The Role of a Sidekick in your Story

Best friends Abi and Jess help each other
discover a ghost in Secret of the Mist:
an Abi Wunder Mystery
Illustration by Danika Corrall

By Linda Wilson    @LinWilsonauthor

The sidekick in your story can be more than a loyal companion for your main character, MC; more than a conduit for dialogue. Think of what some of our most beloved sidekicks have added to their stories: 

• Piglet from Winnie-the-Pooh: constantly questioning the world, and himself.
• Huckleberry Finn: Tom Sawyer’s loyal friend in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the roles are reversed.
• Tinkerbell: devoted to Peter Pan, in JM Barrie's classic story, Peter Pan, but who is also a hero herself.

What is a Sidekick’s Function?

• Narrator: A sidekick can fill in parts of the story that need to be told.
• Lovability factor: A sidekick can show a certain fondness for the main character, which readers find irresistible.  
• Sheds light on the main character’s idiosyncrasies: while grounding readers in more of a balanced personality.
• Offers a varied point of view
• Helps the main character grow, while growing herself.

The articles listed below helped me expand Jess’s role as Abi’s sidekick, who is also Abi’s best friend, in my Abi Wunder mystery series. In book 1, Secret in the Stars, Jess becomes Abi’s loyal friend and companion. Her role in that book was also to point out Abi’s strengths and weaknesses, as Abi embarked on her quest. In book 2, Secret in the Mist, Jess plays a more prominent role.

Sidekicks can:

• Have a strong personality in their own right, while still complimenting the MC.
• Have her own strengths.
• Make an impact equal to that of the MC’s.
• Have her own special moment to shine. In Mist, Jess challenges Abi to break out of her comfort zone, use the knowledge she has gained from horseback riding lessons, and race her horse across a field, galloping part way. Abi never would have tried that without Jess's encouragement.
• Be in the spotlight by taking command of the situation at times, rather than simply following the MC’s lead.

On a personal note, there are no sidekicks in three of my picture books, which star Thistletoe, in A Packrat's Holiday: Thistletoe's Gift, Waddles, in Waddles the Duck: Hey, Wait for Me, and Ashley, in Tall Boots. Though Kaylee, one of the sisters in Cradle in the Wild, is older, she and her sister, Madison, have virtually equal roles in the story. Normally, there is only one main character in a picture book. But  in Cradle, the two sisters work beautifully together.

Although it was fun creating the “stars” as MCs in my books, I think I’ve enjoyed adding sidekicks even more. They help my readers as well as myself take a closer look at the MCs. 

Antagonists can have sidekicks, too. According to Victoria Grossack, in her article "Crafting Fabulous Fiction: A Study in Sidekicks," "the hobbits Merry and Pippin, when separated from Frodo and Sam, still have each other for a good portion of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This makes the conversation much better!"

In Mist, an editor suggested I leave a sidekick for the antagonist out of the story. That made two sidekicks in the story! Her suggestion was that “(the antagonist's sidekick) doesn't really add much to the story.” I considered her suggestion, but have decided to keep my antagonist’s sidekick in. I think she adds humor, revealing dialogue regarding the main antagonist, and also a certain kind of enthusiasm that the other characters don’t possess. This second sidekick, who I think readers will enjoy, stays in! 

Sources

https://www.johnhearneauthor.com/post/who-are-the-best-sidekicks-in-children-s-fiction 

https://www.writing-world.com/victoria/crafting06.shtml 

https://slayground.livejournal.com/129939.html -- offers a list of well-known sidekicks in children's literature

Illustration: By Danika Corrall. Danika, who also designed my website, which is beautiful, can be reached at hello@danikacorrall.com. 

The holidays are approaching,
a good time to sell books at
holiday fairs!

Linda Wilson is the author of the Abi Wunder Mystery series and other books for children. Her two new releases are Waddles the Duck: Hey, Wait for Me! (2022) and Cradle in the Wild: A Book for Nature Lovers Everywhere (2023). You’ll find Linda on her Amazon author page, on her website at LindaWilsonAuthor.com, and on Facebook.

Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources: A Writer's Guide to Mastering the Research Process

 by Suzanne Lieurance

When you're crafting a piece of writing—be it fiction, non-fiction, or anything in between—understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is crucial. 

