Getting the Buzz on Writing Junior Fiction with Karen Tyrrell

Karen Tyrrell Author is a Brisbane award-winning writer of empowering books for children and grown-ups.
Karen’s books are inspirational page turners, often humorous, showing how to live strong and be resilient.
Karen’s childrens’ books  Bailey Beats the Blah and  STOP the Bully  are endorsed by Kids Helpline.
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember won a RADF grant.
Jo-Kin Battles the It, Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra and Song Bird Superhero share positive messages.  Her messages include self-belief, resilience, team building, problem solving and STEM science.
Karen has just released Song Bird 2: The Battle of Bug World: Can Song Bird stop the bully, save her sister, the bees and environment … before it’s too late?

Welcome to the blog today, Karen. I’ve had you on the blog a few times now, and yet I always have new questions for you. This time around I would love to get your thoughts on writing junior fiction.

1. What drew you to writing junior fiction? And what do you enjoy most about it?
I loved reading junior fiction to my primary school classes, watching how engrossed they became with child-centred stories and characters they cared about.
I love creating humour and fast-paced action for my superhero, Song Bird AKA Rosella Ava Bird. She’s faced with dramatic challenges to save her sister from the bully …  and save the environment and the bees.

Well, you’ve certainly achieved a fast paced book with lots of action with Song Bird Book 2.

2. What is the hardest part of writing junior fiction?
Combining all the layers of the story into one cohesive whole. My favourite layer is adding humour into the final storyline. I love watching the hero trip over and crack jokes about his dorky parents. I weave the child-centred humour into the final draft of the hero’s journey.

3. What are the most important elements to include in a junior fiction novel?Humour. Action packed adventure. A relatable kid hero and his/ her side-kicks. Yummy, delicious food.
We can’t forget the food, can we?

4. When did you get inspired by the idea for your latest book, Song Bird 2: The Battle of Bug World?
In 2016, I created version #1, Song Bird 2: The Battle of Hero World with a stop the bully and hero theme. Then I changed up the story line to add an extra plot line about saving the bees and the environment as well as the original bully theme. Bug World is a unique fantasy world, existing on two levels: the visible Bug World theme park and the mysterious world below the earth’s surface.

​There’s certainly a lot going on in such a short book.

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5. So, what are your top tips for writing junior fiction?
A: Junior novels or junior fiction: Primarily for 8-12+ years. Generally, a paperback with very few line illustrations (B&W) and the word length from 10,000 to 25,000 words depending on the series it suits. Books for young readers who are confident.

B: Create brick wall challenges, struggles, and conflicts for the relatable hero character to solve.

C:  If your book is humorous, add hilarious humour to the very last draft. Think up crazy names. Create scenes to show-off slapstick humour and nerdy dorky parents who do ridiculous, embarrassing things.

D: Make the story child-centred with loads of delicious food, tons of action-packed adventure and dialogue that is punchy and creates tension.
 
Thanks for coming on the blog today, Karen, and sharing your tips for writing junior fiction. And don’t forget to check out the special prizes and giveaways that Karen has for readers at the end of the post. It’s some pretty cool prizes that you don’t want to miss out on.  

A superstorm destroys Rosella Ava Bird’s flower garden.
All the bees are disappearing.
A giant sink-hole cracks open beneath Rosie’s school bus, and mysterious voices rise up from the depths.
A tornado blasts the house of Frank, Rosie’s sinister next-door neighbour, threatening Rosie’s family.
And Rosie’s sister, Raven, has gone missing.
Should Rosie lead a mission into Bug World to rescue Raven?
Or stay home and save her family?

You can find Karen on:
Website: KarenTyrell.com
Facebook: Karen Tyrell
You Tube:  Karen Tyrell
Twitter: Karen_Tyrell
Instagram: Karen Tyrell

Check out the rest of the Blog Tour to win some AWESOME prizes: 
BLOG TOUR!
From Mon June 26 AMAZON LAUNCH Battle of Bug World Amazon Releasewww.karentyrrell.com/amazon-release-battle-bug-world/
From Mon June 26 Battle of Bug World AMAZON LAUNCH
From Tues June 27 CURLY Q’S Kids Book Review
From Tues June 27 REVIEW Just Write For Kids. A New Eco Adventurefrom Karen Tyrrell
From Wed June 28 REVIEW Georgina Ballantine review
From Thurs June 29 Writing Junior Fiction with Megan Higginson
From Fri June 30 REVIEW & interview   http://www.readilearn.com.au/blog/

BOOK GIVEAWAYS!
Just leave a comment on any of the posts in the blog tour, to win a copy of The Battle of Bug World (Song Bird 2). Add initials SB2

FREE Children’s Book Assessment!
Win a free children’s book assessment (up to 10 pages) by the author Karen Tyrrell. Just comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add the initials CBA

FREE Artwork!
Win signed artwork by illustrator Trevor Salter. Add initials AW
Remember the more you comment, the more chances you have to win The Battle of Bug World. Good luck 😊

If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share. And don't forget to comment to go into the running to win a prize.