Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write

I'm old school. I only books now, and I have this one.

I should have finished this book back in 2017 when I started on it. It definitely brought back memories of me writing my first novel at seventeen years old. Now with nine novels underneath my belt, I am so glad that I actually finished reading this great book on writing. This is a book every author, young and old, aspiring or experienced should definitely read.

I have read a number of writing books. Most are quite helpful about one aspect of writing or another. This book, Seize the Story, is helpful from start to finish. From working with characters to really explaining what goes into a plot, from juicy details about setting to interesting perspectives on how to get over writers' block, it was all enthralling. The best thing about it was the way it pulled everything together. I am not a teen writer. I got this book because I want to write YA. I got what I needed most, because Seize the Story communicates encouragement along with writing tips. I plan to do every one of the writing exercises as I go over my own manuscript. This book was even a good read, full of story examples I enjoyed. The interviews at the end with other authors made it obviosu what the author was saying all along, that every writer is different and there's not only one way to go about it.

"Seize the Story" is an amazing book. It reads like a novel; with a "can't put it down" style. While geared for young adults, it is for anyone who has ever written, wanted to write or thought about writing. It breaks writing down into steps that build on one another like a recipe. The simplicity is ingenious. Victoria Hanley captures all the elements of writing, and isolates them one by one, with an incredibly engaging style making writing accessible in a way I never would have dreamed. I recommend this book to any writer, or aspiring writer, of any age.

Great book, my daughter thought it was a great way to learn to write a story

My Son didn't get 10 pages into this without stopping and applying what he read to a short story he wrote. He wrote the story without knowing much about his characters, they didn't even yet have a name, after applying what Seize The Story suggested about characters he not only had names for them but he did individual character sketches! He drew them, described them, and gave them each a background. It was amazing! That's only ten pages in, it's already worthwhile. Amazing

Words are cut off the pages on cover and throughout the book. Probably usable if you knew this but definitely not in gift able condition. Disappointed.

Excellent! Does not talk down to the reader and covers so much of what is necessary for writing good fiction. Also, many examples are provided for each topic.

My son is an avid reader and writer and does a lot of both in his spare time.We encourage his interest and flair so this was put on his birthday list and his godmother bought it for him.He loves it and refers to it frequently. A very consice and easy manual with lots of tips for the young budding writer.My son took it to school and his Head of English teacher nabbed it - his feedback was it is a very good book indeed.

Very difficult for a teen to follow. It is a good resource as a teacher.