I recently decided to take a little break from my current Mid Grade WIP to work on a new idea. My new project is an early chapter book and I love, love, love, the idea so I decided to jump in with both feet.
Not quite an easy-to-read story and not nearly as difficult as a mid-grade chapter book, early chapter books provide an all important step in helping young readers become more independent.
Barbara Seuling in her book How to Write a Children’s Book and Get it Published states that early chapter books share these characteristics:
- Meatier stories- A step up from easy readers, but not quite as complex as a mid-grade novel
- Shorter chapters- Gives the child a sense of accomplishment
- Use everyday experiences for the basis of the stories
- Adults play a significant role in the life of the hero or heroine
Here are some of Ms. Seuling’s suggestions to help you in writing an early chapter book:
- Read several early chapter books- What is the idea that the story is based on? Who are the characters? What situations would a base a story on for seven to ten year olds?
- Choose one of the books you have read in step 1 and write a one sentence summary for each chapter. This will help you to see how the book it plotted and developed.
I am currently doing the suggestions and rediscovering the joy of Judy Moody, Franny K. Stein, The Magic Tree house, and Captain Underpants (that Dav Pilkey is a genius). I am also in the process of discovering some new friends as I search book stores and ask which books sell and which don’t.
I’ll keep you posted as I continue on my trek.
Happy Writing,
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
I’m so excited about your new project! Great tips, BTW.
SBB
Thanks Suzanne.
The suggested reading and tips.
Good luck with your new project.
Thanks for visiting Barbara.
I have an awesome idea for a set of early chapter books. I was just looking at some excerpts from Barbara’s book. thank you so much for the encouragement. I am very excited about this project.
Peter- I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Keep writing. Sue