The Art Of Writing A Fiction Novel

 

Writing fiction is not as easy as it looks. I think of it as juggling multiple hats. You must ensure the setting is immersive without overshadowing the plot. You need to have dynamic characters, and your plot should be concise and engaging. Plenty of writers believe that middle grade or young adult fiction is easier to write, but I find it even more difficult to cater to a younger audience. Your writing must be clear and concise, but avoid talking down to your audience. Plenty of authors struggle to find that balance, but both of the books I read were great novels. 

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac is a slow-paced, quiet novel about a young girl named Malian who is sheltering at her grandparents' place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Written in verse, Bruchac does a fantastic job balancing the day-to-day life of a young person during the pandemic and Penacook's history. As readers, we learn about residential schools and colonialism through Malian, which makes it feel more personal. My favorite aspect of the book was the topic of stories. Throughout the novel, Malian’s grandparents and relatives share stories about dogs, family members, and Penacook mythology. All of these stories are done orally, and with the novel written in verse, it captures the critical theme of passing down stories. Despite this book focusing primarily on its characters, Bruchac’s writing and the characterization of Malian and Malsum made the story truly shine. 

Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson

Renee Watson’s Some Places More Than Others’ plot is a bit more linear compared to Rez Dogs. First set in Portland, Oregon, this book follows 12-year-old Amara, who desperately wants to visit her father’s hometown. Despite initially being excited about going to New York, Amara quickly learns how New York is entirely different than what she imagined. What I appreciated about this novel is the familial relationships. It is evident that Amara’s parents care for her, and both of her parents always put her first. The theme of family is throughout the novel, from Amara’s relationship with her cousins to her father’s distant relationship with his father. Each character was complex, and even though there were moments where I was frustrated by Amara’s actions, I understood them. Watson captured the feelings of a twelve-year-old girl exceptionally well. 

I really enjoyed what I read this week. Both stories were completely different, but I had a great time following both characters and stories. It makes me curious about their other titles, and I wonder if they are as good as the ones I read this week. 

Works Cited 

Bruchac, J. (2024). Rez Dogs. Playaway Products, LLC.

         Watson, R. (2020). Some Places More Than Others. Bloomsbury Children’s Books.