SCBWI Agent's Day in Newport Beach

Last Saturday, I attended SCBWI Agent's Day. I submitted the first chapter of my novel for review. Chris gave me some ideas and expressed concerns.

One of the concerns was that I might be approaching a serious mental illness--bipolar disorder--with what feels like a light touch.

I agree with his observation, although children see their world as "theirs alone" and everything is always about "me" not the parent. A crazy home life is dealt in several ways, which include acting out, introversion, or sarcasm/humor.

I grew up in such a household and, as an adult, had to suffer with said illness for over ten years before diagnosis. Humor is a way that my MC is able to cope with her surroundings.

He was also concerned with the the word "CRAZY" title of my book. This concern doesn't bother be because it is ultimately up to the publisher to give final title approval. Crazy can also imply kooky or wacky and doesn't have to be interpreted with such a PC diagnosis.

I was reminded that the structure of the first chapter has a lot of recollection and back story. I was "telling" rather than "showing." I need put the reader in all of the scenes because it will help him/her relate to what my MC is going through, even if she's presenting the facts with a level of brevity.

His main concern is how the darkness of the disorder may possibly conflict with the fact that this work is a middle grade.

He advised me to tread lightly with some of the topics, given that middle grade is typically for readers from 8-12 and that I need to make sure to approach it with the right mix of humor and seriousness, but be careful not to write about areas that are too dark for young readers.

Chris provided me with excellent info to help me improve my writing. Kudos to the agent.