 

Not only will it enhance the credibility of your work, but it will also deepen your understanding of the subject matter, allowing you to write with authority and confidence. 

 

Let’s dive into what these sources are, why they matter, and how you can find them.

 

What Are Primary and Secondary Sources?

 

Primary sources are the raw materials of history—original documents, objects, or artifacts created during the time under study. 

 

Think of them as the closest you can get to the original event, idea, or piece of art you're researching. 

 

These sources haven’t been filtered through interpretation or analysis, which makes them invaluable for getting an authentic glimpse into the past.

 

Examples of primary sources include:

 

- Diaries, letters, or personal journals

- Photographs, videos, or recordings

- Official documents like birth certificates, patents, or treaties

- Original manuscripts, drafts, or works of art

- Firsthand accounts, interviews, or speeches

 

Secondary sources, on the other hand, are interpretations, analyses, or summaries of primary sources. 

 

These are usually created by someone who wasn’t directly involved in the event or topic at hand but has studied it extensively. 

 

Secondary sources help us understand and contextualize primary sources, providing a broader perspective.

 

Examples of secondary sources include:

 

- Books or articles that analyze or interpret historical events

- Biographies

- Reviews and critical essays

- Documentaries

- Academic papers or theses

 

Why These Sources Matter to Writers

 

Whether you’re writing historical fiction, crafting an essay, or working on a novel, using primary and secondary sources can bring depth and authenticity to your work. 

 

Primary sources give you a direct window into the world you're writing about, allowing you to capture the details and nuances that make your writing come alive. 

 

Secondary sources, meanwhile, help you understand the broader context, so you can weave in layers of meaning and insight.

 

Imagine you're writing a novel set in World War II. 

A primary source might be a soldier's diary from the front lines, giving you raw, unfiltered emotion and perspective. 

 

A secondary source could be a historian’s book on the strategies used in key battles, helping you frame your narrative within the larger context of the war. 

 

By blending both types of sources, you create a story that’s not only vivid but also grounded in reality.

 

Tips for Finding Primary Sources

 

#1. Visit Archives and Libraries.

 

Many primary sources are stored in archives, museums, or special collections at libraries. 

 

Universities often have extensive archives, and don’t forget local historical societies—they can be treasure troves of firsthand accounts and original documents.

 

#2. Explore Digital Collections.

 

The Internet is a goldmine of digitized primary sources. 

 

Websites like the Library of Congress, Google Books, and the National Archives offer access to thousands of documents, photos, and recordings. 

 

For international sources, try sites like Europeana or the British Library’s digital archives.

 

#3. Conduct Interviews.

 

If your topic is recent or ongoing, interviewing people with firsthand experience can provide invaluable primary material. 

 

Prepare thoughtful questions and listen carefully—sometimes the smallest details can spark the most compelling ideas.

 

#4. Use Social Media Wisely.

 

Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube can serve as modern primary sources. 

 

Posts, tweets, and videos from individuals directly involved in events can give you a real-time glimpse into their thoughts and experiences.

 

Tips for Finding Secondary Sources

 

#1. Search Academic Databases.

 

If you’re looking for scholarly analysis, academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or PubMed are your best friends. 

 

These platforms house thousands of articles, papers, and books on virtually any topic.

 

#2. Read Critically Acclaimed Books.

 

Books written by experts in the field often serve as comprehensive secondary sources. 

 

Look for works that have been reviewed by credible sources or published by reputable academic presses.

 

#3. Read Literature Reviews.

 

A literature review summarizes existing research on a topic, making it a great starting point for finding relevant secondary sources. 

 

These reviews often cite key studies and books, pointing you directly to valuable resources.

 

#4. Watch Documentaries.

 

Documentaries can be excellent secondary sources, especially those that provide analysis and context on historical events. 

 

Pay attention to the sources they reference—they can lead you to both primary and secondary materials.

 

Bringing It All Together

 

By skillfully combining primary and secondary sources, you not only enrich your writing but also ensure that it stands up to scrutiny. 

 

Remember, primary sources bring you close to the original event or idea, giving your work authenticity and immediacy. 

 

Secondary sources provide the context and analysis that help you see the bigger picture.

 

As writers, our job is to tell stories that resonate, whether they’re based on facts or fiction. 

