Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write

Category: Writing Awards Publisher Marketing Reviews YouTube: Victoria's intro to Seize the Story! Have you ever wanted to write novels of your own? At last, a book written for teens who are interested in writing fiction. Packed with examples and writing exercises as well as interviews with other successful authors, Seize the Story takes you through the secrets for creating original characters, believable dialogue, dramatic settings, and exciting plots.
Awards
	Publishers West Silver Award Colorado Authors League Top Hand Award Finalist, Colorado Book Award (YA literature category)
Publisher Marketing
	Author:  Victoria Hanley Publisher: Cottonwood Press, Inc. (September 1, 2008)   Available in trade paper or KINDLE editions Reading level: Young Adult
Reviews:
	School Library Journal (November 2008) Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (November 2008) VOYA review, December 2008 Midwest Book Reviews, 2009 National Association of Gifted Children Newsletter --Sue Henshon Reviewer
	School Library Journal (November 2008):
	Gr 7 Up—Capturing readers' attention from the very first page, this book is an excellent resource for both teenagers and their teachers. From the development of characters, setting, voice, style, and plot, to the end with rewriting and polishing, readers are able to hone their writing skills. By using the "building your story" activities at the end of each chapter, they have opportunity to apply the techniques presented and experience the whole process. Hanley uses examples from familiar novels and authors such as "Harry Potter" and Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (Little, Brown, 2005) to illustrate elements of writing. The book concludes with interviews with young adult authors, in which they include advice to aspiring young writers. This book is an excellent resource for creative writing classes as well as individuals. —Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD
	Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database -Phylliss Kennemer, Ph.D:
	Filled to the brim with inspiration and information, this handbook offers a valuable resource for aspiring writers of all ages, but Hanley has kept her teenage audience well in mind. The conversational tone, succinct text, and meaningful writing exercises take writers on a journey through the writing process. Techniques for freeing the imagination are followed with suggestions for creating characters (both protagonists and antagonists) that come to life. Next comes a discussion of the place, time, and moods of settings. Broad concepts for effective plotting are interspersed with practical suggestions for distinguishing beginnings, middles, and ends; creating conflict; writing dialog; and ways to “show not tell” what is happening. Tips for establishing varying points of view and for polishing rough drafts are offered. A section including interviews with fifteen successful authors of young adult novels includes titles of their books and responses about the easiest and the hardest aspects of writing followed by advice for writing fiction. Frequently asked questions and Hanley’s candid answers appear near the back of the book. A useful resource for both teens and teachers of writing. Includes a bibliography and an index. --Phylliss Kennemer, Ph.D
	VOYA Review:
	Many teens dream of being the next J. K. Rowling, selling novels and drawing millions of fans. Hanley, an established fiction writer, offers this guide to help teens with their craft. Each chapter uses examples from classic, modern, and young adult literature to illustrate points and teach by example. The chapters each cover a rudimentary yet important aspect of writing fiction, including creating believable characters, writing dialogue, beginnings, endings, and self-editing. The penultimate chapter includes interviews with successful authors whose names teens will recognize, including Lauren Myracle and David Lubar. Because of Hanley’s straightforward language and clear examples of basic techniques, this book may also be of use to those who struggle in writing classes. The only major flaw comes in the chapter that covers points of view, in which the author uses the “Choose Your Own Adventure” series as an example of second-person point of view. She glosses over the complexities of writing second person rather than using acclaimed young adult author examples such as Chris Lynch’s Freewill (HarperCollins, 2001/VOYA August 2001) or A. M. Jenkins Damage (HarperCollins, 2001/VOYA October 2001). It is important to note that this book’s subject is writing technique and not finding an agent or getting published. Hanley answers questions like, “What’s the mort important thing I need to know before getting published?” but answers to questions like these comprise only a small portion of this worthy investment for writing instructions collections. – Carlisle K. Webber.
