route, as I did, or take advantage of the priceless information contained within this book.
Ms. Hanley has provided an invaluable resource for the serious wannabe writer of young adult fiction. I highly recommend it.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Full of Wisdom and Great Practical Advice!, Sep 9 2008
By Laura Resau - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wild Ink: How to Write Fiction for Young Adults (Paperback)
Quick disclaimer-- I'm one of the authors interviewed for this book, but I would heartily recommend it even it I weren't! I've been looking for a book like this to recommend when I do writers' workshops, and finally, at long last... here it is! Wild Ink definitely fills the gap, and fills it beautifully. This book contains all the hard-earned wisdom and practical advice that I wished I knew before my first book was published. What I love most about Wild Ink is the compassionate, funny voice and the abundance of personal examples. Hanley covers a range of topics on writing for teens-- from overcoming self-doubt (which was a HUGE obstacle for me) to finding an authentic teen voice to submitting your manuscript. She gives a great overview of the sub-genres of young adult literature, and addresses all the common questions, such as the pluses and minuses of self-publishing, whether to include profanity or sex, and how to find your writing self. Hanley also includes interviews with agents, editors, and authors, which bring in a variety of fascinating perspectives. One thing that really sets Wild Ink apart from others of its kind is that it's obviously written from the heart, acknowledging the mysterious role of the spirit/unconscious self in writing... and as a writer who delves into this realm every day, I appreciate the way Hanley weaves it into her book.