 

Using a mix of primary and secondary sources in your research is like having a conversation between the past and present, creating a narrative that’s both engaging and grounded in truth.

 

So next time you sit down to write, don’t just Google your way through research. 

 

Dig deeper, explore those archives, and see what stories the sources have to tell. 

 

Your readers—and your writing—will thank you for it.

And now, for more writing tips and resources, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge. 

Suzanne Lieurance is an award-winning author with over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers. Visit her website for writers at writebythesea.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Marketing: Get Out of Your Own Way

 

Contributed by Margot Conor

Most of the writers I know have absolutely no interest in marketing their books. When they are finally persuaded that they must do it, they are at a loss where to begin. Worst still are those, like me, who are introverted and find it nearly impossible to toot their own horn.

I suggest we all need to get out of our own way… push past that block… and take control of the task by whatever means we are able! But do not shirk this responsibility. It is a necessary part of being an author. Writing is a business, and your book is your product.

I found my answer to this problem through unconventional means. Method acting involves deeply immersing oneself into a character, embodying their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to deliver an authentic performance. Similarly, as an author I wear many hats and one of them requires that I fully embrace the fact that I know my book best, and I have to be the one to sell it.

To do this I take on a new persona and become a promoter for Margot Conor. I think of this promoter as her assistant, effectively becoming her sales and marketing representative. I don’t have a knack for sales or an outgoing personality, but she does. She is confident and eager to share what is exceptional and wonderful about Margot Conor’s books.

Method Acting won’t be the answer to every author’s shyness about marketing, but there are ways that authors can promote their work that will embrace their natural talents. I think you will find this way of engaging with your audience feels less like marketing and more like making new friends who share your interests. Here are a few ideas you might try.

Character-Driven Promotions

Just as method actors bring characters to life, authors can use their book’s characters to drive promotions. This might involve creating social media profiles for characters, writing blog posts from a character’s perspective, or hosting live readings in character. Character-driven promotions can make the book feel more real and relatable to potential readers.

A Deeper Look into Needs & Preferences

It has been a point of interest for me that many authors assume they know what their readers want. When asked why they think so, they may say they read in the genre and know what is popular. That is important, and it will give insights into trends.

But to really understand your ideal reader you may need to get more personal and address their questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Create social media posts with a question on them. Or create a questionnaire. Ask whatever you’re inspired to learn about your followers. One idea is to ask what their all-time favorite books are, and what has remained dear to them or left a lasting impression long after they put the book down. Do a deep dive into their interests and preferences. (Genre or Book related). Then tailor your marketing strategies with what you learn in mind. Understanding your readers helps you to better meet their expectations.

Inquisitive Engagement as a Call to Action

Actors often ask themselves questions about their character’s motivations and backstory. As a marketer, you can use inquisitive engagement as a call to action. Asking questions in social media posts, blog entries, or newsletters can prompt readers to engage with the content more deeply.

For example, an author might ask readers what they think will happen next in the story they are writing, or how they relate to a particular character or theme. This encourages interaction and keeps readers invested in the book.

Unconventional Strategies

If you are still uncertain about how to market your book, here are a few more unconventional ways to connect with your audience or find your ideal reader…

1. Collaborate with Influencers and Bloggers

Target Niche Influencers: Identify influencers or bloggers who cater to your book's genre or target audience. A personal approach requesting a review or a feature can lead to new readers discovering your book.

Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for popular blogs within your niche. Share insights related to your book's themes or your writing process, subtly promoting your book in the bio or content.

2. Host Interactive Online Events

Virtual Book Launch Parties: Use platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live to host a virtual book launch. Include readings, Q&A sessions, and giveaways to engage your audience.

Webinars and Workshops: Conduct webinars or workshops related to your book's topic or genre. For example, if your book is about writing techniques, host a workshop on character development.

3. Leverage Social Media Creatively

Storytelling on Social Media: Use Instagram Stories, Twitter threads, or Facebook posts to share snippets from your book, character backstories, or writing tips.

Themed Hashtags: Create and use a unique hashtag related to your book. Encourage your readers to use it when sharing their thoughts or photos related to your book.

