Just the act of reading mentor texts improves our instincts when writing, but how do you approach the research aspect? I like to read as many books as I can on the topic of the manuscript I'm writing. I also look for books that mimic the structure that I'm going for. Am I writing a metafiction story? Then Do Not Open This Book! is the perfect mentor text. Is my story a fractured fairy tale? The Three Ninja Pigs is right up my alley. Am I writing a cumulative story? Your Alien is a good place for me to start.
As I read each book, I ask myself these questions:
1. What do I like about this book? What works?
2. What don't I like? What doesn't work?
3. Do I want to read this again? Why?
4. Would kids relate to this?
5. Would this make kids laugh?
Once I've read as much as I can about my topic or structure, then I have a better idea of what works, what I like, and what has already been done. My built-in panel of five children reminds me what it's like to be a kid and when I write, I tackle my story with my newfound knowledge and a fresh perspective!
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