Welcome, writers and readers and individuals who embrace both worlds. I’m excited to share with you today the official NaNoWriMo handbook for aspiring young, and still young, writers as a part of the Penguin Random House tour. Because this is a two-part tour, today I will focus on introducing you to what this book has to offer by walking you through the writing process in seven songs.
In November, I will participate in NaNoWriMo. When the tour returns to my blog on November 25th, I will reflect on this book from a writer’s perspective and share some tips on beginning to prep for NaNoWriMo 2020 a year ahead of time.
Brave the Page by Rebecca Stern, Grant FaulknerPublished by Viking Books for Young Readers on August 27, 2019
Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
The official NaNoWriMo handbook that inspires young people to tackle audacious goals and complete their creative projects.
Partly a how-to guide on the nitty-gritty of writing, partly a collection of inspiration to set (and meet) ambitious goals, Brave the Page is the go-to resource for middle-grade writers. Narrated in a fun, refreshingly kid-friendly voice, it champions NaNoWriMo's central mission that everyone's stories deserve to be told. The volume includes chapters on character, plot, setting, and the like; motivating essays from popular authors; advice on how to commit to your goals; a detailed plan for writing a novel or story in a month; and more!
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Stage 1: Chaos and (Possibly a Little) Insecurity
“I’ve wanted this far too long . . . please show me what I’m looking for.”
Carolina Liar, “Show Me What I’m Looking For”
In his introduction to the book, author Jason Reynolds compares the writing process to moving. There are a lot of boxes lying around waiting to be unpacked and organized into the story. If you’re like me, as I was moving boxes back into my classroom, it can be daunting. This book serves as a guide to help writers unpack their story ideas and organize them, piece by piece, into a cohesive whole.
Stage 2: The Quest
1. Meet Your Mentor
“When the road looks rough ahead . . . you’ve got a friend in me”
Randy Newman, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
Writers are readers too. Like a beloved mentor, or a favorite toy, a good book is readily available to you and has much to teach you about writing a good story.
2. Recruit your characters
“Everyone is special in their own way. We make each other strong . . . Together’s where we belong.”
High School Musical 1, “We’re All in This Together”
A book is made stronger for its characters. Brave the Page provides tips on casting your characters and profiling them. The book also provides additional information to help you determine how best to write your characters into the book.
3. Plot your plot
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
Johnny Nash, “I Can See Clearly Now”
I can see all obstacles in my way”
Plot provides clarity and direction for the story. Once you determine what kind of book you want to write, you can develop the story.
4. Build your story’s world
“Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man. I’ve been everywhere.”
Johnny Cash, “I’ve Been Everywhere”
World building is crucial for creating a believable world because it roots the reader in the place and time. I chose Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” because it the speaker knows his world and is able to articulate it to others.
Stage 3: Write
The Adventure Begins
“Welcome to the war we’ve only begun, so pick up your weapon and face it”
The Glitch Mob, Mako, & The Word Alive, “Rise”
I selected “Rise” because it’s about entering the war zone, fighting for your dreams, and seizing the moment. Don’t wait for tomorrow; your moment starts today.
Stage 4: Now What?
“Let’s all celebrate and have a good time.”
Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”
Congratulations on drafting your first novel! This is cause for a celebration!
In a short while, you’re want to begin the revising/editing process and to begin building a writing routine. This book will explain how to do these things, but before you delve into that section, take the time to celebrate the progress you’ve made.
Additional Thoughts
This book is written clearly and concisely in a manner that is suitable for middle-grade readers and up. The large print is easy on the eyes, and the chapters are broken up into multiple sections for quick and easy reference. I appreciate how each chapters feature multiple dares that encourage writers to take immediate action, so they have concrete ways to apply what they learn to the writing process.
Chat With Me
Are you a writer? Do you plan on participating in NaNoWriMo this year—or in the future? How do you approach the writing process? Have you noticed a pattern in the writing habits of your favorite authors?
About NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes in the transformational power of creativity. They provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds–on and off the page. With its first event in 1999, the organization’s programs now include National Novel Writing Month in November, Camp NaNoWriMo, the Young Writers Program, Come Write In, and the “Now What?” Months.
Pre-order the Book
Penguin Random House | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
Tour Schedule
PART ONE: BLOG TOUR
August 12 – Picture Books to YA – Journals for creating and keeping ideas
August 13 – Sgraveswrites – Nanowrimo Tracker
August 14 – Lost in Storyland – The Writing Process in 5 – 10 Songs
August 15 – Coquette Maman – Playlist for inspiring writers
August 16 – wildeyesbujo – Nanowrimo Bujo Tracker
August 19 – Thoughts from a Highly Caffeinated Mind – Listicle: What you’ll need for your Nanowrimo Space
August 20 – Some the wiser – A Writing Kit
August 21 – Alohamora: Open a Book – Listicle: Best Books with characters that are writers
August 22 – A Peace of Mind – How to enjoy storytelling for those who don’t like writing
August 23 – Mindful journaling – Inspired by the Book: Bujo Content
PART TWO: NANOWRIMO POSTS
November 25 – Lost in Storyland – How to start prepping for next year’s Nanowrimo
November 25 – Coquette Maman – Tips and Thoughts about the writing process
November 25 – Thoughts from a Highly Caffeinated Mind – Checklist: What to do after you’ve written your first draft
November 26 – Picture Books to YA – Creative Writing Tips
November 26 – Mindful journaling – Inspired by the Book: Bujo Content
November 27 – Alohamora: Open a Book – 5 Steps to get you in the mood to write
November 27 – wildeyesbujo – Completed Nanowrimo Bujo Tracker
November 28 – Some the wiser – Middle Grade Writing Group Reflection
November 28 – A Peace of Mind – Tips and Inspiration from one kid to others
November 29 – Sgraveswrites – Completed Nanowrimo Tracker
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
This sounds like a great resource for writers. I also all of your song choices!
Crystal says
Thanks, Suzanne! It is a great resource, and I love how it’s accessible for middle-grade readers too!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
This sounds like a great book! It will be interesting to check back with you and see how it helped you after NaNo.
Crystal says
Thanks, Nicole! 🙂
Grace L says
Ohhh this sounds so cool I love books about writing because I always hope they’re going to help me haha! Lovely post x
Grace Louise || http://gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk
Crystal says
Thanks, Grace Louise! I hope you enjoy Brave the Page if you get the chance to check it out!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
This sounds neat Crystal!! I love reading writing books. I always seem to take away one tip that I love and incorporate into my writing habit. It does sounds basic though and more for beginner writers than for those who have been plugging away. Though I love the moving boxes analogy. ❤
Crystal says
I love reading writing books too! ❤️ There are definitely takeaways from Brave the Page. I agree that it is more for beginners; it was written to be accessible to a middle-grade to YA audience.