Polly Wants to Be a Writer - The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published

by Laura Michelle Thomas

~ I suck. I'll never make it. I get writer's block every ten seconds, every day, all the time. I should give up. I can't even finish any of my own stories. I truly suck. I'm sorry for wasting your time. Maybe I'll be a nurse like my mom or sell farm equipment like my dad. Whatever! I'm going to go home and tell Scrum I wish he was dead and get on with my life. ~ In the wake of her parents' separation, Polly, a fifteen-year-old wannabe writer, comes face to face with her inner dragon, a truculent, impatient creature named Scrum who is a talented but frightful critic of her writing. With the help of Ms. Patience Whitford, a literary dragon trainer and leader of a global writing guild, Polly faces the almost impossible task of going beyond her good ideas to finish a publishable piece of fiction. All the while, Polly and Scrum become entangled in a dangerous scheme that threatens the future of every writer on the planet.

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2013

About the author

Laura Michelle Thomas is an author with a background in storytelling, freelance copywriting and editing, and ghostwriting. She runs Laura Thomas Communications, an organization dedicated to fostering the development of young writers worldwide through quality contests, conferences, blogging and educational resources. She is the publisher and senior editor of jaBlog! an online magazine for young writers. She is the organizer and host of the Junior Authors Writers Conferences, and lead judge and organizer for the International Junior Authors Contests in poetry and short fiction. She is the author of the novel Polly Wants to Be a Writer (2013) and her newest book is The Naked Storyteller (August 12, 2014).

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Auth...

Reviews

[Avery St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and entertaining work of fiction paired easily with non-fiction ideas to help young writers along their course, Polly Wants To Be A Writer is a genius tale crafted specifically for the young writers of today. I enjoyed the story with its different characters and rich settings, getting lost in the pages as I followed Polly on her journey to becoming a great author. More than the story, though, I found that I learnt more about the writing process and how to inspire myself throughout the tale. Everything was woven seamlessly together as Thomas skillfully introjects the lessons into the prose.
The novel bridges a lot of age groups. It read like something meant for the eleven to fourteen age group, but has appeal for people older or younger due to the easy language, fun characters and important lessons. I’ve worked with Laura for a little over six months now, and this novel really lets you know exactly how she is as a person. She truly strives to help young people and answer their every question, just like the story’s Ms. Patience Whitford.
I, like Polly, fall under the category of “budding female author of fifteen years old” but, unlike Polly, I developed my love of writing before my dragon was born. In the novel, Ms. Whitford explains that literary dragons - the part of an author that allows them to edit their work into something worth publishing - come around puberty, which was very true for me. I fell in love with the craft at about the age of nine and would almost write every day from six in the morning until school and then five until bedtime. My mother worried for me. But it wasn’t until I was about twelve or thirteen that I started to find ways to polish my completed work. In this way, me and the main character are very different. Because I was so far into the habit of writing, I rarely ever got serious writer’s block - until this year. Reading Thomas’ novel, I came to realize that the reason I hadn’t produced anything I’d been proud of for months was because my own literary dragon (who I have named Petra) has been snacking upon my words and eating at my subconscious. Polly, Ms. Whitford, Scrum, and even to a certain degree Dr. Mammozarak, have shown me that the only way I can ever become a professional writer is to muzzle my inner dragon and put the words down on the page.
Polly Wants To Be A Writer is a book worth five stars for its ability to be both an informative non-fiction as well as an entertaining story. It has a cute plot and richly formed characters. I would recommend it to anyone ages nine and up who dreams of being an author, or who has the unfortunate duty of being one of those parents who has to deal with us aspiring writers and our extensive piles of journals. I hope you will enjoy Polly and her journey just as much as I did. Good luck taming your dragons!

