Welcome to the Maybe He Just Likes You Blog Tour!
To celebrate the release of Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee on October 1st, blogs across the web are featuring exclusive original content from Barbara, as well as 5 chances to win a copy of Maybe He Just Likes You, a Maybe bookmark and pin!
Five Writing Tips
by Barbara Dee
1. There is no one-size-fits-all writing tip. What works for me may not work for you. Your process is not "wrong" if it's working.
2. On the other hand, be open to trying new approaches and techniques--for example, outlining the plot or sharing drafts with critique partners. If you try new methods and they just don't feel comfortable, don't force yourself to continue. But keep in mind that something that doesn't work right now may work brilliantly later on, so consider revisiting those methods in the future.
3. Avoid writing advice that begins with the word "Always." Same thing about advice that begins with "Never." Even the best writing teachers and authors don't have all the answers, and you should be wary of those who claim they do.
4. When you write something, especially dialogue, close the door and read it out loud. Your ear will pick up things your eye won't.
5. Read constantly. Read like a writer (not the same as reading like a reader!). Consider what makes the writing appeal to you, why you think the author made those choices, how you might have chosen differently . Ask yourself what you can learn from every published book you read. Even if the book is not your favorite genre, not the sort of thing you'd write, there's bound to be some technique you can incorporate into your own writing.
Blog Tour Schedule:
September 30th — Randomly Reading
October 1st — Novel Novice
October 2nd — A Dream Within a Dream
October 3rd — Feed Your Fiction Addiction
October 4th — BookhoundsYA
October 1st — Novel Novice
October 2nd — A Dream Within a Dream
October 3rd — Feed Your Fiction Addiction
October 4th — BookhoundsYA
Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.
For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?
But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.
It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others—and herself.
From the author of Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice.”
About the Author: Barbara Dee is the author of several middle grade novels including Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have received several starred reviews and been included on many best-of lists, including the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten, the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, and the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. Star-Crossed was also a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. Barbara is one of the founders of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. She lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound dog named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.
GIVEAWAY
- One (1) winner will receive a copy of Maybe He Just Likes You, bookmark, and pin
- US/Canada only
- Ends October 11th at midnight ET
Great writing tips! Especially the one about reading constantly!
ReplyDeleteA timely novel which sounds captivating. The writing tips are excellent and very good advice.
ReplyDeleteThis book needs to be in everyone's hands--this topic is unfortunately relevant for children in grade school--and knowledge is power and a way to change the world/people's perspectives.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me a little more about reading like a writer? I teach 6th grade ELA and want to encourage my students to write for many purposes. We typically read like readers, and I’ve never thought about reading like a writer.
ReplyDelete