Facts & Fiction

At first glance, it may seem silly for fiction writers to do research for their stories--unless, perhaps, one is writing historical fiction. After all, most people don’t read novels expecting to be educated. (Does anyone really care if laptops were around in 1995 when my young heroine in THE TRAZ acquired one?)

Actually, I've discover that many people do care, and the more obvious the factual error the higher percentage of readers notice and care. Why? Because it interferes with the images the written words are creating in the minds of readers. If readers can’t imagine the action happening, rather than focusing on the characters and plot, they’ll try to adjust the scene they are reading to fit the reality they know.  This spoils their enjoyment of the story.

Although laptops were around in 1995, if my story had taken place in 1955 and I threw in a laptop, I think you can imagine how distracting that would be. As a reader, you’d be poised to experience this tale in the world of 1955 and then suddenly, you’d be jolted away from the story by the incongruity.

Very skillful writers can make anachronisms meld smoothly into the plot so the reader doesn’t notice or doesn’t care, but alas, most of us are not close to being that talented.

As I often incorporate little known facts into my stories, even though my research is impeccable it remains a challenge to smoothly convince readers that the story is credible.  For example, in THE TRAZ, Katrina, my 13 year-old heroine, opens a bank account in her name only and deposits a large sum of money that her grandfather gifted her.  Her guardian has no control over the account.*  Alas, fiction writers can’t use little asterisks and footnotes to cite sources but must find other ways to promote their credibility.

Some authors use a plethora of details to lend authenticity. One mystery I read had four paragraphs on what contact lenses were like in 1965—I found that quite distracting, especially since contact lenses had nothing to do with the murder.

Other writers will use the back covers of their novels (Author, Eileen Schuh, who bought her first laptop in 1995, ....  Or ‘thank you’ pages (Eileen wishes to thank Sarah Butland for providing valuable banking info…) or sometimes their blogs and/or websites to shout to the world that they know of what they speak!

Oh….wait a minute….

*This scenario complies with Canada's banking laws and policies.

If you have a helpful hint on how fiction writers can increase their credibility, please leave a comment below.

For more research hints visit my blog at http://criminalmindsatwork.blogspot.com/


Eileen Schuh, Author
Schrödinger’s Cat
http://www.eileenschuh.com/

Authors and librarians: the connection

 

Caroline Vandriel

When I was writing KidLit articles for the PopSyndicate website, several times I pestered the local librarian for answers, interviews, comments, and links.  She was exceptionally obliging and I couldn't help but mention to her that my first published novel, SHRODINGER'S CAT would be released in 2011.

Although each municipality and each school system in my home province is responsible for its library service, "library systems" were established several years ago to increase the buying power of individual libraries and promote the sharing of resources and information throughout the province. 

So, although I am a member of my local St. Paul library I had never met Caroline Vandriel, Library Consultant from the Northern Lights Library System (NLLS), except online.  I was thrilled when, after she discovered one of her coworkers was a close friend of mine, she suggested we meet for coffee.

"A librarian? That's HUGE!" said Cheryl Kaye Tardif, my book marketing coach.   I thought just being invited for coffee by anybody was huge (those who are lonely writers will understand that).

On the otherhand, this meeting was special--because librarians and libraries occupy very special places in my heart.  I have many warm memories of libraries--the shelves and shelves of books.  The pictures. The stories.  The knowledge. The smell. The hush.  The sound of pages turning.

Lately though, tension between authors and libraries has been in the headlines and I was, after all, now an author as well as a reader.  Questions being batted around included, 'Who owns what rights to the books within the library walls?' and 'Who is responsible for reimbursing the authors for the work they invested in those books?'

With these concerns in mind, I pondered what I should discuss with Caroline.  What should I ask?  What should I say? Did she drink her coffee black or does she drink tea?

A few days before my coffee date, I received an email from an author who lives not all that far from me, asking if I had information on how to get his self-published books into schools and libraries.  Ah, I thought.  That is a good question for Caroline.

I started a list:

1. When my book comes out in 2011, is Caroline the one I'd contact about purchasing it for the local libraries? 
2. Who would I contact to participate in literacy events in the region? 
3. Since PopSyndicate had folded, was there any opportunity to continue my KidLit column on the NLLS website? 
4. Were there other ways that libraries and authors network? 
5. What else did she do? 
6. Was she going home for Christmas?  Where was 'home'?  Does she have siblings? 

