KB: Know why your character does what she does and make her and her actions pull the plot forward. KCM: What is the most important writing advice you ever received and/or if you could give a new writer ONE piece of advice, what would it be? My class has a strong focus on group discussion and peer critique to better utilize people’s strengths. We all have something to offer, whether you’ve been writing for years or just. Writers are interesting people with a wide range of skill-sets and experiences. What is your approach to teaching folks interested in writing for younger readers? KCM: You’re about to start teaching middle grade and young adult writing in the Writers Extension Program at UCLA. I learned more about motivation and structure and how to make use of every word. Mainly, though, it helped me to view my work critically and have the courage to experiment and change it, even if that means starting over from scratch. How do you think the program most significantly changed your writing? KCM: You graduated your MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults a few years back. When I asked Kelly about her writing process, her approach to teaching, and some of her favorite YA books, here’s what she had to say … She now has a new book, Charlotte Cuts it Out, and a new teaching gig in the UCLA Writer’s Program. Her first book, 45 Pounds (More or Less), was extremely well received by YA and adult audiences alike. While she doesn’t write speculative fiction (yet!) her first two novels deal with issues of importance to women in particular relating to body image and social expectations of women. I’m so pleased to be sharing a recent interview with Kelly Barson, YA author extraordinaire, and Vermont College of Fine Arts alum.
0 kommentar(er)