4. Engage with Local Communities

Local Libraries and Bookstores: Partner with local libraries and independent bookstores for book signings, readings, or discussions. These venues often have dedicated audiences interested in supporting local authors.

Community Groups and Clubs: Join or create book clubs, writing groups, or community forums. These smaller, engaged audiences can become loyal readers and advocates for your book.

5. Utilize Online Forums and Niche Communities

Reddit: Participate in subreddits related to your book’s genre. Share your book, but also engage in discussions to build rapport with the community.

Goodreads Groups: Join Goodreads groups that align with your book’s genre. Actively participate in discussions and subtly promote your book when relevant.

6. Create Multimedia Content

Podcasts: Start a podcast related to your book’s themes or be a guest on existing podcasts. This can introduce your book to new listeners.

YouTube Channel: Create a YouTube channel where you discuss your writing process, share book readings, or offer writing tips. Visual and audio content can attract a different audience than traditional marketing.

7. Interactive Content and Games

Quizzes and Polls: Create engaging quizzes or polls related to your book’s content. For example, a quiz determining “Which Character from [Your Book] Are You?” can be fun and shareable.

Book Trailers: Produce a short, captivating trailer for your book. Share it on social media and your website to attract visual learners and movie enthusiasts.

8. Connect with Book Clubs and Reading Groups

Book Club Outreach: Reach out to book clubs and offer to join their meetings virtually to discuss your book. Providing discussion questions can also be a valuable addition.

Reading Challenges: Encourage readers to participate in reading challenges that include your book. This can be done through social media campaigns or partnerships with reading websites.

Just using some of these strategies will help you get out of your own book marketing way!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margot Conor has been writing for as long as she can remember, but it wasn't until the COVID lock-down that she had enough time to dedicate to the craft and bring something to completion. Having finished her first novel, she went through the grueling two-year process of editing. Now she has jumped into the author's world with both feet. She's preparing to debut her first novel, which means learning how to promote it. The last year has been spent attending many writing retreats, seminars, and writers' events. She also listened to presentations specifically on the topic of publishing and book marketing. She will be sharing what she learns with the reader.
Learn more about Margot at https://margotconor.com/

Where Is The Easy Part of Publishing?

By Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin)

Like an imaginary airline named “EasyJet,” I meet many authors who are looking for the easy aspects of publishing. I’m going to give you the truth upfront: it doesn’t exist. After being in this business for years, each aspect of this work contains aspects where your book can crash and not succeed. The unfortunate fact is many of these details are outside of anything the author can control. But don’t worry. In this article, I’m going to give you some insights and resources for your publishing journey--in particular follow my links in my bio at the end.

In the last ten years, the publishing world has changed. In the past, self-publishing was the poor stepsister to traditional publishing. These self-made titles often looked poor and were not accepted in libraries or bookstores. As book production has improved, this attitude is shifting. There are still poorly made self-published books and the average self-published title sells less than 200 copies during the lifetime of the book.

My bent in this area is to get the largest distribution and produce the best book you can produce. It’s why I continue to encourage authors to create a book proposal and work with traditional publishers as well as explore other models like Morgan James Publishing (where I’ve worked for over ten years).

While there are many ways and companies to help you create your book, at the end of the day, the key question relates to sales of that book. Is it selling? Are people buying it on a consistent basis? Are you as the author promoting your book consistently? One of the best ways to learn about publishing is to consistently read how-to books about writing or marketing. As you read these books and take action from the information, you will grow as a writer. I’ve got stacks of these types of books that I read.

Books that last and continue to sell in the market are rare. Traditional publishers are known to be fickle in this area. I have seen it when I’ve worked inside publishing houses (not Morgan James). You work hard to get a book published and into the market, then for whatever reason it does not sell, then a publishing executive writes a letter to the author or literary agent and takes the book out of print.

New Books Need Reviews

Several weeks ago, I was skimming on Facebook and noticed one of my author friends was talking about a new book. I wrote this friend and offered to review her book. She was going to ask her publisher to send me a book. I promptly pressed on to something else and almost forgot about it. Then the review copy arrived this week. I’m eager to write a few words of review to help my friend.

The publisher launched this book on March 1st. As a part of my process of getting ready to review this book, I checked the book page on Amazon. Nine days after the launch, it looked like my review was going to be the first one. There were no reviews for this book. Reviews are important to every author because they are social proof that readers love your book. It’s why I work as an author to ask others to review my book and also review books for others on Amazon and Goodreads.