It was a lovely visit, a lovely chat, and great coffee (thanks to my Northern Lights friend, Brigitte.)

These are the answers I received:

1. Caroline could suggest my book to member libraries within the Northern Light Library System, but it would be them, not her, who would decide if they want my book.
2. Individual libraries organize their own events and promotions.  She could give me the names of the libraries and contacts in my region.
3. She is responsible for the Northern Lights Library System website.  She'd consider my offer to contribute a KidLit column to the quarterly online newsletter.
4. Once a year, a convention is held for all those involved with the regional libraries.  Sometimes library people from other areas of the province also attend.  Authors sometimes do presentations at the conferences and at times have showcased their work.  She'd keep me informed on the plans for next year's convention and keep me in mind as a possible participant.
5. What else is in her job description?  She is the one who researches answers to questions people pose to all the libraries in her jurisdiction.  What a cool service!  (I've already sent her a question: What are these "cables" that Wikileak is leaking?  Emails? Telegrams?  She hasn't found the answer yet.)
6. I won't share Caroline's answers to the personal questions.  Suffice it to say it was a wonderful coffee date.  And I came to understand the importance of networking with the libraries.

And...regarding the question about self-published books, although librarians generally don't purchase self-published books, if one were to promote one's work to them and it was a good work, there's a chance a writer could spark the interest of a libarary.

I was happy with my questions and happy with the answers, but I wanted to know if I'd missed anything huge.  "Cheryl," I emailed.  "Why would authors want to network with libaries?"


Cheryl Kaye Tardif



 She sent me her top ten reasons:



Why writers would want to network with libraries...

1. Libraries BUY books.
2. People still use libraries and will continue to do so.
3. Libraries are getting into ebooks.
4. Libraries love author visits.
5. Libraries often have other events you can attend.
6. You can arrange to sell your books to patrons during events in a library.
7. Libraries know other authors to which you can connect.
8. Libraries give your books more exposure.
9. Public Lending Rights Commission will pay Canadian authors every year based on how many of their works are in public libraries, while Access Copyright pays authors for the use of their work in educational systems (& elsewhere).

10. You’ll be able to tell readers your books are in the library.

For more great writing tips visit author and book coach, Cheryl K Tardif's, blog http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/


I suggest all authors investigate the connection between libraries and authors in their area. Perhaps invite your librarian on a coffee date!


Eileen Schuh
Author SCHRODINGER'S CAT
http://www.eileenschuh.com/

Guest Blog: Jan Markley

AND THE WINNER IS:

Congratulations to Sarah Butland for winning an autographed copy of Jan Markley's latest release DEAD BIRD THROUGH THE CAT DOOR. 

Thank you to all who entered. 
__________________________________________

I'm happy to host Alberta author, Jan Markley, who is celebrating the launch of her second book in her MegaByte series, "Dead Bird Through the Cat Door". I interviewed Jan a year or so ago when she received her first publishing contract and am excited that she's enjoying continuing success.

And yes, there is a give-away happening here again...

Take it away, Jan!

Side kicks we love
and...
Dead Bird through the Cat Door book give-away

 My favourite side-kick was Karate from Batfink. He was the not-so-super slick side-kick to Batfink who would say things like “I ate my way out. I love caramel” to Batfinks “Your bullets can not hurt me, my wings are like a shield of steel.”



Batfink & Karate

Side-kick characters serve a number of purposes. They can make the hero look good, provide for comic relief (or be the straight man), be a companion of the hero, a counterpoint to the hero (offer a different pov) and give the hero someone to talk to. Or in the case of Todd, the side-kick to Cyd and Jane in Dead Bird through the Cat Door, they can irritate the twin detectives.

In Dead Frog on the Porch we met Todd. He was the leader of the Safari Sleepoveer at the Zoo when Cyd and Jane were in hot pursuit of the Cheese Pie Man (the culprit). Todd interrupted a near-strangulation of the twins. So he was a bit helpful.

Well he’s back as a full on side-kick character in Dead Bird through the Cat Door and his main role seems to be annoying Cyd and Jane. I love this character. He’s funny, he’s smart, he’s ambitious and he has the ear of the bad guys which comes in handy. He creates a lot of conflict between the sisters. He’s got a crush on their mom (which is gross) and one of the twins has a crush on him (though she won’t admit it). The twins need him because he has access to the bird sanctuary where some interesting goings on are happening including the kidnapping of cats to kill birds. But he’s a bit high maintenance. He’s made me really appreciate the role of the side-kick character.
___________________________
You may purchase Jan's book through http://www.amazon.com

     WIN!

