Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

January 3, 2015 Kirsten W. Larson

…a very good place to start. For a writer, that beginning must be story. It’s taken me a long time — three years to be exact — to recognize the importance of beginning in just the right place.

Honestly, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. What I did know was narrative proved difficult for me, while reporting — writing magazine articles and nonfiction for the school and library market — came easily.

This interview with Marla Frazee, which my critique partner Julie Rowan-Zoch shared with me, began my awakening. Later, I scribbled down a list of books recommended by Tracy Holczer at SCBWI-CenCal, who said everything she needed to write Secret Hum of a Daisy, she learned with her library card. Then, library card in hand and holidays looming, I started studying.

Here’s my list of books, recommended by Tracy and others, that I found helpful enough to buy so far:

Blake Snyder, SAVE THE CAT! and SAVE THE CAT STRIKES BACK
Robert McKee, STORY
Les Edgerton, HOOKED
Jack M. Bickham, SCENE & STRUCTURE
Donald Maass, THE FIRE IN FICTION

On my “to read” list is ART & FEAR (David Bayles), which argues that while the Mozarts and Michaelangelos exists, most art is made by normal, hardworking artists — artists like us.

Happy reading and happy 2015 everyone!

Published by Kirsten W. Larson

Kirsten W. Larson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. She’s the author of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Calkins Creek, 2020), A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Her Who Changed Everything, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion, 2021); THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars are Made of, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023), THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little, Brown, 2024) and THE LIGHT OF RESISTANCE, illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Roaring Brook, 2023) along with 25 other nonfiction books for kids. She's a geek, LEGO lover, and sock enthusiast. Find her at kirsten-w-larson.com or on Twitter/Instagram @KirstenWLarson. View all posts by Kirsten W. Larson

15 thoughts on “Let’s Start at the Very Beginning”

julie rowan zoch says:

January 3, 2015 at 10:31 am

And you’ve inspired me to read all these!

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 3, 2015 at 11:54 am
  
  And I’m sure you’ll come up with more I have to read!
  
  Reply
Cathy Ballou Mealey says:

January 3, 2015 at 11:22 am

That’s a great video of Marla reflecting on what it takes.
Wouldn’t it be incredible to take that class with her?

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 3, 2015 at 11:54 am
  
  I agree, Cathy. When I saw that video, I almost cried. It is exactly how I feel. I can educate. I find storytelling difficult.
  
  Reply
Patricia Tilton says:

January 3, 2015 at 12:12 pm

Great insight. I have been a journalist for 40 yrs, so I can completely identify with the reporting angle. Narrative is coming more easily for me. Good book selections. Wishing you the best in 2015.

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 3, 2015 at 3:37 pm
  
  Thanks Patricia! I hope you have a wonderful 2015 too. Happy writing.
  
  Reply
Beth Stilborn says:

January 3, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Thank you for this list!

I don’t know if it fits in with what you’re currently studying, but I have found Jordan E. Rosenfeld’s MAKE A SCENE immensely helpful in my novel writing.

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 3, 2015 at 3:35 pm
  
  Oh, I will check my library and see if it’s in. Thanks, Beth!
  
  Reply
viviankirkfield says:

January 3, 2015 at 8:31 pm

Wow…library card in hand (or keyboard keys since I can try to reserve them online from my library), I venture out on this journey you’ve suggested, Kirsten…this is fabulous…thank you so very much for sharing. 🙂

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 4, 2015 at 6:10 am
  
  Happy reading and writing, Vivian. If you find any other books you recommend, please let me know.
  
  Reply
Cecilia Clark says:

January 3, 2015 at 9:48 pm

Library card and your list in hand 🙂 thank you

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 4, 2015 at 6:10 am
  
  You are welcome, Cecilia. Happy New Year!
  
  Reply
Beth Anderson says:

January 4, 2015 at 8:50 am

Thanks! I’ve been compiling my list and slowing getting through them. As a NF lover, I appreciate your picks!

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1. Kirsten W. Larson says:
  
  January 22, 2015 at 4:02 pm
  
  Glad to hear it Beth!
  
  Reply
thiskidreviewsbooks says:

January 7, 2015 at 5:56 pm

Well said! 😀 That’s awesome! 😀

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