Welcome back to the February edition of the CRAFT OF WRITING blog. This year we’re focusing on Genres. We’ll be looking at approaches to writing thrillers, mysteries, romances, and more. Each month I’ll interview an accomplished author who writes in a particular genre, so get ready to learn from the experts!

Today, we’re talking Middle Grade Fiction with Dr. Steve Hooley, the author of the Mad River Magic series of Middle Grade books.

 

 

The Craft of Writing Middle Grade Fiction with Steve Hooley
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Steve is present in more ways than one today! He is also the master craftsman who created this unique and fabulous “Wilbur and Orville 1903” propeller pen. Hand crafted by Steve, the pen is made from Ash, one of the woods the Wright brothers used to build their first aircraft. The market value of this beautiful creation is around $80.00. (See more of Steve’s legacy pens at https://stevehooleywriter.com/legacy-pens/)

The name of each person who enters a comment will be put into the drawing for the pen. So join the conversation and earn a chance to win. I’ll post the name of the winner after 9 PM Central Time tonight.

 

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Welcome, Steve, and thank you for being on the Craft of Writing blog!

Thanks for the invitation, Kay. It is my pleasure to be here.

 

What is your definition of a middle grade novel?

Most authors define “middle grade fiction” as being written for ages 8 – 12 (third grade through sixth grade), and containing no sexual content or realistic violence. I think that another way to look at it is the intelligence and information processing skills of the reader. “Children” of this age are reaching the age where they can understand adult logic and reasoning. And they are not yet filled with the adolescent hormone-driven physical and sexual attraction that is found in young adult material, and that clouds their thinking.

 

How are middle grade books different from other forms of fiction?

They differ from books for younger readers in that they are more like adult books, longer, with plot and structure. And they differ from books for YA and adult in that they usually contain no profanity, sex, or overt violence.

 

What’s the most important aspect of a middle grade book?

In my opinion, the age group of readers of middle grade books is in the innocent age of transition to adulthood. This permits the reader to learn principles from the book that will prepare them for their adult life. And it gives the author a unique opportunity to present material which the reader can evaluate and consider regarding choices for their adult life.

 

Why did you decide to write in the middle grade genre?

Grandchildren is the one-word answer. I actually write for advanced middle grade and early YA. Since I write Christian fiction, I call it “clean teen” fiction, no profanity or sex. I have 10 grandchildren, most of whom are in elementary school, but moving into Jr. Hi and high school. I wanted to provide reading material for them that is free of the negative influences infiltrating so many middle grade and YA books.

 

Can you give us a brief outline of the process—from concept to completion—that you use to write a middle grade novel?

Find an issue that is creating problems or concerns for readers of that age groupLook for a creative way to develop an adventure that uses symbolism and fantasy to provide entertainment while allowing the reader to confront the problem – entertain, don’t preachPlot the story in the mythical structure of the writer’s journey (Campbell and Vogler)Keep the material and content appropriate for the age groupWrite and edit, constantly keeping the age of the characters in mindSeek feedback from advanced middle grade or high school students

 

What advice would you give an author who decides to write a middle grade novel?

I was fortunate to find a middle school (grades 5-8) gifted and talented coordinator at our local school who recruited volunteers for beta reading. This is a great way for us oldsters to learn how the current generation of middle schoolers are communicating. Prepare yourself for their honesty and bluntness.

Also, prepare yourself to find a wide discrepancy between boys and girls and what kind of reading material they want.

I would also advise, if you are a male writer, it is safest to use a teacher or coordinator to be your contact person.

 

Besides your own books, what MG books would you recommend?

Of course, the Harry Potter series and the Percy Jackson series.

Another book that I found extremely helpful was S.P. Sipal’s A Writer’s Guide to Harry Potter. This is actually a comprehensive book on all aspects of writing fiction, using J.K. Rowling’s work as examples.

 

Are you working on a book now?

Yes. I’m currently working on #7 in the Mad River Magic series. The context is the current huge problem of fentanyl deaths in young people.

 

Where can we find out more about you and your writing?

Go to https://stevehooleywriter.com/ for information on my books.

Also, sign up on the opening page of the site for my newsletter if you would like to get monthly updates, and have an opportunity to be in monthly drawings for “legacy pens” such as Kay’s Propeller Pen. I make pens from old trees and old buildings to “leave a legacy.”

 

Thanks, Steve, for being with us today.

Thanks, Kay, for the opportunity.

 

The Craft of Writing Middle Grade Fiction with Steve Hooley
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Meet Steve Hooley

Steve Hooley is a physician/writer. He has published seven short stories in four anthologies, his father’s memoirs, and is currently working on a middle-grade fantasy series, Mad River Magic.

Steve lives with his wife, Cindy, in rural western Ohio. They have five children and nine grandchildren. When not writing, he makes legacy pens and takes care of his enchanted forest.

To learn more, please visit SteveHooleyWriter.com.

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“a spectacular tale of decades-old murder mystery, human drama, and a hint of romance…” —Prairie Book Reviews

Available at  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, or Apple Books.

The post THE CRAFT OF WRITING MIDDLE GRADE – FEBRUARY 2025 appeared first on Kay DiBianca.