How to start a story

I have been asked many times how I begin a story. Every author has a way that works best so what one author does might not work for another author. I start by developing a problem I can create for my characters. I want the problem to be believable so children will be able to think of themselves in a similar situation. I start by getting the characters into some sort of trouble, and then I try to sketch out what might happen throughout the story. Often I don't have the ending decided until I get to that point in my writing. Usually my basic sketch is what I use, but sometimes that changes as different characters "show up" as the writing process progresses. So for me, step one is to create a problem and sketch out where that problem might lead my characters.

Once Upon a Time in War

If you are looking for a great book about WW2, check out the book by Robert Humphrey called Once Upon a Time in War. It is written from the soldiers point of view and is specifically about the 99th division. Anyone who has servecd in combat would especially find this book interesting. Amazing how Dr. Humphrey has captured the feelings of the soldiers. Truly a great read.

Don't Call Me Michael

Christopher's life was great--until the day Mike Carter moved to Harmony and began attending James Elementary. Mike quickly becomes the meanest kid in school, and his favorite target is Christopher. Mike calls Christopher mean names, plays embarrassing pranks on him, punches him, and even gets him in trouble at school and at home. On the worst day of bullying Christopher has experienced, Mike orders Christopher to meet him at the cemetery well for a big project he needs help with. But when the project doesn't go as planned, Christopher is forced to find the boy behind the bully who yells, "Don't Call Me Michael."

This story is about bullying, friendship, and forgiveness. You can purchase this book from Tate Publishing or Amazon.com.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! My goal this year is to be able to talk to students about the writing process and help them realize that the word "edit" is not a bad word. Writing can be fun and relaxing.