Wild Ink: How to Write Fiction for Young Adults [Paperback]

Victoria Hanley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1877673803 | ISBN-13: 978-1877673801

How do writers break into the flourishing young adult (YA) market? How do they tap into their wild side and find their "inner teen" What are pitfalls to be aware of when submitting manuscripts for this specialized market? Wild Ink provides answers.

With humor and a solid grounding in reality, author Victoria Hanley helps readers understand the ins and outs of the YA genre, how to stay inspired, and how to avoid common mistakes writers make in trying to reach teens. She includes unique writing exercises to help readers find their own authentic teen voice. And she doesn't stop there. She goes on to interview agents, editors, and 18 authors working in the field. Engaging and informative interviews with YA authors such as T.A. Barron, Joan Bauer, Chris Crutcher, and Lauren Myracle provide insight into the real world of writing.

This book is packed with fascinating information, detail, and inspiration for anyone interested in writing for teens.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What appears to be yet another run-of-the-mill fantasy story turns out to be quite a gripping tale of loyalty, treachery, fortitude, a search for truth, and love.

--School Librarian

Amazon.com Review

Aspiring authors will appreciate the concise information and helpful hints about writing books and getting them published...A valuable resource for both authors and teachers of writing.

--Children's Literature

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Prufrock Press, Inc. (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1877673803
• ISBN-13: 978-1877673801
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So very grateful!!!, February 8, 2009

By 

Spring Lea E. Henry "Ellorien" (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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!

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Resource, October 6, 2008

By 

Jon C. Gilbert (Fort Collins, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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!, September 9, 2008

By 

Laura Resau (Colorado) - See all my reviews

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.