I recently started a new MG (Middle Grade) novel, tentatively titled A Box of Memories. This project will be my first MG novel, with my other works being YA (Young Adult) or pure Fantasy. Before I got started, however, I wanted to understand a bit more about the MG genre. The more I learn about the writing and publishing world, the more I realize that, as a writer, it is very easy to set yourself up for failure. It’s hard enough to get a publishing contract these days. Don’t get the Agent, or Publisher any reason to turn you down!

I had my facts straight about a YA novel: teen protagonist – check, length should be approx. 80,000 words – check, and the story may also be a Coming of Age novel where the protagonist is leaning to deal with new responsibilities, growing up etc. Check, check and double check — I got it.

But I had to admit, I knew little about what makes an MG novel.

Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. Debbie Ridpath Ohi, aka @inkyelbows put together a fantastic article on Migwriters.com which provided all the answers I was looking for, plus some I didn’t even know I should be asking. One of the most telling sections, which Ms. Ohi leverages from PimpMyNovel explains the plot differences between MG and YA:

“MG plots tend to center on the protagonist’s internal world, whereas YA plots are more complex and are more concerned with the protagonist’s effect on his or her external world.”

This extract, in particular, helped me conceptualize my plot and story much more succinctly. Now that I know how to sketch out the plot and draw the story-arcs, I am off and working. I had become so accustomed to working diligently on secondary creation at this point in the writing process, that it was a nice change of pace to focus more inwards for a while.

I completed the first two scenes today and should finish off a few more in the next day or so. Stay tuned for more extracts and information on A Box of Memories as I continue to try my hand at the MG genre.

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