[Sapphira Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn’t available in my country and had to be specially ordered, but I went out of my way into getting it. I knew that this book would be amazing for writers like me so it my mind, I kept saying to myself, “Be patient. It’s worth the wait, for sure!”
When I finally did get it, I cracked open the first page and started reading right away.
Throughout the whole story, Polly intrigued me. Polly was a hard-headed and lazy writer. But somehow, I felt very connected to her and that I understood all she was going through as a young writer. Always having writer’s block, always procrastinating instead of actually writing and spent more time arguing with her dragon than she did actually writing. At some point, I realized that the reason I was so interested in Polly, it’s because I saw myself in her.
I also had that stubborn and self-doubting mind of a writer. And I’m sure a bunch of my fellow writers agrees with me.
The story revolved around this idea: how can new and young writers start writing when we are always discouraging ourselves and always avoided actually writing because we think we can’t make it? This is actually a reality for all writers. And I was very impressed by how it was brilliantly brought into the story.
In a fast-paced, adventurous but fun story, I was encouraged to keep writing and learned how to start out properly as a writer. And this happened through numerous amazing, and well-thought out characters such as Ms Whitford, who reminded so much of the author because of her determination to help young writers. Another character was Scrum. I always found him adorable because of his silly antics but he made me understand that writers’ dragons aren’t there to bully you, but to help you. And he made me love my own dragon too.
I can’t bear to spoil anything in the book but let’s just say that with everything will keep you on the edge of your seat. With Polly’s story, I started reading as a weak-willed writer, and finished completely renewed as a determined writer, knowing that the world needs my stories.
After reading it, I was so fired up to write that I was able to finish my own first draft, or should I say, my lump of clay!
I recommend this read to everyone who wants to be a writer and is finding it impossible to do so. Maybe your dragons are getting out of hand? Well, this book will definitely give you a lot of pointers to help you train them.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entwining fantasy with reality, Laura Thomas deftly weaves an intriguing story of fifteen-year-old Polly, who aspires to be a writer, and her struggles to become one.

Mrs. Thomas' debut novel showcases the all too real struggles of a teenager in modern day society trying to make it as a writer. However, not only does Polly have to deal with writer's block and not being able to finish a story, she also has to deal with a dragon that suddenly appears in her bedroom. Named Scrum, this dragon imposes upon her life with snarky remarks and hurtful critics of her story. She goes to her favorite author, Ms. Whitford, for help with her dragon, and learns that Scrum is Polly's inner literary critic. She must learn to control him if she ever wants to graduate from being a "wannabe" writer and become a full-fledged one.

Along with Polly's journey to tame Scrum and take control of her own writing, there are also several different interesting characters that make the book multifaceted and layered. Polly has to deal with Yulleg Snoblivski, a famous author her own age who goes to her school. Yulleg, in turn, has to deal with his own literary dragon (who has issues of his own), and the pushy publishing companies, when all he wants to do is quit writing once and for all.

Not to mention parents with secrets; secrets about parents; dragons of all shapes, sorts, and smarts; and a power struggle for the last copy of a certain book.

In this book, Mrs. Thomas not only engages you with an imaginative fantasy story and fictional world, but also educates you on how to tame your own literary dragon. Polly, and consequently the reader, learns about the ins and outs of the publishing world; as well as the process of writing a story from the first brainstorming session to the first draft. This book is good for anyone who holds an interest in writing but has never been sure of how to go about it, or has tripped over a stumbling block on the road to their finished story. Addressing all the common issues that most writers have grappled with, Ms. Thomas has created much more than just an instruction manual for transferring your story from mind to material. She has produced a book that is both informing and entertaining. I highly recommend this book for any "wannabe" writers out there.

[E. Hopkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, actually I made it about two thirds of the way through this book. Polly, the protagonist, is nothing more than an immature brat. She shows distain to every other character in the book, including her literary dragon Scrum who is supposed to help her write the perfect story. I do not enjoy reading a book where all the main character does is be rude to everyone.

