Who finds writing a children's novel of fantasy genre difficult?

[Brenton Cullen]

I have just started the tenth chapter of a fantasy book for 9-13 yr old kids that I have been working on for 11 months so far. I am finding this book so difficult, but only because there was a small section of the plot that was misbehaving, but I now have it straightened out. I did no planning AT ALL, or plotting for this book, just jumped straight in. I have done five drafts so far.

Does anyone else feel this way or have these problems when they are halfway through a book they are writing?

[Jessica]

Yes, definately! Everytime I write something I end up getting half way through and then dismissing it as a bad job and starting something else. The reason (I think) is that I don't focus on character or motivation during the initial drafts - I'm just pouring out the plot. So while that's happening I disengage from the characters, I start to not care if they win or loose and loose interest in my narrative.

The middle is definately the hardest, so good on you for getting through it! Let me know how it goes.

[Jennie Bentley]

Everyone feels this way about the sagging middle. It's a lot easier to start a book than to finish one, but the only way to get published, is to write the book. Good luck!

[Brenton Cullen]

Good news Jessica, and Jennie Bentley, I finished my book today: the fantasy one. 28, 500 words, 162 A4 pages, and I have just sent it off to two publishers. Wish me luck! :)

Brenton

[Jennie Bentley]

Congratulations, Brenton! THE END are two beautiful words, aren't they? Good luck!

[Kelsey Kauffman]

I JUST started planning and writing a fantasy novel. It's for my college thesis. I am actually making myself sit down and plan ahead: create the characters and what they are about from notes rather than going as I go. Is this a good way to do things? If the middle is getting easier, can you let me know how you did it?

[I. J. Parker]

Aha! That answers the question in your other post. This is not a fantasy site. I would think that a fantasy writer would already know about the genre, the leading authors, and the main web sites.

[Brenton Cullen]

Excuse me, I.J. Parker, but would you mind not contacting me anymroe or any on my blog posts?

[Brenton Cullen]

Excuse me, I.J. Parker, but would you mind not contacting me anymroe or any on my blog posts?

[Sam Plaxton]

To be fair, it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that crime/mystery can cross over into a fantasy novel.