I emailed my author friend about her lack of reviews. Now this author has sold thousands of copies of some of her other books. She has a full-time job—not as an author. Despite her years in publishing, I found her response interesting. Her email blamed the lack of effort on the marketing department of her publisher.

One of the best ways for you to take responsibility is to create your own marketing plans. Whether you self-publish or have a traditional publisher to get your book into the bookstore, these plans are important. Whether your book is launching soon or has been out for a while, you need to be creating and executing your own marketing plans.

A marketing plan from the author is a key element in every book proposal. The proposal is your business plan. If you have such a plan, are you taking action to execute it? Does your plan need adjustment and updating?

It Takes Author Activity to Sell Books

Before I began working inside a book publishing house, I had written more than 50 nonfiction books, ranging from children to adult books. I have only self-published one book  and in general worked through traditional publishers.

However, I was unaware of the financial production numbers for nonfiction books and I found it shocking—and something critical for potential authors to understand. The author never sees these figures for their books as the publisher doesn’t reveal them throughout the contract negotiation process. A publisher will produce these financial calculations as simply a part of good business practices. As an author, understanding these numbers helped me see publishing as a business. Authors have huge amounts of time and emotional investment in their words. When I saw these production numbers, I understood that the publisher, not the author, has the largest out-of-pocket cash investment in a book.

Inside the publisher, the editor will gather a sales projection about how many copies the sales department believes they can sell of your title the first year. That sales figure will be used to calculate the production costs of ink, paper and binding for various amounts of printing (5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 copies). As the initial print number is raised, the cost per book decreases.

You may ask, “So why not print a large volume each time?” The answer is, if the publisher prints a large number of copies, then he has to store those copies in their warehouse (read cost and expense), plus make sure they actually sell those copies within a year’s time frame. The cost of tying up financial resources in storing and warehousing books that aren’t selling is large. Also the federal government taxes publishers on each copy in storage. These tax rules have forced publishers to think long and hard about how many copies of each book to print.

Inside my former publisher, we calculated the overall printing details of the book (paperback with general publishing look or hardcover with jacket) and the number of books to print before offering a book contract. In short, publishers pour a great deal of work into their books and financial projections before they call you and offer a book contract. Understanding this process helps you see some of the reasons it takes such a long time for an author to receive a publishing contract.

Many writers focus only on the creative aspects of writing a book and getting it published, but the executives inside a publishing house are businesspeople who want to sell books and turn a profit at the end of the day. It’s a delicate balance between creating the best possible product and assuring that each product has the best opportunity to sell on the market and reach the target audience.

Tweetable:

Many authors on the publishing journey, wonder, “Where is the easy part of publishing?” This prolific writere and editor gives authors the honest answer and resources. (ClickToTweet) 

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in California. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. Get Terry’s recent book, 10 Publishing Myths for only $10, free shipping and bonuses worth over $200. To help writers catch the attention of editors and agents, Terry wrote his bestselling Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. Check out his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Benefits of Writing Your Work Using Pen and Paper

 

Guest Post by Christina Q

Sometimes the old ways of doing things are better.

I began my writing journey when I was in the third grade, and back then we didn’t have computers so everything I did was handwritten.
 
Once computers came around writing became a breeze. No more hand cramps, or swollen fingers. No more tennis elbow!
 
However, something strange happened recently. As I was editing my novel for submission, I noticed those annoying red, green, blue, and yellow lines!
 
I was hit with an AH-moment.
 
The lines highlighting my mistakes are distracting!
 
When I realized this, I did some googling, cause that’s what you do when you are distracted and you need to do something while you’re in front of a computer, right? It was then I discovered something revolutionary.
 
And it was simple.
 
And it was something I had been doing since I was a little girl.
 
Handwriting out my work.

Here are three benefits of writing your work using pen and paper:
 
1.     Distractions
The moment I opened the notebook, picked up a pen and began writing three hours flew by. There were no lines, no distractions just me and the words. And it was liberating. I understand those things are meant to help our writing, but it also hinders the writing process.

