[Sam Edwards]

I am 14 and am trying to write a book as good as yours. Can you give me some tips on pacing, character, comedy and emotion?

Thanks for your time 

sincerely Sam

Hi, Sam,

Merry Christmas!

You seem to know exactly what your book requires, because your request is for info on all the things that makeup a great story! Those are also the things that most writers must already have, so I can try to help, but it really is still up to you.

Pacing is vital, and it's something you have to feel. If your climax comes too soon, you've obviously paced incorrectly. It can be learned. You know what you like to read; you have to model your pacing after a book that you consider well-paced. 

Character is more than just describing the physical characteristics. You can do a lot of it though dialogue -- what a person says tells a lot about him. Also what he thinks. How he looks at others is also an indicator of his character.

Comedy is something you have to have a feel for. Not every story has funny parts. But people can have an attitude that is not too serious, that accepts adversity, and that can be funny. If your whole story is a comic one, then you're already there, right? 

Emotion is easy, but only if you have a sense of emotion and compassion yourself. That really can't be taught. You either have empathy for others or you don't.

Good luck, Sam. Writing can be a wonderful experience and also a painful one. Enjoy the good parts, and push through the tough ones!

                                                Regards,                                                              -----Gordon Korman-----

[Sam Edwards]

Thank you! I'm a big fan!