Middle-grade fantasy matters because children understand something adults often forget: the world is still strange. A cracked stone in the woods might be the entrance to a forgotten kingdom. A crow watching from a fence post might know more than it should. A storm rolling across the hills can feel like the beginning of an adventure rather than an inconvenience ruining the weekend. That sense of wonder is powerful. And important. The best middle-grade fantasy stories aren’t really about magic...

Hello! A lot has happened since I last posted! We’ve had the festive season (a late Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a very Happy New to everyone!) Lately, I’ve been working on “plotting” — yes, me. Plotting. I know. Shocking. I’m a total pantser, but I’ve discovered a way that works for me: writing the story first and then plotting it afterwards. It’s not an exact science by any means, but it’s been surprisingly helpful. It involves creating a backstory that doesn’t necessarily...

Hi everyone! Sorry, I’ve been a bit quiet lately — I’ve been halfway across the world, adventuring in Madagascar! It’s one of those...