Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook

I haven't come across a "How to" book for kids about writing that has impressed me--till now. Spilling Ink is a chatty, informed, get-real look at writing by two children's book authors, and it doesn't waste time diagramming sentences and listing common spelling errors. Anne Mazer, author of series like Abby Hayes and Sister Magic, and Ellen Potter, author of books like Olivia Kidney and Slob, lay out what it means to be a writer and tell kids how to get the job done. This book is written in a thoroughly reader-friendly style, with the two authors taking turns giving advice in a manner reminiscent of blog posts. Hayes and Potter know their stuff, and it shows: as a writer, I was pleased to see such good ideas expressed so simply, not to mention humorously. For instance, the chapter and section titles are often entertaining: "More Crawling Lizards, Please," "Truth or Dare," "The Robo-Narrator," and "Belly Buttons" are a few of my favorites. Take a look at the book's tone in this selection from Ellen Potter: "Before I started writing seriously, I was under the delusion that 'real' writers sit down and write out the entire story in one nearly perfect, spectacularly clever draft. Oh, sure, maybe they would change a word or two, or rename one of their characters 'Nathan' because his original name, 'Jake,' reminds them too much of their cousin Jake who belches the theme music to retro TV shows. But that's about it. Wrong! Hugely, profoundly, utterly wrong." Spilling Ink offers instructive analogies, such as comparing a story's setting to a mood ring, and useful techniques, such as "the chicken-nugget circle." The authors provide short writing samples to illustrate their points here and there, which is so much more helpful than mere explanations. A writing activity at the end of each chapter is called "I Dare You," e.g., "Write a scene about a circus, but make the mood dark and grim." These activities are so spot-on that they're practically a shock--in contrast, I've seen far too many writing practice assignments in literature textbooks and school workbooks that weren't particularly relevant. Here writing concepts are explained charmingly, and, more important, clearly. The idea of letting your characters do their own thing and not over-managing them is tricky for many grown-up writers to understand, but Potter uses the idea of "Don't Be a Bully" to explain it. And Mazer tells us how she was inspired by those pre-Christmas calendar kiosks at the mall to create fun chapter headers for one of her series--illustrating how writers can transform everyday experiences into fiction. Mazer and Potter share their writing process with us; for example, showing how they brainstormed to choose the title for this book. They address problems that other books about writing don't always pinpoint, such as "Avoiding the Mad Dash," that tendency to slap on an ending that young writers--and some older ones--are prone to. Spilling Ink even covers topics like journaling and working with a writing partner. Matt Phelan's illustrations further add to the cheerful tone of the book, showing us sturdy young writers in spot art sprinkled throughout the pages. One of the book's best treats is the Appendix. Just when you think it's over, you find out that Anne and Ellen have interviewed each other in a section called "Spilling Secrets," which is full of fun biographical tidbits and a bonus slant on what it means to be a writer. I've seen a lot of boring books about how to write interesting books, which naturally struck me as ironic. But Spilling Ink takes its own advice: it's funny, specific, fascinating, and useful. I don't just recommend it to its target audience of 4th-6th graders, I recommend it to aspiring (and even published) writers who are in their 20's, 30's, 40's, and beyond.

This book helped me start a small writing club with my two children. And they both have benefited from the book and our writing together. In fact, I enjoyed those writing sessions too. The book is fun to read together and follow. The content is interesting and "I dare you" activities useful. The activities help you write based on your imagination and experience. It does not required you to have read two other books to do meaningful writing practice. The book has helpful suggestions and advice on how to go about writing. It's discussion on rewriting, characters, plot and sources of inspiration are pleasantly actionable and get you spilling ink on paper quickly. This book is not about grammar, usage or writing tools. We kept a dictionary close by when reading this book as one of my kids was too young for this level of writing but wanted to be in the club anyway!

One of my grandchildren has a real desire (and gift) to become a writer. After a conversation with her I realized she was in the middle of writing a lengthy story but hesitant for anyone to read it. I did a little research and found this great how to guidance book from two great authors willing to help young hopefuls. She has used the book and says it has helped her grasp some of the missing elements of her skills. In case you're weeding through the various books available on this subject and are on the fence regarding this book, I've attached a brief summary for what it offers. Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook, by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter Practical advice in a perfect package for young aspiring writers. After receiving letters from fans asking for writing advice, accomplished authors Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter joined together to create this guidebook for young writers. The authors—along with award winning illustrator Matt Phelan, mix inspirational anecdotes with practical guidance on how to find a voice, develop characters and plot,make revisions, and overcome writer’s block. Fun writing prompts will help young writers jump-start their own projects, and encouragement throughout will keep them at work.

I enjoyed this interesting and well put together reference book and expect to use it in a class I will be teaching next fall. Very easy to follow, well written.

My favorite thing about this book is that there’s zero fluff. Most creative writing books are mostly fluff. This is full of several concise dual-viewpoint lessons that are inspiring and pragmatic. I’m very grateful to have read this book. Thank you for writing it.

Outstanding!!!! Inspiring!!!!! I'm one of those late in life bloomers who never wrote a book, only entries in my journal. For the past two or three years I've had a dream of writing a children's book. Recently I came across Spilling Ink at the library. Once I started reading it, I knew I had to have a copy of my own to refer to and to write in. I like it much more than any of the "adult" how to write books I've read. I especially love the part of interviewing my character. It got my adrenaline pumping. I am looking forward to spending some time "chatting" with my main character. I recommend this book to anyone who is dreaming of being an author, no matter what age. It's not intimidating and is chock full of ideas and creative suggestions. It is an easy read yet very informative. Kudos to Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter.

I read this book when I was in middle school. It was one of the books in my study hall class, and I would look forward to that part of my day just so I could go read this book and parse some more tips on writing. In the years since, I still thought about and implemented what I remembered into all my writing - school essays, short stories, D&D sessions, speeches, you name it! And, over ten years later, technology has allowed me to finally get a copy for myself. Re-reading it as an adult, there are still valuable and accessible bits of advice for all genres of the written word within. Well worth the money!

Great book to teach young writers how to write

Excellent book for young writers! It introduces children to the basics of creative writing in a light tone and with loads of humour. Highly recommended!

I bought this as a gift for my friends daughter, and she's not put it down. She's taken it to school with her and I was told this week that the parent of one of her friends wanted a copy and they'd checked the name of the book with my friend. Thank you

My son has been reading it during the summer. He said he learned some writing skills from it.

I bought this for my daughter who loves writing stories

My daughter is a little writer in the making. This book takes those elements that she can't pick up naturally and helps her to hone her talents and convey her thoughts by teaching her about technical elements and techniques. It does this through wit and humor, funny yet poignant examples, and an endearing style that lets young people connect. I heard nothing but great things and now I totally agree!