tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post3856887955995348755..comments2023-12-29T11:39:14.271-06:00Comments on 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News: Prepping Your Story by: Stephanie BurkhartVivian Zabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-28322411875609220292013-08-04T11:31:34.671-05:002013-08-04T11:31:34.671-05:00Janet, great tips. I write my story and as I come ...Janet, great tips. I write my story and as I come to a part that needs to be researched, that's when I do it. If I'm on a role, I'll highlight the section and go back to it after finish what I'm involved with.<br /><br />I don't always start with a particular message, but once I'm mid-way through, it becomes apparent.<br /><br />Susanne nailed it: the engagement must come first, then the lessons, if they can be subtly woven in.Karen Cioffihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15492421057039326702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-59485015505583738742013-08-01T21:24:44.297-05:002013-08-01T21:24:44.297-05:00Janet, great tips. I love how listening to your gr...Janet, great tips. I love how listening to your grandkids allow you to keep your YA voice.<br /><br />Smiles<br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-53549113699430431282013-08-01T21:23:43.522-05:002013-08-01T21:23:43.522-05:00Suzanne, I love the themes that grow organically f...Suzanne, I love the themes that grow organically from the story. Those are the best ones.<br />Smiles<br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-10391879756772379502013-08-01T14:32:25.170-05:002013-08-01T14:32:25.170-05:00Stephanie, I start telling the story and then go b...Stephanie, I start telling the story and then go back to research things I don't know. My themes always revolve around overcoming life's difficult times. I seek to inspire my readers to tackle the rough things like addictions and resentments. In Victoria and the Ghost, the main character faces rejection by her mother. I keep my YA voice authentic by listening to my grandkids.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17406103471551171672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-73671916842234260782013-07-30T19:46:25.105-05:002013-07-30T19:46:25.105-05:00Hi Stephanie, I love your seed sprouting analogy! ...Hi Stephanie, I love your seed sprouting analogy! My stories tend to be filled with themes, but I usually surprise myself after several pages (or chapters) to discover what the themes are; I don't start out thinking "This is going to be about lonely kids and bullying." Children's books generally gain more attention from editors if they are a very fun story--any "lesson" learned has to be secondary to the fun. Suzanne Cordatoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12456536184016933556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-28280461177677649132013-07-30T19:46:08.886-05:002013-07-30T19:46:08.886-05:00Hi Stephanie, I love your seed sprouting analogy! ...Hi Stephanie, I love your seed sprouting analogy! My stories tend to be filled with themes, but I usually surprise myself after several pages (or chapters) to discover what the themes are; I don't start out thinking "This is going to be about lonely kids and bullying." Children's books generally gain more attention from editors if they are a very fun story--any "lesson" learned has to be secondary to the fun. Suzanne Cordatoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12456536184016933556noreply@blogger.com