Table of Contents
The Magic Words: An Introduction, and How to Use This Book xi
1 Clarity and Connection: Principles of Good Writing 1
2 Experience and Emotion: Ages in Children's and YA Literature 11
3 Proficiency and Practice: Using and Developing Your Gifts 27
4 Promise and Premise: Crafting a Strong Story Concept 39
5 Effort and Flow: How to Write a Novel 56
6 Intention and Invention: Identifying Your Points 63
7 Identity and Choice: Creating Multidimensional Characters 74
8 Interest and Change: Building Bonds Between Readers and Your Characters 103
9 Power and Attention: Writing Outside Your Own Groundwork 126
10 Structure and Sensibility: The Power of Plot 151
11 Obstacles and Negotiation: Seven Ways of Looking at a Scene 202
12 Movement and Momentum: Controlling Your Pace and Prosody 216
13 Person and Personality: Fundamentals of Voice 238
14 Teases and Trust: What Makes a Good First Chapter 273
15 Worlds and Wonders: Writing Speculative Fiction 286
16 Perspective and Polishing: Considering Charlotte Keene 297
17 Vision and Revision: Twenty Techniques 319
18 Love and/or Money: Publishing Your Book 327
Recommended Reading 347
Acknowledgments 353
Index 355