TOP 5 FRIDAY: First Lines
This week's top 5 is written by Cara Waudby-Tolley, who spent last week with us completing work experience!
Beginning a good book is like taking a bite from something delicious, you just know that you’ll have to control yourself from gobbling it all down quickly and savour the greatness. For me, the first line of a book encapsulates the essence of what is yet to come, a thrilling and exciting journey. Here are five of my faves. (more…)
Children's Fiction Competition: Six Books On
Sophia Bennett won the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition in 2009 with Threads. Six years down the line, Sophia has written five other books for Chicken House, and her seventh novel Love Song is due to publish next April. Here she looks back at getting that first phone call from Barry ... (more…)
TOP 5 FRIDAY: Time Travellers
I love history. I love science fiction and fantasy. AND I love children’s books. So time traveller children’s books are literally MY CUP OF TEA (ok, not literally) and the perfect curl-up companions. Reading is a little like travelling through time, isn't it? Here are a few of my favourites. (more…)
Children's Fiction Competition: How to Get your Manuscript in Tip-Top Shape!
Thinking of entering the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition? Editorial Director Rachel Leyshon shares her top tips on what you should do before sending your manuscript off ... (more…)
TOP 5 FRIDAY: Professional Pirates
When I was younger, I wanted to be a 17th century pirate when I grew up (to the point that when there was a ‘pirates and princesses’ day at school, I was the only female pirate). As I got a bit older it dawned on me that a pirate’s life was not for me, being a buccaneer of the high seas was sadly not a plausible career option, and I’d be much better off reading about them instead. Here’s my pick of the best swashbucklers in literature … AHOY! (more…)
Tom Ellen & Lucy Ivison's Top 10 Writing Tips
Tom Ellen & Lucy Ivison's debut novel Lobsters was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition 2013. Fast-forward to two years later: Lobsters was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize, Tom & Lucy appeared on a hilarious panel at YALC this year, and their new book Never Evers is out in January! They've shared their top 10 writing tips with us ... (more…)
Children's Fiction Competition: Selling winners around the world!
The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition is one of the most long-lasting and exciting publishing initiatives that Chicken House has done in terms of getting people interested in our new titles abroad. And to help this, we always make sure we have at least one judge who is a highly experienced publishing professional who knows the market overseas. (more…)