[Amna Gillani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fate of every writer is at stake. And it's taking all of 15 year old Polly’s determination to forget that and concentrate on her short story. *Blink*. Another literary dragon wiped of the map. Getting really hard to concentrate on her story now.
"You suck, you’ll never make it," the distracting snide voice breaks in again. She knew she should have muzzled her dragon before getting started on her first draft.
Oh the trials of a writer.
Brilliantly creative with memorable characters, Thomas’s hybrid novel is a one of a kind. Who would have imagined a cross between a writing guide and an exciting urban fantasy narrative. Well, Laura did and she made it work brilliantly.
The storyline is, simply put, awesome. Dragons- check. Despical Villains- yes. Unique Characters- you've got them. A perfect story ready...But it doesn't end there.
Oh, the writing advice. I have never read any thing like that before and trust me I have read a lot of books and articles on writing. With long arguments either claiming that writing cannot be taught or with detailed step by step procedures you are better of skipping, writing guides are just about the most useless things you can get your hands upon. That is before Polly
Written by a writer experienced in pretty much every writing related field, the advice within is priceless. This is a journey which catches up to you and takes you along in an unstoppable flow. This is a book which gets you writing. This is a powerful book.
The plot is captivating, to say the least. Urban fantsasy with dragons and calculating villains keep you hooked on to the book till the very end. Fast paced, funny and serious at appropriate moments, this is perhaps the only writing guide which is actually readable. You learn loads without being overwhelmed. The idea of training your literary dragon is obviously so much more cooler than 'countering writers block'. And Laura knows it.
The best part of this book are the characters which was specially epic for me as I always judge a book through the characters. Reading about Polly is as if the book revolves around you, for any aspiring writer. You see her face similar inner turmoils but this time you have Ms Whitford a qualified dragon trainer at your side to help out. Every character is perfect for its role and there are no extra, unnecessary characters. Motives are clear and everyone is determined to get their way creating mass conflict.
With no unnecessary dialogues or details, the book never lags.It is a seamless read as you don’t have to work through it. As Thomas says she writes in a way that the words don’t exist.
As an aspiring writer this book really jolted me back to my writing and to appreciate the fact that I AM a wannabe. This may seem *cute* to read but upon reading Polly Wants to Be a Writer you'll get what I mean. This is a book I have nothing but praise for.
If Polly can do it, then so can I. And if I can do it, so can you.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing is something that’s often seen to be a rigorous, monotonous process, but Polly, through its imaginative characters and entertaining (and sometimes brilliantly humorous) storyline, proves that it is just the opposite.

The story centers around a teenager called Polly, a fifteen-year-old who is filled with brilliant ideas – the one about the vampire-wolf in particular made me laugh – but has trouble developing them into actual novels and pieces of writing.

I must admit: I was skeptical and wary at first -- part due to the purplish children’s book-type cover, part due to the dreariness of previous writing guides I’ve bored through – but I must say that there is something for everyone in Polly Wants to Be a Writer.

Polly’s problem with writer’s block very much parallels the struggles that I face as writer. Like Polly, I’ve too struggled with developing an idea into a coherent piece of work. The moments in which Polly learns to write are brief – and although some might not like this -- but personally I found this is what made this part-novel, part-instruction manual such an engaging read. Writing tips aren’t crammed into the novel but rather slowly introduced to the reader, with lengthy parts of actual storyline in between – time in which the reader can slowly digest what he or she has just learnt. Come to think of it, the way in which the novel is written very much parallels a writer’s journey of growth. Writers don’t instantly become masters of their craft, but rather slowly build up their set of skills over a long period of time.

The characters prove to be both quirky and imaginative. Polly, the main character of the novel, is someone that we all relate to. We share in Polly’s troublesome plight from the very beginning of the novel, feel Polly’s anxiousness in Dr. Mammozarack’s “depression clinic” and share in the success that Polly feels when she completes the first draft of her story at the end of the novel.

The story is lighthearted and a quick read. I loved the representation of our inner literary critic as a dragon. The idea of “muzzling” our literary dragons is a metaphor that I’m sure will help younger kids understand the importance of allowing our ideas to run wild during the first few stages of writing. Scrum was actually one of my favorite elements of the book – without Scum, the novel wouldn’t have been as nearly as funny as it is (I was laughing when Scrum ate Polly’s laptop. I think, as readers, we were meant to feel sympathetic towards Polly, but I had a great laugh when reading that particular bit of the book).

