Just Write

April 15, 2012
The third National Ambassador for Young People's Literature offers a how-to guide for young writing enthusiasts. Who's more qualified to write about the craft of writing than Myers, one of the biggest names in children's literature and author of 100 works for young readers? Though this volume is far from flashy, the straightforward, no-nonsense, you-can-do-it tone may well inspire young readers and beginning writers. Myers tells about his own life and how he became a writer before moving on to the craft itself, offering advice on structuring fiction using a six-box outline and nonfiction with a four-box outline. Excerpts from his own notebooks and commentaries on his work with teen writer Ross Workman (Myers' collaborator on the soccer novel Kick, 2011; Workman contributes to the backmatter) are enlightening, and readers will find themselves in the presence of a friendly mentor and writing co-conspirator. Ultimately, since writers draw on their own lives and interests, this is a writer's guide to life. Myers advises, "The best way to find inspiration is just to live your life doing these things that interest you most.... Pursuing your passions will expand your world. This will make you a better writer." Good advice on the craft of writing from someone who should know. (writing tips, further reading on writing, about the author, a list of the author's books) (Nonfiction. 14 & up)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 5-10-Myers uses the same honest and straightforward language that characterizes his young adult fiction to share his ideas about why and how he writes. His earliest childhood memories include being a good reader in school but a socially awkward, combative child. He mentions that he was admonished for "not playing well with others," and describes his transition from reading to writing as a place that allowed him to create his own world of characters. "When I'm writing, I create my own others, and I play very well with them." After recounting his own personal journey, Myers moves on to the craft itself and offers a supportive tone that should inspire young adults. He addresses them directly and draws readers into an intimate conversation about writing. Chapters titled, "Map It Out," "Nice to Meet You," "Then What Happened?," "Leave Your Ego at the Door," and "Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off" address such topics as coming up with story ideas, developing characters and plot, dealing with helpful criticism, and continuing to practice and revise your work. Myers offers advice on structuring fiction using a six-box outline and nonfiction with a four-box outline, including his own notes to better describe the process. He encourages young writers to focus on things they feel passionate about. He notes, "Pursuing your passions will expand your world. This will make you a better writer." His words sum up his philosophy and they characterize the knowledge that he imparts throughout this useful guide.-Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

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