	Midwest Book Review -- Peggy Tibbetts:
	Some people are great teachers. Others are great writers. Victoria Hanley combines her unique talent for both to create a great resource for young writers. “Seize the Story” is a step-by-step guide to writing fiction, from coming up with an idea to polishing the finished piece. The Building Your Story suggestions in each chapter show writers how to apply what they’ve learned to their own stories. Additional writing prompts are generously sprinkled throughout the book to encourage young writers to venture outside their comfort zones. An amazing collection of interviews with the likes of David Lubar, Joan Bauer, Lauren Myracle, plus twelve more, reveals what it takes to go from being someone who wants to write to accomplished author. This is certainly the perfect book for teens – or even tweens – who want to write. Yet any writer who puts pen to paper and applies Hanley’s guidance can reach the end of the book with a complete first draft of a short story, or the skeleton of a novel. What sets this book apart from all the other books about writing is Hanley’s emphasis on building and then honing the skills necessary to create interesting characters and compelling plots. Anyone who loves to dabble with words can learn how to become a better writer. Also writers who are besieged with writer’s block will find a variety of ways to help them unlock their inner storyteller. When Hanley’s techniques are applied to raw talent, story happens. At long last, teens and beginning writers have a writing book that speaks to them. --Peggy Tibbetts
	National Association of Gifted Children Newsletter --Sue Henshon Reviewer:
	Do you have a story in your heart that you want to share with the world? If so, what's holding you back? What's stopping you from turning that inner experience into a book that other people will enjoy reading? Victoria Hanley's Seize the Story is an amazing book about creative writing for teenagers and young adults who are developing voices and visions. In the first chapter, Hanley teaches writers to free their imaginations with just ten minutes of freewriting a day. Many writers complete terrible first drafts; don't be discouraged if your first draft is subpar. Hanley advises that writers "not beat yourself up if your first draft doesn't match up to your inner vision" (p. 16). In chapter 2, Hanley discusses crafting great characters who will lead you into the heart of the story. Your characters will always be imaginary yet will have a definite presence. She describes how to create characters through style, voice, and names. With select details, characters will step off the page and into the imaginations of readers. In order for your characters to be real, they must act in a realistic way and have a driving motivation. Most importantly, write about characters who matter to you. In chapter 3, Hanley encourages teenagers to begin writing their stories. Many writers begin "in medias res" or right in the middle of the action, beginning with an event that throws your characters' lives into chaos and disaster. The next chapter includes helpful hints about creating settings. Settings always have a place, time, and mood. You must create a suspension of disbelief: readers must believe in your story even though they know it isn't true. Every place you visit has the potential to be a great setting. In chapter 6, Hanley describes how dialogue reveals character and relationships, enhances tension and moves the plot. Dialogue is meaningful conversation that drives the story forward. It is best to use simple dialogue, and Hanley emphasizes, "When characters speak up, they enliven a story" (p. 101). This chapter is particularly helpful because Hanley shows typical mistakes that writers make and how to write more exciting dialogue that will drive the plot. In chapter 7, Hanley provides helpful examples that demonstrate the difference between showing and telling. In telling, the writer gives the information in narrative form: showing is when the action unravels before the reader's eyes. In chapter 10, Hanley provides helpful advice about polishing your writing. It is necessary to get critiques on your work, since you cannot read it objectively. Yet it is important to remember your story belongs to you, and to consider the source of any criticism before you take it. It's important to make sure your sentences are not cluttered, and your word choice is strong. She encourages writers to use the active rather than passive voice, and provides examples showing why the active voice is more effective. In chapter 11, Hanley provides a helpful analysis of the narrative point of view, including examples of first person, second person, and third person viewpoints. Hanley explains the advantages and disadvantages of each point of view. Choosing a point of view is important: it will determine the tone and eel of the entire story. In chapter 13, Hanley interviews notable writers like T.A. Barron, Carolyn Meyer, Denise Vega, and Joan Bauer who provide insights about writing that any teenager will enjoy listening to. In the final chapter, Hanley provides a self-interview in which she answers questions young writers typically have. Seize the Story is the perfect gift for young writers. Victoria Hanley's passion and understanding of adolescence makes this an invaluable resource not only for young writers but for all writers.