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Plot Twists & Deadlines: The Fun and Challenges of Writing a Novel for My MFA Thesis
The Fun Part: Living in the World You Create One of the best things about writing a novel for your thesis is the freedom to dive deep. You’re not just writing a short story or a scene—you’re building an entire world. For me, that meant: Sketching maps of imaginary towns. I tried using software to do this, but I reverted to pencil and paper. Creating magical rules, boundaries, and events that made sense (most of the time), And getting to know my characters like they were real kids I might’ve met in 1978. There’s something magical about watching your story grow from a few scribbled notes into a full manuscript.…
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Building Worlds for Curious Minds: Writing Middle Grade Fiction
Why Middle Grade? There’s something magical about the middle grade years. Elementary school is now in the past, and new friendships are created. Kids are old enough to ask big questions about belonging, identity, friendship, fairness, and fear—but they are still young enough to believe in the impossible. They have new responsibilities (remember your first school locker) and are explorers at heart. Speculative fiction gives young readers a map to mysterious places that don’t exist (or do they!) I love writing for this age group because they are not jaded. They are open to the world around them, and they are brave. They are ready to follow stories wherever they…
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Why I Set My Story in 1978: A Simpler Time for Bigger Adventures
When I started writing my debut novel, I knew I wanted it to feel like the adventures I experienced a kid in the 1970s. Adventures where kids had to rely on their wits, their friendships, and maybe a flashlight or two. That’s why I chose to set it in 1978. No smartphones. No internet. No GPS. Just a group of curious kids, a mystery to solve, and a world that felt wide open. Rediscovering the Analog World There’s something wonderfully tactile about the late ’70s. If you wanted to find information, you had to go to the library and flip through a card catalog. If you needed to call someone,…
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How the Salem Witch Trials Still Haunt Our Stories
The Real Witch Trials In 1692, the town of Salem was gripped by fear. A group of young girls claimed to be afflicted by witches, and their accusations spiraled into one of the most infamous episodes of mass hysteria in American history. Over 200 people were accused of witchcraft. Nineteen were hanged. One man was pressed to death with stones. The trials were fueled by fear, superstition, and a strict Puritan belief system that saw the Devil lurking behind every misfortune. People believed witches could: Curse crops or livestock with a glance, Fly through the night on broomsticks or with the help of familiars, Cause illness or bad luck through…
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The Importance of a Positive Message in Fiction
Incorporating meaningful themes and a positive message is essential for fiction writers targeting young readers. As adolescents navigate emotional and social challenges, relatable characters who struggle to fit in can provide reassurance that their feelings are universal. In my novel, *Breckenridge Mysteries: The Return of The Blackwood Witch*, characters like Kevin, Kimmy, and Ryan embark on journeys of self-acceptance and perseverance. Their experiences highlight the importance of finding belonging and embracing individuality. Discover how these characters learn that true strength lies within and that being oneself is not only acceptable but vital for personal growth.
