Kendra Bell

Aspiring #MG author-illustrator, mama, and #blogger of Book Burrow-- simple literacy tips for busy parents. @WriteMentor Mentee ‘23. SCBWI #kidlit ✝️📚🎨

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

I am so excited spring is here, and #SpringFlingKidlit has been the perfect way to celebrate! Thank you
@KaitlynLeann17,
@Ciaralovesbooks
for hosting, and to the generous donors! Best wishes, everyone! #Entered

https://t.co/LzsKDhEpmn

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@Drenderturmaud @KaitlynLeann17 @Ciaralovesbooks You captured that playful, courageous, bounce-in-your-step vibe that spring gives me, too. Thanks for sharing, Danielle!

[Ciara just wants to read. @Ciaralovesbooks]

Spring Fling Kidlit #Contest 2025 is coming soon. Submit your 150 (or less) Spring-themed stories to win sweet writing #prizes.

We can't wait to read your #kidlit stories!

Check out the rules & prizes here:
https://t.co/98WFG4LpKS

#kidlit #springflingkidlit #writingcontest

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@KenHoch I re-watched this session as well! It's been so powerful in helping me sort through my homesickness.

[Darlene BeckJacobson @DBeckJacobson]

Count-and-Bake Books-Yum! by Kendra Bell https://t.co/beeOlyQSXT via @DBeckJacobson #kidcooking @writes_KendraB

[Joel Brigham @joelbrigham]

If you're writing an MG or YA manuscript in first-person POV, I would encourage you to write it in present tense rather than past tense. Why? Two major reasons:

Reason #1: Writing the story in past tense suggests that the narrator made it through the ordeal safe and sound. Young readers stay more engaged when the outcome is uncertain.

There's science behind this. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control and future planning, doesn't develop fully until the mid-20s. Because of this, teens experience heightened emotional reactivity (not that you'd any official scientific studies to notice). That means teenagers often let immediate feelings take precedence over rational consideration of any future consequences, which leads to impulsive choices.

Social science also shows that the influence of peer pressure is stronger in teens than in other age groups, which means a lot of their decision-making is geared toward enhancing social connections. Predictably, these decisions are often short-sighted.

All of this is to say that a narrator looking back at an event is doing so with the wisdom of experience. It suggests that the narrative is being told in a way that maximizes an adult perspective (a.k.a. "Past Tense"). Writing in present tense highlights impulsivity and keeps the characters' actions framed by short-term goals. Adult brains are different from adolescent brains, and writing in present tense is a better match for a story ostensibly being told by a teenager (even when it's being written by an adult).

Reason #2: There's a chance that young readers will interpret past tense POV as the voice of an adult recounting a story from childhood. Adult narrators in kids' books can come off as preachy and unrelatable. Present tense assures young readers that they're reading a story from the perspective a fellow kid.

If a young person feels like there's a moral to the story, or that the book has been crafted to give perspective to the mistakes of adolescence instead of just living through them in real-time without judgment, they will struggle to invest. Adults can pass judgment on poor decision-making. Another kid, though, will look right past it. In short, present tense creates a more trustworthy narrator for a young reader.

Are kids making these observations consciously? Of course not. But can authors make conscious decisions about which types of narration they use? Of course we can :)

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@lfieldauthor @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis @ebonylynnmudd Wow what a cool twist at the end! Not at all what I was expecting.

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@TheliaHutchins1 @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis @ebonylynnmudd Thank you, Thelia! :)

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

It's not too late to join the Fall Writing Frenzy contest! I've had the best time participating over the years. Good luck everyone! Thank you, @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis and @ebonylynnmudd, and donors! https://t.co/zADtbKz9B0 #fallwritingfrenzy #kidlit

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@lfieldauthor @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis @ebonylynnmudd Thanks very much, Lucas!

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@AuthorElla1 @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis @ebonylynnmudd The descriptions are so vivid, wow! Good luck, Ella!

[Kendra Bell @writes_KendraB]

@Beccabeccabecs @ebonylynnmudd @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis Love the musicality of the poetry-so clever and creative!

[Elizabeth Law @elawreads]

now this is great writing advice given in 1 min 15 seconds. I wish I could have shown this in my picture book plot lecture last week. Writers, pay attention! This is everything. https://t.co/k2y00CaElJ

[Kris DeCaro @MusingMomMumble]

So excited to be hosting the #KidLitChuckleChallenge with @juliehauswrites & @AprilBerryBooks!

If you’ve ever wanted to try humor, or if you need to exercise your creative muscles be sure to join the fun!

Check out the AMAZING prizes & contest rules:

https://t.co/f5MYl8qRrV

[Darlene BeckJacobson @DBeckJacobson]

Researching Public Schools by Kendra Bell https://t.co/aJAYbVgOE3 via @DBeckJacobson @writes_KendraB #publicschools

[Darlene BeckJacobson @DBeckJacobson]

https://t.co/EXXYhoHqZl
@writes_KendraB #summerreadingtips #preKliteracy

[Sam Subity @sjsubity]

📢Hot off the presses! 📢
My analysis of the most popular genres, POVs, MC genders and more in 100+ middle grade books published so far in 2024:
https://t.co/RrVsmihcar

[Darlene BeckJacobson @DBeckJacobson]

E-books & Audiobooks for Kids by Kendra Bell https://t.co/vR2Fdjfb1R via @DBeckJacobson Some gret links to ebooks and audio books for kids. Thank you @writes_KendraB #audiobooks #ebooks

[Emily Deibert (Not Here Anymore) @emilydeibert]

The #KidLit4Ceasefire auction ends today (and I have a MG manuscript critique avilable)! Lots of great items to bid on — check it out!

[Darlene BeckJacobson @DBeckJacobson]

Foundational Reading Routines By Kendra Bell https://t.co/yxply9Xefp via @DBeckJacobson Teaching young kids to read. @writes_KendraB #literacy