Of course, you can turn those lines off but what about the internet? Sure, you could download a bunch of apps and do some fancy stuff but hey, you know how to turn that off.
 
2.     No pressure
Writing with a pen left no pressure. If I made a spelling mistake or forgot a something, I wasn’t filled with the pestering feeling that I needed to go back and rework the sentence or fix anything.
 
3.     Plot builds naturally.
The inspiration I subscribed to was the Four Notebook Method, which you can google about and take the course. In general, you use the four notebooks in an organized way to build your story like so:
 
·      Notebook 1: This is where your problem starts. Things are so bad that by the end something has to give!
·      Notebook 2: Here we create the challenge that our problem in Notebook 1 caused, but by the end, things start looking up.
·      Notebook 3: In this notebook, things go from bad to worse. This is where your characters ask themselves, can we ever solve this issue?
·      Notebook 4: Big finish! This is the confrontation or the change that happens. You know where everything comes together or leaves on a cliffhanger.
 
I know convincing someone to ditch the computer and return to the Stone Age is a hard nut to crack but trust me. But the freedom to create and explore your imagination is worth the callus returning on your finger (in my case my ring finger), and the hand cramps.
 
Since adopting this method, I’ve never felt more refreshed and excited about writing. Bringing back the love I had when I first discovered story writing in the third grade.

So, what are you waiting for, go get yourself some notebooks!  
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
Christina is the Friend-obsessed creative behind Christina Q Writes. As a full-time freelance writer, she helps clients in need of fantastic content. Christina Q Writes is where she tips on awkwardly getting through the day, with or without a good glass of wine or a good cry.  
 
Instagram:@Christinaq.Writer
 
Links: Website: https://www.christinaqwrites.com
 

Critiques and Writing

 

Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

As a children’s editor and book reviewer, I’ve read lots of manuscripts and books, and it’s easy to tell which authors haven’t bother to have their work critiqued.

Any advice I give on writing for children or writing in general, I always include the importance of honing your skills and belonging to a critique group. Even experienced authors depend on the unique perspective and extra eyes that each critique member provides.

The critique group can catch a number of potential problems with your manuscript:

1. Grammatical errors
2. Holes in your story
3. Unclear sentences, paragraphs, or dialogue
4. The forward movement of the story
5. Overuse of a particular word, adjectives, and adverbs
6. Unnecessary words that should be removed to help create a tight story
7. Dangling teasers – particular content in the story that may leave the reader dangling if not developed and followed through with
8. Inappropriate word usage, especially in the case of young children’s stories
9. Inappropriate actions on the part of the protagonist, specifically in the case of young children’s stories
10. Consistency

The list goes on and on.

And there are many more potential problems to be watched for when writing for children. It's nearly impossible for even experienced writers to catch all their own errors.

Here’s what else a critique group can do for you.

Objective Feedback:
Your critique partners will also provide objective feedback and constructive criticism of your work. This feedback will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your writing, helping you to improve your writing skills.
 
Note here that it is up to you whether to heed those suggestions and comments, but if all the members of your group suggest you rewrite a particular sentence for clarity, hopefully, a light will go off and you'll pay attention.

With those extra sets of eyes to help, you will begin to see your writing improve. You will also be able to find your errors and those of others much quicker. A critique group will help you become a better and more confident writer.

Diverse Perspectives:
Different members bring unique perspectives, enriching the feedback with various viewpoints and ideas that can enhance your work.

Accountability:
Regular meetings and deadlines can help you stay motivated and productive, providing a sense of accountability.

Exposure to Different Genres:
Depending on the type of group you join, engaging with writers that write in various genres can broaden your horizons and inspire new ideas.

Learning to Critique: Giving feedback to others will hone your critical skills, which can be applied to your own work.

Summing It Up

While the critique group does not take the place of an editor, they do help you get to the point where you think you're ready for submission. At this point, it’s always advisable to seek an editor to catch what you and your critique group missed.

When considering joining a critique group, be sure the group includes both new and experienced writers. The experienced writers will help you hone your craft just through their critiques of your work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. If you need help with your story, visit Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi.

Karen also offers authors:

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN ECOURSE
A guided self-study course and mentoring program.

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.

Make your Main Characters Memorable

Abi and Jess gallop their horses
in Secret in the Mist,
illustration by Danika Corrall,
soon available on Amazon.

