SEARCH FOR AN IDEA -
a shiny one.
You can write about something
you love.
Or something that scares you."
Kate Messner has written this how-to book for aspiring writers as a follow-up to How To Read A Book, 2015. I think that it will prove as popular as that first one. She gives useful and straightforward advice for the ten-step process guide to becoming a dedicated writer: Search For An Idea, Once You Have Your Idea, Choose a Setting, Choose A Main Character, Dream Up A Problem For Your Main Character, Now It's Time to Plan Your Story, Write Your Story With So Much Detail Readers Can See It In Their Minds, Read Through Your Story and Make a List of Ways to Make it Better, Read Through A Few More Times, Choose a Captivating Title for Your Story, and Share Your Story With a Friend.
With each new step, Ms. Messner adds thoughtful suggestions about ideas and process. Mike Siegel's ink and watercolor images fill the double=page spreads with charming, warm details sure to add background for the decision-making. As often happens, offering suggestions sparks further ideas.
"Don't worry if not all your ideas are
shiny. Sometimes you have to collect
a lot to figure out what works best."
She also gives writers latitude to take a break when one is needed.
"When you finish your first draft, take a break
and go do something else. Stories need time time
to blossom and grow."
If you are home schooling with your kids, and are wondering how to get them thinking about writing their own stories, you would do well to have this book at hand. Concise and adaptable, it is a great addition to a family or school library.
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