Win an autographed copy of Jan's latest release: Dead Bird Through the Cat Door

Leave a comment and contact information below to be automatically entered to win. [Click on the green word "comment" below. Scroll down until you reach the place to enter your comment.]
Jan and I are suggesting you comment about your favourite side-kick character.  If you are a writer, tell us about the secondary character you created that you like most. 
To increase your chances of winning, sign up to follow my blog (click on the "Follow" button to the right of this column beneath the heading "Followers".  (Your name will be entered twice if you comment and follow)

To REALLY increase your chances to win, follow this link to Jan's blog
http://janmarkley.blogspot.com and follow hers as well. (Your name will be entered three times if you comment and follow both my blog and Jan's).

Contest closes 6 pm Friday, 10 December 2010. 

Winner will be announced Monday 13 December 2010.
Good luck to everyone.

Eileen Schuh, Author
SCHRODINGER'S CAT
 http://www.eileenschuh.com/

Dianne Tchir: Making Poetry Happen

The winners of the three autographed Dianne Tchir books are:
MY STORY: BABY'S FIRST YEAR: Strider Marcus Jones
BEARS BATH TIME: Aveksha
THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE: Vijay Ellaurie

Thank you to all who visited, those who entered, and to Dianne for appearing on my blog and generously supplying and mailing the prizes.

Dianne Tchir is excited to announce the upcoming release of her debut book of poetry. Although she has many writing successes, including two self-published books, THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE is her first book-publishing contract. It is great to have a fellow Albertan guest on my blog.  Welcome to Magic of the Muses, Dianne.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Thank you for inviting me to this interview. I am a retired High School English/Drama teacher, and when I am not writing poetry or children's stories, I am teaching advanced “English As A Second Language” at the local college in Slave Lake. I also facilitate workshops in writing memoir, poetry, readers theatre and teach a chair yoga program for seniors.

___________________________

"...my two children's books were

self-published,

an education in itself..."

______________________________

 

I have written poetry for over 40 years and have had several poems published in literary magazines, anthologies and newspapers. My two children's books were self-published, an education in itself.

MY STORY-Baby's First Year was published in May 2010 and is narrated by baby.  It shows developmental stages and is interactive: baby's picture is put into each illustration (stage of development). The Literacy Department at Northern Lakes College purchased several books for gift bags to families with newborns. My daughter, Michelle Tchir, was the graphic designer.

My second book, BEARS Bath Time, was published in September 2010 and is intended to teach steps for bath time fun and introduce rhyming to preschoolers. My sister, Suzanne Levasseur, illustrated this book. The website for my children's books is http://www.myongoingstory.com/  Both books can be ordered online and make wonderful gifts.

What innovative writing, Dianne! With the holiday season approaching, these are indeed great gift ideas for children and grandchildren.

There is much debate in the writing community about the career value of a strong cyberspace presence. You’ve proven that the internet is a great way for authors to showcase their abilities and attract attention.

______________________________

"...the more I read of your poetry on your blog,

the more I want to publish

a collection of 30-40 poems..."

_________________________________

My son, John Tchir, motivated me to post my poetry on the internet. I created a poetry blog http://dianneswordshop.blogstop.com/  and started on Facebook in August, 2010 .

I had many comments posted on my blog, including one from DYSTENIUM LLC -Publishing for the Third Millennium, publisher Don Odom.

Don sent me an e-mail on August 29, 2010.  "The more I read of your poetry on your blog, the more I want to publish a collection of 30-40 poems."

I, of course, investigated the legitimacy of the publisher and even received a call from New York- Don Odom. I was satisfied with the authenticity of this publishing company and signed an agreement, retaining all copyright, receiving royalties twice a year at no cost to me.

___________________________

"...he is very interested

 in doing a second volume..."
______________________________

He is very interested in doing a second volume and I would have no trouble fulfilling another request for 30 or more poems that rest in my box, waiting to be born again.

How exciting to have a second book in the works. You must let us know when it is launched. You told me that in the 1980's you had poetry published in the St. Paul Journal and written on the walls of Blue Quills College–that sounds interesting, especially since St. Paul is my community. Tell us more.