This novel is great for young aspiring writers like Polly, but also for those who just want something to read – for Polly is a great story in itself.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleverly crafted and highly informative, Laura Thomas has absolutely blown me away with Polly Wants to be a Writer! The blend of fiction and non-fiction is truly genius and teaches the reader a lot, often without them even realising it. It's bursting with useful tips and the protagonist Polly, was such a relatable character; she was much like myself in that she was a young writer struggling to go from a wanna-be to a somebody. The fact that Polly was able to overcome her obstacles and actually finish her short story and edit it is hugely inspiring to me. At the beginning of the book, she was in pretty much the same position as I am now, confined to only sharing her stories with her laptop, yet somehow she underwent this amazing journey that bettered her as a writer. I found myself asking myself "If Polly can do it, why can't I?"

The main thing I learned from this book, however, was that you should never ask for help from anyone until your first draft is finished. This was an important lesson for me to learn because I was always asking my friends and family "What should I do next?" and "How should I change this?”. I never even realised that I was hindering my creativity but in hindsight, I can see that's exactly what I was doing. In my first drafts, I always panicked over all the little details and sought advice at every turn. And honestly? The results sucked. Now I know better. Next time, I'm just going to write, details be damned. They can always be finalised in the editing rounds!

I also loved the fantasy element Laura brought in when she used the metaphor of dragons to represent our inner critics. Polly and Scrum’s constant banter was very familiar to me, as I often have such debates with myself in my head. For example, innocent little me asks, “Is this idea good enough? It is too cliché?” And my dragon, whom I have named Alex, replies, “Good enough? It’s not even good enough for the rubbish bin! Cliché doesn’t even begin to cover it!” And so marks the death of another idea (rest in peace). However, now that Alex has been trained and firmly muzzled, no more ideas are murdered in such a cruel fashion...until the editing stages that is.

Overall, Polly Wants to Be a Writer was brilliantly written and has really helped me along my writing journey; after reading it, I feel like I’m one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a published author one day. It has also inspired me to continue writing and editing my novel, Hunted, which I had previously left unattended for three months. So thank you Laura, for a wonderful read and for the push I needed to get my butt in gear again!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons, writing, adventure and reading. What more could you ask for? And if you want something that combines all of these, good news: I have just the book for you.

To be perfectly honest, when I first read this book I was sceptical. I thought it would be more like a manual, or even a children’s story, told in a patronising manner. But as soon as I read the first few pages, I knew that it wasn’t like that. Hints from Ms. Whitford, one of the main characters aside from Polly and Scrum, combined with an actual story line that intrigues really keeps you interested.

Polly’s situation is a ‘real’ one – she’s 15, suffers all the usual ‘girl-trouble’ and her parents have just separated. Aside from the fact she has a smelly, grumpy dragon in her room, her thoughts are teenage too, and this means that you can connect with her. If Polly can do it, why can’t you?

The tips that are given really are worthwhile, so if you’re struggling with getting those first few words down, this book will definitely be of use! Besides that, if you are scared of your literary dragon – your inner critic, the dramatic voice that tells you you’re rubbish – this book will help you overcome your fear.

Thrown in at the deep end with a dragon is probably not how you would want it to be done, but /Polly/ really helps you through this quickly. This book can’t be read in one sitting, and that means that you can figure out your literary dragon’s story along with Polly living though her own.

Laura’s writing style is gentle but firm; a no-nonsense technique which, combined with Scrum’s sassiness and the tips she gives, gently pats it into your head, as opposed to some of the other writing manuals that attempt to drum it in. Overall, it’s rather effective!

By the end of the book, you find yourself with a lot more confidence than when you went in, and Laura leaves the perfect story challenge at the end for you to get stuck into, which you can then send in to LTC for a potential publication on the site. Or perhaps you’ll have an idea two in your head about your next story. Whatever you have when you finish, you’ll feel a lot better about it.

Don’t believe me? Get the book and see for yourself!

For more information, go and check out www.laurathomascommunications.com.

[Georgia Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book, I had a dream of being writer. But it was just that; a dream. With all the pressure of school work and exams, I felt like I'd never fulfill my dream. So when I found this book, I thought it would be perfect for me. And I was so right!

My first impression of the book was that it would just be full of boring tips for being a writer that I'd heard a million times before. But it really is quite the opposite. It's an inspiring tale of a young girl with a dream to be a writer, just like me or you. I never thought it would enthrall me as much as it did, and I never thought in a million years that I would feel such a connection to the main character, Polly. It made me realise how many other people are in my exact situation and that we can all achieve our dreams together if we just put in the hard work and dedication.

