Find Cover! Day 2 Homework Vomit

Current WIP is a chapter book (2nd-4th grade) under a pen name. That name doesn't have any books yet, so this is speculation, but it's not too far outside my wheelhouse of experience and previous works published.

 What's Exhausting:  Having too many things on my plate, always feeling like there's no chance to catch up. I've been better about getting the important things done first, which is helping. But I don't see that pile shrinking any time soon. I'm ready to offload those things that truly exhaust me (like housework--thanks for that idea, Thomas) once we have a little momentum on publishing income.

 Why readers pick other books/authors: It's not a graphic novel. Many of the young readers these days get started and then hooked on graphic novels. If there are blocks of text, they shy away until their reading skill and interests have moved past where my books are.

It doesn't have enough crude humor. Currently, I'd say I'm up against Dog Man, which relies heavily on poop jokes.

I think for most of us, they'll pick another author because that author already has a brand and name recognition going.

 Strengths: According to my small group, I have hobbit powers. I make people feel comfortable. I've always had a gift for hospitality and saying hard things in a way that people can swallow the pill. Philemon 7 speaks strongly to me, where Paul praises Philemon because he has "refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people."

That plays out well in connecting with younger generations - especially in person and in groups. I can entertain a room full of elementary kids, get a group of teens talking about important topics, and encourage the new college grads to grow into adult responsibilities. (For some reason, these in-person talents seemed important to include this morning).

Conversely, I've been praised for writing movie-level action and fight scenes. I'm also great at thinking of creative solutions for myself and for characters.

 Target Reader: Noah is 8. He’s an early reader with parents who care about monitoring what he’s reading and watching. They go to church regularly, and if they’re not homeschooling, they are considering it. Noah likes exciting stories but isn’t a big risk taker. He’s more likely to be inside, playing with Legos and creating pretend stories with friends than outside, trying to build a bike ramp from nail-filled plywood. He either has a dog or wants one.

 He’s Currently Reading: If he’s reading well on his own already, Graphic novels like Dog Man, the Investi-Gators, or The Tuttle Twins; chapter books like The Boxcar Children, Imagination Station, The Magic Treehouse. He’s also reading non-fiction books about animals and creatures that interest him. He sometimes goes back to his favorite picture books.

With parents, maybe some Roald Dahl, Bible Devotionals, or Bible stories.

 How he’s different and why he reads: He’s the type of kid who will grow up to devour all kinds of books. He loves the escape, entertainment, or education he receives from the books he chooses. He’s able to understand a little more subtle humor, like wordplay, instead of just potty humor and slapstick (but he’s okay with that in moderation). He doesn’t have to be forced to read (or because his parents forced him, he’s learned to love it). He’s got his own active imagination and interacts with the stories deeply. He’s extra curious.

How can I thrill my target reader? Noah wants the right mix of excitement and humor. One or both need to be high enough to keep him reading. He wants interesting characters who work together to solve external problems. Conflict needs to be simple and straightforward – no moral grey areas. And he wants to relate to at least one of the characters in an inspirational way. Though he probably wouldn’t articulate all that.

 I also need to thrill his parents. They need to trust that the books won’t be edgy or subversive. The marketing and messaging need to convey that these books uphold traditional values in a wholesome way. I’m looking at doing this with direct themes, images of chivalry and western values.

 Primary pain point? The books his friends are reading look really cool, and most of the books his parents want him to read look old and boring.

What does my writing allow readers to say about themselves?

With imagination, I can overcome challenges and help others. I’m having fun while learning about being a better person. My parents are happy with me reading these types of books, and that’s good. I can be brave and do the right thing.

What tribe do I want to connect to with my writing?

The kids of fantasy geeks, like Realm Makers. Especially those with a traditional or  “noble bright” bent.

 Who are the outsiders? Parents and kids who consume without qualms over kids content.

 James’ Homework:
What is the promise you are making?

            Exciting, fun reads for kids with values that parents trust.

What comes to mind when people think of me?

            Youth leader. Great at connecting with kids. Trustworthy enough to lead them straight. Great listener and asks great questions.

 What is the empathy you have for your readers?

            The kids that grew up without solid values are lost, depressed, and anxious. Heck, most of the ones that grew up in church are in the same boat. They’re headed toward danger, and I want to be a good influence on those coming up behind them, so they can get set on a good start to a meaningful and fulfilling life. And hopefully one of faith.

 What authority do you have for your reader?

            I’ve been working with youth and kids for almost 20 years. I’m good at making them laugh and keeping them engaged.

            I’m a dad who is like the parents of these kids.

            My kids are at the tail end of my target audience

            I have an education in theology and experience in ministry, so talking about values and virtues fits.

 Target Reader

            A kid who is just learning to read for fun and enjoys a mix of adventure and humor.

            A parent who wants their kids reading and is concerned about the values being conveyed to their kid.

How will you shock Broca?

 My story concepts usually get a good response - the WIP is about a Dog who imagines everything as if he’s a knight on a quest.

What is different, or quirky about you? How are you organically compelling?

I have a knack for putting people at ease. And then shocking them after they’ve decided I’m vanilla.

I’m a creative and artistic conservative – GASP!

I make stupid nerd jokes about language all the time.

I hunt and forage for mushrooms. But I also love devouring articles about all the sciences, all the arts.

I pretty much just eat meat and cheese. Mmmm…

 In what areas do you need to give yourself permission to be you?

            In being loose and goofy - I usually have a long warm up time while I figure out the crowd, at least with adults.

            In sharing my true opinions - I stay quiet just to avoid the hassle of an argument.

 In what two areas are you going to focus on where you’ll make your content surprising/entertaining/provocative/engaging?

Playing up the old-timey nerd-dom of knights

Being upfront about the importance of preserving and passing along the values and virtues that made our culture successful.