Create an Amazing Protagonist

"If you can create a strong character with a strong sense of core self, then thrust him through a plot that attacks those pillars of identity, and surprise the reader with some of his choices, you will have an amazingly layered protagonist on your hands." -- Mary Kole (Writing Irresistible Kidlit, page 109)

Book Review: I HUNT KILLERS

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the first book I've read by author, Barry Lyga, and now I'm a fan!

I picked up this book because it was recommended (in the book HOW TO WRITE IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT by Mary Kole) as an example of how to make an unreliable narrator likeable. The main character, Jazz, is certainly likeable in I HUNT KILLERS.

And this is a creepy book!

I was a little surprised that this was a YA book, because it is very gory, very violent, and it features the POV of the killer as well as the teenage main character. So while I'm not sure I'd run out and recommend this to the teenagers I know, I would definitely recommend it to my friends who read Dean Koontz and/or Stephen King.

And this is an excellent book in the study of psychology. Seriously. Is it possible for the son of a notorious serial killer to become anything not-like his father? And is it wrong for ALL parents to want their children to grow up to be better than them? ... Jazz's dad just wanted Jazz to become a better serial killer. YIKES.

Such a great book. I couldn't put it down. But if you don't like horror and gore, don't pick this one up.



View all my reviews

K is for Kidlit.com

 

So … you want to be a writer? Where do you start? How do you get there? No worries. This month I’ll be sharing my A to Z list of writer’s resources: books, blogs, and beyond! Check back each day to find helpful resources for improving your writing and navigating your way through the publishing industry.


K is for Kidlit.com 

I am a huge fan of Mary Kole over at http://kidlit.com/. Not just because she runs an awesome blog, but also because she took the time to help me personally (years ago) when she didn't even know me. She didn't have to, but she did. And I'll be forever grateful.

In addition to her blog, she's also written an excellent book on the craft of writing:

You Don't Have to be Edgy to Write YA

I'm reading a great book on the craft of writing:

I'll have a full review for you down the road, but until then, I wanted to share with you a point from the book's author, Mary Kole.

"You don't have to be edgy to write YA. In fact, that's a huge trap that most aspiring writers of YA fall into. They try on a snarky voice, shoehorn in a paranormal element, and put their character in a dangerous situations -- all because they think that's what's selling right now. But all it does is come off as forced. If you don't have a dark story in you, don't try to write one. Simple as that" (Writing Irresistible Kidlit).

What's your favorite book on the craft of writing?
Have you read a new one recently?