"Home of the World's First UFO Landing Pad"

 

 St. Paul, AB., Canada

Yes, my poetry was on the walls of Blue Quills College in St. Paul and in the St. Paul Journal in the 1980's. At that time, I was attending the University Of Alberta completing my Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education, major-English and minor- Intercultural Education.  A professor from Native Studies commented that he had seen some of my poetry on the walls of Blue Quills College and in the St. Paul Journal.  I'd not been aware of that.

Some of my poems had been published in a literary magazine associated with the Athabasca University and that may be where they were found. At this time, I was invited by the Edmonton Separate School Division to take part in a Writing Workshop for teens.  I did the poetry and Martin Godfrey did the short story segment.

You live in Slave Lake, a small northern community. Tell us how the land and the people have inspired your writing career.

I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and grew up on an acreage outside of the Jasper Place neighbourhood.

I have lived in several places, most of which have been country and hamlets. The many journeys that life has taken me on have inspired much of my writings. I started writing and reading poetry as a young girl , the oldest of five girls and one brother. Many times my mother would be calling, and I would be hiding in the hay loft with pen and paper staring at the sky through the cracks in the barn roof- writing. I was very close to mother nature and read philosophy, the poetry of T.S.Eliot, Margaret Atwood, and later Leonard Cohen, Al Purdy and always more philosophy.

I have experienced many trials and tribulations and have always searched behind appearances and reality's underpinnings. Poetry is the medium that puts many jig saw pieces together for me.

Isolation poses difficulties in establishing a writing career. For example, help, support, and resources are distant and networking opportunities are scarce. What are some things you have done to overcome these difficulties?
________________________

FATAL ERROR
“A wise, haunting, deeply moving sequel to The Traz." 

On Amazon

In the UK

  ________________________

Isolation can present a barrier to one's writing; however, I have always been an avid supporter of the arts and with my teaching background (English and Drama) I am able to offer workshops in Writing Memoir, Poetry, Reader's Theatre, and , with my newly acquired teaching certificate in Hatha Chair Yoga, a program for seniors.

I have had a column in a local newspaper, freelanced and submitted commentaries, and edited two books for budding authors. I was a member of the Writers Guild of Alberta [WGA]for many years, then discontinued. However, resumed membership 3 years ago. The Guild has done a video conference in Slave Lake about self publishing, and setting up a writers group.

I found myself utilizing the computer and internet to aid me in self publishing--registering with the Canadian Library of Congress, acquiring an ISBN number and finding a suitable printer for the children's books. As I previously stated, self publishing is an education in itself.

When I write a novel, I start writing at the beginning of the story and keep at it over the course of a month or so until the story is told. I imagine there is a different process involved in writing a book of poetry. Enlighten us.

_______________________________

"...[I] lay my words out,

weed them, sometimes chisel them,

and transform them..."
_______________________________

When I write a poem, it evolves and reveals itself from one thread of thought that is important to me. Motivation and a sense of purpose are the fibres with which I weave my poems. Word play, rhythm, imagery, sound and word magic create themes dealing with nature, vital social issues such as racism, unemployment, alienation, our dying earth and the many masks of reality. I am not a formula poet ,and so lay my words out, weed them, sometimes chisel them, and transform them to elevate the poem to its essence.
 

You are launching your debut book of poetry. Tell us about it.

My new collection of poetry, THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE, shows the interconnectedness of all things. The juxtaposition of images created with my words and the beautiful illustrations by my publisher makes one want to return to the book for a second read.

The first two poems were written when I was 14. Some of the poems were published but most were laying dormant in my box, yellowing with age.

The poetry highlights important issues of our world today, and I am honoured to share them in this collection. The audience for my book is anyone who has an interest in the themes I explore.

I always offer my guests a chance to thank their supporters.  Dianne?

I wish to thank Eileen Schuh for inviting me to do this interview; my family- children, siblings and relatives for their encouragement; all the people who have left comments on my blog, especially Strider Marcus Jones- author of 2 books of poetry found on FB and all my Blog followers.

I have been interviewed by the Slave Lake Leader and this should come out this week.

You're very welcome--thank you for participating.  Good luck with the launch of  THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE.

If you'd like to meet Dianne, you will find her selling her books at the Christmas Bazaar Craft Sale in Slave Lake from 19 to 20th of November.  At the Widewater Christmas Craft Sale on the 27th of November and at the WGA Christmas Book Sale on 4 December.