Anyone will tell you it's a difficult feat to become a published writer. Being unable to finish that one very first draft can be difficult and Polly portrays this struggle beautifully. She represents every single young writer across the globe in that she is always putting off writing her first draft. As soon as you start reading this book, you will feel a connection with Polly.

Yes, this book is about teaching young writers about the realities of life in the writing world, but it does have a fantasy side to it which makes it so captivating. There were many times while reading this book where I was so fascinated that I just didn't want to put it down.

This book has the perfect mix of teaching and fantasy, making you learn things without even realising! I strongly recommend this book for any aspiring writer who thinks their stories suck which, let's face it, is the majority of young writers!

[Nina Chabanon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The prized, literary phenomenon, Polly Wants To Be A Writer, provides a much needed insight into the everyday battle budding young writers must face, against their inner dragons. Laura Thomas skillfully instructs literary youths everywhere how to slay said dragons that might be standing between them and publishable work. This inspirational tale of a 15 year old aspiring writer, Polly, attempting to tame her defiant inner dragon, Scum, is embedded with vital information, relatable to writers everywhere. This brilliant fusion of adventure and guidance should be every young writers greatest weapon, in the battle to beat procrastination, writer's block, and the search for the extra shove towards greatness. Everyone who has a toe in the world of literature is well aware of the endless spectrum between fiction and non-fiction, and it is safe to announce that Laura Thomas has effortlessly mastered a blend between the both genres, rendering Polly Wants To Be A Writer the ultimate guide to any aspiring authors in their quest for publication. I genuinely recommend this book to anyone considering a career as a writer, publisher, editor or even just someone who enjoys a coming-of-age tale about a determined young girl and her truculent dragon.

[Tiffany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read by Laura M. Thomas and I was not disappointed! Ever since I discovered Laura through her website and annual short story contest, I have been very eager to read Polly Wants to Be a Writer. Not only is it a great piece of fiction, it has also inspired me. As an unpublished, wannabe writer myself, I found it very easy to relate to the main character, Polly, and her struggles with writing.

When you read this novel, it is very clear that a lot of passion and imagination went into the making of it. Whether you're a writer, a wannabe writer, or just someone looking for a good read, this book is perfect. Its quirky, inspiring, and captivating. The plot is very well developed and paced well. This novel had me anticipating each page with eagerness because I wanted to know what was going to happen to Polly and Scrum next.

When I finished the last page of Polly Wants to Be a Writer, I was almost sad because I wanted more! As a writer, I now wish I could see a physical representation of my literary dragon. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read another book by Laura.

[Journey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, really enjoyed it. This will really help young aspiring authors to get a kickstart into writing their own stories, novels, poetry, and other types of writing. As well as being a fun fantasy story, it includes many step by step instructions and outlines on how to write a short story or novel. Everyone who reads this can really relate to Polly. I really recommend this to any young writer out there.

[Rhianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly Wants to Be a Writer is one of the most original, creative books I've ever read. I wasn't sure what to expect because it is aimed at a wide audience and is supposed to be "educational and fun" at the same time. It was educational, but it was also a very, very good book to read. I would recommend this book to young writers and to adults and guidance teachers who don't believe in them.

Buy it, read it, and learn to train your inner literary dragon.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly Wants to be a Writer is a truly inspirational book for all young people who've ever got stuck in their writing. It showcases a fifteen year old Polly who is so real that readers could easily imagine being her. She starts off as an insecure writer, but by the time you finish the book, she, and you, will have learned how to tame your inner editor dragon and finally create a publishable piece of work. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling to be a writer.

[Kate Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love. Love it. My 8th grade English teacher last year gave me a copy signed, "Hoping all your writing aspirations come true. Best of luck." I have yet to successfully reach my goals, but I'm on my way. My biggest tool: Ms. Thomas's book. It's fun to read, and the pages fly... it's on my list to read it again. It's at the core of my motivation...because sometimes, you just need to write. Thank you Laura!

[Ken Priebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

For writers of any age, not just the very young, this is a fast-moving, engaging story and how-to manual for writing all cleverly rolled into one. Recommended for all who need help in training their dragon.