Plotting and Scheming: Crafting the Middle Grade Novel to Connect

Jun 25, 2022

presented by Kiri Jorgensen

Building a strong connection between character motive and plot can be a daunting task, especially in a middle grade novel. Your young readers are some of the harshest critics out there. If they don’t connect to your protagonist fast, the book goes back on the shelf.

When you join us for this webinar, you'll learn what makes middle grade unique, and how to appeal to this 9-14 age range. You’ll learn how to structure your plot milestones and directly bind them to your main character’s motive. You'll find out how to craft a strong connection with your reader to keep the book in their hands.

Kiri Jorgensen is the Publisher and Senior Editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans almost three decade, including teaching elementary and middle school. She has written and produced over 30 stage plays for children, and taught writing to kids, teens, and adults in multiple settings and genres. As a sought-after editor, she also served as the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Montana where she organized learning opportunities for writers across the nation. Her passion is all books middle grade and loves to work with authors to bring their vision to its strongest form.