You may purchase her poetry collection, THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE, (published by DYSENTIUM LLC- Publishing for the Third Millennium) through http://www.amazon.com/ or  http://dianne.limitededitions.com/
The book is priced at $14.95

Her children's books can be ordered through http://www.myongoingstory/

Dianne invites you to visit her poetry blog at http://dianneswordshop.blogspot.com/

===================

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Dianne has generously offered autographed copies of her three books (THE RHYTHMIC CYCLE, MY STORY--Baby's First Year, and BEARS BATH TIME) to lucky readers of this interview.

To be automatically entered in the draw, click on the green word "comment/s" below and leave a comment along with your contact information so I can notify you if you’re a winner.   You may only enter once, but feel free to encourage your friends, family, and fans to enter.

On 30th November, three names will be drawn—one for each of Dianne's books.

 

Eileen Schuh, Author

"Schrodinger's Cat"

http://www.eileenschuh.com/

Writing what you don't know

As with every rule, the 'write what you know' advice to authors is often broken. Over the course of a novel, an author is bound to run into a circumstance, law, technology, setting, or activity that they're unfamiliar with in real life.

Of course some genres require less research and accuracy than others. For example, a fantasy author would have more leeway with facts than a writer of historical romance.

Russell Brooks wrote an interesting blog "I’ve never held a gun, but I still shoot people" (http://criminalmindsatwork.blogspot.com/ ) about the firearms research he did for his crime novels.

I, too, write crime fiction. The heroine of my Back Tracker series solves cyberspace and computer crimes. Now, although I've had a computer since PCs first came out in the early 80's, since one needed to know dos to run one, and even though I have been online since online became a word--I really know tweet all about today's computer technology and even less about the Internet, networking, intranet, and other such things that are part of our interconnectedness. I'm also not in any mood to listen to lectures on this subject or enroll in a techie course.

All the same, my novels are quite accurate, have been at times prophetic, and will, I'm sure, prove believable to the geekiest of computer geeks.

For an example of what kind of research I do to ensure I stay within the realm of believability on this subject of which I know so little, check out my blog Cyber Crime Villains on http://criminalmindsatwork.blogspot.com/

Scanning news headlines for story ideas is one of my favourite pastimes. It's a much more 'Eileen-friendly' research option than listening to even 10 minutes of a computer nut's expose.

Headlines about software gliches in Iran's nuclear reactor and America's F-35 fighter jet beg to be turned into novels about espionage, or sabotage, or...the possibilities are endless.

Intriguing stories can be build around international crimes via computer technology and secret technology peeking over the horizon. Online sex scandals, internet luring, child porn, and cyberspace hate crimes provide the juice needed to create gripping, emotional tales.

Behind every computer is a vulnerable human who can be blackmailed, bought, seduced, or...the possibilities are endless. Which may be why I was able to draft 10 novels in my Back Tracker series and never run out of inspiration and never repeat a plot.

For more information on my Back Tracker novels visit my website: http://www.eileenschuh.com

Eileen Schuh, Author
"Schrodinger's Cat"
http://www.eileenschuh.com/

Whale Song: A book review

I was captured by Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s emotional tale, “Whale Song” the moment the Nootka elder gave Sarah her Indian name: Hai Nai Yu―The Wise One of the One Who Knows.

This is an adolescent story with two very obvious differences. Firstly, although it’s about a young girl growing up, it is narrated from an adult’s point of view. And secondly, although it is brimming with the wisdom that comes only with age, the story is written for a child.

It’s an ageless story, though, and appeals to readers across generations. Whale Song teaches us not only about the traditions and lore of Canada’s west coast Indians, but also about ourselves—about the children we once were and the wise elders we are destined to become.

Cheryl so capably captures the essence of the aboriginal oral tradition of story-telling. There are those who say kids don’t take to tales designed to instil life lessons. Yet cultures across the world know otherwise. The best way to pass wisdom from generation to generation is to wrap it in a good story.

I remember interviewing a Cree elder during my days as a journalist. I was confounded by the woman’s simplistic sentence structures (after all, she had a university doctorate), the abundant seemingly-unrelated details in her answers, her slow speech, the antiquated clichés.

An hour in and I was becoming increasingly embarrassed by both my impatience and the patience of the orator. About then I realized I ought to relax into Dr. Makokis' compelling story and quit interrupting. I was speaking too loudly, talking too quickly, and begging for short answers that would fit nicely into a column inch.

