A guide from bestselling author Alice Kuipers on how to write for children and young adults—from igniting an initial idea to creating a finished draft

In Spark, acclaimed children’s and YA author Alice Kuipers shares her rules for writing for readers both young and young at heart, all while discussing the importance of travelling through passion, purpose, joy, and fear across the creative process.

In each chapter, Kuipers explores key aspects of writing for young readers—from voice and character to setting and plot—and provides examples and exercises to help you develop your story. Drawing on her experience as an author and writing coach, Kuipers shares crucial tips, tricks, and techniques that make all the difference for writers, along with some highs and lows of her own writing journey.

Spark is open, honest, and practical—a must-read for aspiring authors and literature fans alike that shows you how to become the writer you’ve always wanted to be.

Bestselling, award-winning author Alice Kuipers has published fourteen books for young readers, including 40 Things I Want to Tell You and the Polly Diamond series. Her work has been published in 36 countries, and she works as a writing coach for The Novelry. She lives in Saskatoon with her four children. www.alicekuipers.com

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“A masterpiece for anyone wanting to make their literary dreams come true. WOW! What a treasure of insights into the craft of writing. Spark is completely inspiring and motivating for book lovers and book writers. What a luxurious read. Spark is right up there with King’s On Writing and Hodgins’ A Passion for Narrative.” —Richard Van Camp

“Spark is a lovely, wise, yet humble book.”—Jeanette Lynes, author of The Apothecary’s Garden

“Inspiring, creative, and thoughtful; this is the kind of guide that helps turn the act of writing into an art form. Stuffed full of tips, exercises, and observations on why we create, Kuipers helps to make sense of the crazy act of writing. No more blank pages! This book will lead you into your next great idea, perfect character, and wonderful story. There’s something for everyone here from beginners to writers who’ve been around the literary block.” —Arthur Slade, author of the Governor General’s Award-winning Dust

“Spark demystifies every single step from prewriting to rewriting and from process to publication with inspiration and honesty. It’ll live on my bookshelf within easy reach!” —Teresa Toten

“Alice Kuipers brings the sometimes-daunting world of writing for children down to its important and practical component parts, and does it in a manner that is encouraging and inspiring.” —Kathy Kacer