Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up—Capturing readers' attention from the very first page, this book is an excellent resource for both teenagers and their teachers. From the development of characters, setting, voice, style, and plot, to the end with rewriting and polishing, readers are able to hone their writing skills. By using the "building your story" activities at the end of each chapter, they have opportunity to apply the techniques presented and experience the whole process. Hanley uses examples from familiar novels and authors such as "Harry Potter" and Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (Little, Brown, 2005) to illustrate elements of writing. The book concludes with interviews with young adult authors, in which they include advice to aspiring young writers. This book is an excellent resource for creative writing classes as well as individuals.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD
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Review

Winner of the Colorado Authors' League 2009 "Top Hand" award for young adult nonfiction

Winner of the Silver Award in the 2009 PUBWest Book Design Awards competition (children's/young adult book non-illustrated category)

"Capturing readers' attention from the very first page, this book is an excellent resource for both teenagers and their teachers."  —School Library Journal

"Filled to the brim with inspiration and information . . . a valuable resource for aspiring writers of all ages."  —Children's Literature

"Worthy investment for writing instruction collections." —VOYA

"An amazing book about creative writing for teenagers and young adults who are developing voices and visions . . . an invaluable resource not only for young writers but for all writers."  —National Association of Gifted Children Newsletter

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Cottonwood Press, Inc. (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1877673811
• ISBN-13: 978-1877673818
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,852 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous handbook for anyone who has ever considered writing, December 3, 2008

By	NicoBear (Gainesville, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

"Seize the Story" is an amazing book. It reads like a novel; with a "can't put it down" style. While geared for young adults, it is for anyone who has ever written, wanted to write or thought about writing. It breaks writing down into steps that build on one another like a recipe. The simplicity is ingenious. Victoria Hanley captures all the elements of writing, and isolates them one by one, with an incredibly engaging style making writing accessible in a way I never would have dreamed. I recommend this book to any writer, or aspiring writer, of any age.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on the writing craft that I have read, November 18, 2008

By	Claudia J. Mills - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

From the first line - "Your stories are all yours and waiting to be told" - I loved this book. The tone is so warm and welcoming, inviting aspiring teen writers into the fellowship of those who love the written word. I have read many books on the craft of writing, and none is better than this one, in terms of giving extremely clear directions on every subject from plotting, character development, dialogue, point of view, showing vs. telling - all with abundant, concrete examples of common writing mistakes. Each chapter begins with an inspirational writing quotation; the book concludes with interviews with fifteen well-published, award-winning teen authors; readers will love the actual reproduction of a small section of one of Hanley's own much-scribbled-over first drafts. Although the book is targeted at teens, it would be equally helpful for all writers, at any level. As someone frequently asked to teach writing seminars, I plan to rely on this heavily in my own teaching - in fact, I'll be tempted to tell prospective students: "Skip my class and just read this book!"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, Friendly, Inspiring Craft Advice --Seize it Now!, October 19, 2008

By	Todd Mitchell "Author of The Traitor King" (Colorado) - See all my reviews

Victoria's experience as an award winning Young Adult writer, and as a teacher of teens, shows in this book. She knows how to address teen writers without being condescending or boring. Few craft books are able to pull off the feat of giving pragmatic and insightful advice without becoming text-booky and dull, but this one does it. The chapters have an effective combination of insights, craft points, and exercises, that will not only help you write better, they'll make you want to write more. Although the book is aimed at teens, I think many adults (especially adults who want to write for teens) will find it useful as well. In addition to Victoria's extensive advice, she's interviewed and included excerpts from several other published authors (like me --I'm in there!). It's a great gift for aspiring and accomplished writers alike.