If you spend a lot of time worrying about how to write the perfect opening chapter for your middle-grade novel or whether you should end your chapters on a cliffhanger, then you're going to love writing in scenes!

In this episode, we'll cover:

1. the difference between scenes and chapters
2. three reasons why it's best to write in a series of scenes rather than in chapters

This episode is the first in a mini series on writing scenes in middle-grade novels, so stay tuned to the podcast over the next few episodes to learn:

• how to write a solid scene
• the elements that all scenes need to work
• when to write in scene and when to write in summary

For show notes, transcripts and links mentioned in the episode, visit my website
You can also connect with me on Instagram

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Word count may seem like the least of your concerns when you're thinking about writing a middle-grade novel. You've got story type, plot, theme, character development, pacing, and who knows what else to consider, right?

But here's the thing: knowing industry-standard guidelines for the length of a middle-grade novel, and having a target word count in mind before you start drafting can actually help you to outline, draft, revise and publish.

In today's episode, we'll cover:

1. the guidelines for middle-grade novel word count
2. four reasons why word count matters

In the end, every author has the choice to watch word count or not, but it's a fact that word count matters, so make each word count!

For show notes, transcripts and links mentioned in the episode, visit my website
You can also connect with me on Instagram

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You may have taken all the writing classes and read all the craft books on writing, and you may theoretically know everything you need to know to write your middle-grade novel, but if you have only managed the theory of writing without managing your mindset, you are going to encounter fear at some point.

And that fear will stop you from writing.

So, what's the solution?

In this podcast episode, we cover:

1. how fear is keeping you stuck
2. what to do to about the fear

What you believe about yourself impacts your success or failure. So, managing your beliefs leads to positive thoughts and feelings, which motivates constructive writing habits. Mindset matters!

For show notes, transcripts and links mentioned in the episode, visit my website
You can also connect with me on Instagram

Have something to say? Send me a message!