Whale Song is narrated in a similar manner to this honourable tradition of oral story-telling.

It seems to ramble and take its time as all great lessons do. (Why do I need to know how Sarah’s parents met all those years ago and that Sarah’s birth was preceded by a miscarriage?).

It contains multitudinous details that at first glance seem irrelevant but are really symbolic. (What pre-teen kid notices “...a cedar shelf was mounted to the peach-coloured wall...the walls were painted the palest sage green and along the ceiling edge ran a soft leafy border...”?)

And then there are the clichés. (“I froze, dead in my tracks...the bustling city of San Francisco...the wide-open plains...A sharp crack of thunder...From that moment on, we were inseparable...I raced downstairs...my stomach twisted into tight knots...”)

These clichés, though, are the vessels of traditional knowledge and lore—the keepers of truths. Because clichés say it best, these phrases stay with us from generation to generation.

Although it may be challenging to find the time to traverse the strange loops and twists that eventually lead to the truth, I have no doubt that we ought to make the time. We also ought to teach our children to have the patience for wisdom.

The young and the young at heart will savour Whale Song’s slow and thoughtful use of words. They’ll enjoy how the story circles back into itself and will find comfort in the rhythmic placement of familiar ancient phrases.

Whatever state of mind we’re in when we first open the book, it doesn’t take long to be lured into Sarah’s painful and courageous journey. We soon feel compelled to discover how 11-year-old Sarah evolves into Hai Nai Yu―The Wise One of the One Who Knows.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, your words made me weep. Whale Song.

A word from Cheryl:
Whale Song is what I call "my heart book". There is so much of me in Sarah, but the novel is not biographical. I am emotionally invested in this novel, like no other, probably because it was my first novel and definitely because of the story itself. Whale Song was inspired by my love for killer whales and the ocean. I'm a BC girl living in Alberta now, and the call of the ocean is always strong.

Whale Song is available in ebook edition and can be purchased in various formats via Amazon's Kindle Store, KoboBooks, Smashwords and more. It is out of print as a trade paperback, however it will be back in print in a few months with bonus content.

I've recently detoured from suspense and YA to romantic suspense with my new release Lancelot's Lady (Sept. 27th), and I invite you to check it out along with my other books--Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories, The River, Divine Intervention and Remote Control. ~ CKT

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com and http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com.

Prizes & Giveaways: Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

Leave a comment here with your email address and you will receive a free ebook and automatically be entered into Cheryl’s draws for other great prizes including a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

Eileen Schuh,Canadian writerhttp://www.eileenschuh.com/

Juvenile Crime Characters

Using juvenile characters as either victims or perpetrators in crime novels adds many dimensions to a story. In both my young adult and adult novels, I’m especially prone to characterizing ‘criminal kids’.

Click to Sample/Purchase

Youngsters cast in evil roles pull at caring adults’ heart strings, especially if traumatic life circumstances precede their acts of violence and criminality. The nurture/sympathy vs hatred/fear ambivalence that juvenile criminals arouse can be used to create tension both in co-starring adult characters and in readers.

In addition to the more commonly portrayed child/child and adult/adult relationships, a story with a criminal kid character provides an opportunity to explore the special adult/child relationship. That “position of trust” can be portrayed as protector/protected, teacher/student, leader/follower or perhaps even abuser/abused.

The possibility that one bad choice by a child is going to forever ruin her life creates emotional intensity. A writer can deepen that suspense by having an evil adult character manipulating that criminal child.

Because laws are often much gentler toward youth than adults, the criminal behaviour of kid characters can easily be portrayed as resulting in redemption, salvation, remorse, growth, and learning, which opens the opportunity for creative and fulfilling endings—the story can be about so much more than “crime doesn’t pay” or “the cops always get their man.”

A human being’s brain doesn’t physically develop the full capacity to anticipate the results of one’s actions until one is around 25-years-old. A writer, by exploring the results of poor choices, parasitic relationships, and adult weaknesses and manipulations, can help youngsters avoid making costly and/or deadly mistakes.

Written correctly, novels that include juvenile characters can serve as learning tools not only for children but also for the adults in their lives.

For a peek at some “real” criminal kids in the news check http://criminalmindsatwork.blogspot.com/2010/09/criminal-kids.html
For more information on my novels, visit my website at http://www.eileenschuh.com/

Eileen Schuh,Author
"Schrodinger's Cat"
http://www.eileenschuh.com/