By Linda Wilson   @LinWilsonauthor

In my Abi Wunder series, you might say I have two main characters: Abi and her friend, Jess. Or in terms we all understand: Abi is the big cheese and Jess is her sidekick. However way you look at it, the two need to be distinctive with their own agendas and their own personalities.

Thus began Abi’s and my quests. Hers to root out ghosts stowed away in spooky locales, me to make her (and Jess) the most unique, fun, interesting, endearing, and with all that going for them, memorable, characters they can be.

Think of some of your own favorite characters and how they have influenced you as a child, and perhaps even as an adult. Alice from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, is “one of the most beloved characters ever created.” The mischievous Peter Rabbit of Beatrice Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and Charlotte, the wise spider who saved Wilbur the pig's life, in Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White, to name a few. (Children’s Book Mastery)

Make Your Characters Memorable

Your readers will discover little pieces of themselves in your characters as long as you make your characters relatable. Here are some qualities to think about for your characters.

• A distinct personality: In the two books (so far) in my Abi Wunder series Abi views her life through an artistic lens. She takes her sketchbook along wherever she goes. 
• A quirk or a special personality trait: Abi discovers strengths she didn’t know she possessed, including the ability to see ghosts! 
• A personality trait: Abi is passionate about her family members, especially about her grandma who has recently passed away. In The Secret in the Mist her grandma’s ghost returns and their bond grows even stronger than it had been during her grandma’s lifetime. 
• A flaw: Abi lacks self-confidence, is shy, and afraid of the unknown.
• The ability to overcome their own problems: In Secret in the Mist, the second book in the Abi Wunder series, Abi’s friend Jess invites her to help discover why the ghost of a young girl, known by locals as the Misty Maiden, has haunted Jess’s neighborhood for two centuries. Why does the ghost keep returning? Abi crosses many hurdles to find out why, discovering a way to get to know the ghost and how to help her out of her predicament.
• Other traits: likability, being an inspiration, being courageous, and being funny.

What Children Can Take Away from Getting to Know your Character

Your readers can experience many life lessons by simply getting to know your main character. Here are some traits of your main character readers can look up to and strive for in their own lives.

• Being a role model: By imagining themselves in your character’s shoes, your readers can learn what it takes to be a hero. Abi goes on many adventures in her quest to help the Misty Maiden. Coming from her home in an apartment in town, she accompanies Jess at her home in the country, in the dark of night with no but the moon and cell lights; on dirt roads; even on a ride on a motor scooter. By horseback, she rides on narrow, woodsy trails on a challenging horse after knowing only the basics of horseback riding, even finding the courage to gallop her horse without fear.
• Developing moral responsibility: At the last minute before going back to Jess’s house for their curfew, Abi and Jess discover some household belongings that had been stashed in a cubbyhole underneath the floor in an old farmhouse. Among the goods are a doll, and a Bible that has a Family Record in it that could contain information about the ghost. It’s tempting to take the doll and Bible with them to look at in Jess’s room. However, Abi cautions against it. It would feel like stealing. None of the items belong to them. 
• Other valuable traits: The importance of being a good friend, being courageous, and being kind. Abi possesses all these qualities.

In the article from Children’s Book Mastery, children’s book author and editor Marcy Pusey has offered a “Character Interview,” to help children’s authors develop relatable characters,  which she has kindly made available with this downloadable character interview copy.

Taking the time to craft relatable characters is well worth it. Your characters will live on in your readers’ imaginations long after they finish your book. 

Sources:

https://childrensbookmastery.com/from-protangonists-to-sidekicks-types-of-childrens-book-characters/     

https://www.johnhearnauthor.com/post/who-are-the-best-sidekicks-in-childrens-fiction 

https://www.writing-world.com/victoria/crafting06.shtml 

Danika Corrall can be reached at hello@danikacorrall.com 

Book fairs are a great way to sell
books and get to know your readers.

Linda Wilson is the author of the Abi Wunder Mystery series and other books for children. Her two new releases are Waddles the Duck: Hey, Wait for Me! (2022) and Cradle in the Wild: A Book for Nature Lovers Everywhere (2023). You’ll find Linda on her Amazon author page, on her website at LindaWilsonAuthor.com, and on Facebook.