I don’t remember exactly how the idea wiggled its way into my head, but the desire to write something for my soon-to-be twelve-year-old grandson overtook all my other projects.
From Graphic Novel to Middle-Grade Novel
At first, I imagined it as a graphic novel. The characters in my head screamed to be drawn — they’re monsters, but not the kind everyone has seen before. These were my own creations.
I even started talking with a friend in the comic world. But when I finished a first draft of what that would look like, it didn’t feel right. I didn’t have a graphic novel — I had an outline, and not a great one. I knew there was a fun story in there, maybe even several, but something was off.
After much internal debate, I realized my creation wasn’t a graphic novel. It was a traditional middle-grade fantasy novel — maybe with illustrations someday, but that’s still undecided. I had killed my first darling.
The Challenge (and Joy) of Writing for Middle Grade
Writing for middle grade is very different from anything I’ve done before. I’m learning a lot as I go, like:
- Choosing vocabulary carefully: Kids notice when words feel too “adult” or confusing.
- Balancing themes: Some topics need extra care to be age-appropriate but meaningful.
- Deciding how much to explain: Middle-grade readers are clever — they can figure out a lot, but they also need guidance.
I owe it to my grandson — and to Leo, Trog, Samson, and Jessie — to get it right.
Why I’m Excited to Keep Going
While the change from graphic novel to traditional novel meant I had to actually write a book, that’s exactly what I did. My first draft is fifty thousand words — not finished, but a milestone I’m proud of.
Every day, I discover more about my characters and the world they live in. I’m excited to keep learning and sharing this journey, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
Side Note for Readers
- If you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian: This novel is intended to entertain kids while exploring themes like fairness, friendship, and loyalty.
- If you’re a fellow writer: It’s a reminder that your first idea isn’t always your final story — and that’s okay.
.