Over at Write Up Our Alley I’ve answered another writing process FAQ, whether I use outlines when I write a novel. The answer: not initially. You can read the entire post here.

In the last year I have been asked a lot of questions about my writing process. I have decided to start a sometimes-series on my blog to answer the most frequently asked questions.

The first question is: why do I still write with pen and paper and don’t usually compose on my computer? You can read my answer here.

My plan is to eventually create a FAQs page on this website which will gather all my answers in one place.

If you have any questions about my writing process, you can ask me them in the comments section of my blog, on my Facebook page, or by contacting me directly. I will try to answer as many as I can.

This last Saturday, June 4th, I spent a glorious day at the Shoreline SCBWI 13th Annual Conference in Doe Boyle’s yard. The weather was perfect, the garden spectacular, the company wonderful, and the presenters inspiring.

The Shorelawn (as the conference is affectionately called) is Boyle’s brainchild. After attending an event where she was a speaker and unable to attend sessions of other speakers whom she wanted to hear (because their sessions conflicted with hers), she decided to take matters into her own hands. She invited folks whom she knew would have interesting things to say about children’s literature to come to her home and talk about topics she chose, and invited other folks to attend (provided they brought a lunch dish to share, and a lawn chair).

The results have been awe-inspiring. The conference quickly outgrew the confines of her house—which meant that for 5 years we met at libraries and schools because of the weather—but when, as on Saturday, weather permits, we still fit on her lawn. We continue to share lunch. And the speakers have never disappointed.

This year’s topic for the day: What Have I Written? An Exploration of Choices in Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels.

Boyle started with a challenge for the speakers: how can you tell if what you have written is middle grade fiction, or young adult, or perhaps even adult fiction? Here are a few nuggets from their responses:

• Adam Gidwitz suggested that we should know our readers, literally. Also, kids get what they’re ready for. An innuendo that will make 6th graders gasp may go over the head of a 3rd grader.
• Rob Buyea challenged us to take risks. If our work is distinct it’ll stand out. He also told us to take Richard Peck’s wisdom to heart: you’re only as good as your first sentence.
• Ann Haywood Leal reminded us that some 12-years old are YA, and some are still solidly middle grade. If you can’t read your book aloud with your parents sitting next to you, then there’s a good chance that it’s YA. A middle grader still has a certain innocence in their longing.
• Michaela MacColl talked about writing books that she wanted to read as a kid. Whether her historical fictions about famous people become YA or middle grade depend in large part upon the age she chooses for the individual she is writing about.
• Carah O’Brien emphasized how important it is to write to please yourself. If…

On Friday June 3rd I had the great pleasure of attending the 25th annual Promising Pals Breakfast at the James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The Promising Pals program matches 6th, 7th and 8th graders with adult professionals who become their pen pals for the school year.

I was paired with a 7th grader, and we exchanged letters over the course of the winter and spring. On Friday, we finally met in person. It was wonderful to spend some time with the person whose letters were such a pleasure to receive. We shared breakfast, played games (we were almost evenly matched at Connect 4), listened to music, toured the school and grounds, and talked. I had a lovely morning.

Before I met my pen pal, I attended an assembly in the auditorium with the other adult Promising Pals. During the welcoming remarks, we were asked to stand. First the group who had been in the program for their first year stood. After we sat back down, those who had been with the program for 2 to 4 years stood. Then those who had been there for 5 to 14 years. Then 15 to 24. And finally those who had been with the program for all 25 years. I was inspired and humbled by the dedication of these individuals to so many generations of students.

Bravo Timilty Middle School.