Want to write a novel? This book is the motivation you need! Part writing guide and part memoir, this inspiring book from the author of Flipped and The Running Dream is like Bird by Bird for YA readers and writers.Wendelin Van Draanen didn't grow up wanting to be a writer, but thirty books later, she's convinced that writing saved her life. Or, at least, saved her from a life of bitterness and despair. Writing helped her sort out what she thought and felt and wanted. And digging deep into fictional characters helped her understand the real people in her life better as well.
Wendelin shares what she's learned--about writing, life, and what it takes to live the writing life. This book is packed with practical advice on the craft: about how to create characters and plot a story that's exciting to read. But maybe even more helpful is the insight she provides into the persistence, and perseverance, it takes to live a productive, creative life. And she answers the age-old question
Where do you get your ideas? by revealing how events in her own life became the seeds of her best-loved novels.
Hope in the Mail is a wildly inspirational read for anyone with a story to share.
Wendelin Van Draanen is the author of many beloved and award-winning books. For middle graders, she’s written
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones, Swear to Howdy, and the Sammy Keyes mystery series. For teens and tweens, there’s
Flipped, The Running Dream, Confessions of a Serial Kisser, Runaway, and
Wild Bird. And for younger readers, check out the Shredderman quartet and the Gecko and Sticky series. Wendelin Van Draanen lives in central California. Find her on the web at WendelinVanDraanen.com or on Twitter at @WendelinVanD.
"Van Draanen may not be the first to offer a writing guide for young people, but this book is
one of the best.
Will be of great benefit to newbie writers of any age." —
Booklist, Starred Review
"Van Draanen's voice is charmingly no-nonsense, and the themes she explores are sure to benefit aspiring writers of many ages.
Thoughtful and entertaining." —
Kirkus Reviews
"Suitable for both teens and adults, her amusingly told path to publication may serve as
a beacon of hope for some struggling writers, and her creative suggestions may prove useful to those looking to sharpen their writing abilities."—
Publishers Weekly"Van Draanen offers readers and future writers guidance, laughter, and depth in this lighthearted writing guide. Her storytelling abilities
will inspire writers of all ages." —
School Library Journal"
A pure delight! Only Wendelin Van Draanen can make the painful, awful, agonizing aspects of writing seem so joyfully manageable.
Hope in the Mail is a toolbox and a source of renewable energy.
If you're a writer, or a teacher of writers, you need this book." —Andrew Smith, author of
Winger and
Grasshopper Jungle"Content is the king of writing, and it turns out Wendelin Van Draanen is the queen of finding it.
Read her book, set some good writing habits, pick up your pen, and get going." —Jack Gantos, author of
Dead End in Norvelt, Hole in My Life, and
Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories"Wendelin Van Draanen shares essential truths and very good advice for writers of all genres and levels of skill. This is
a must-have for all writers." —Jonathan Maberry,
New York Times bestselling author of
V-Wars and
Broken Lands
