Writing Romance for Middle Grade, with Alyson Gerber

And the middle-aged rom coms you didn't know you needed.

From the Writing Desk:

Well, it’s February. Again.

Just kidding, I actually don’t mind February because it means January is over, but I can’t resist a good movie quote.

Things are a-happenin’! I’m writing this from my local Barnes and Noble with the joyful chatter around me and a delicious slice of banana bread in my tummy. Want some anecdotal good news? The manager of this Barnes and Noble, who I’ve talked to once or twice before when I coordinated a signing for Nightmare House, just sat down at my table to talk about my travel availability because, get this, they’re opening 2-5 brand new Barnes and Nobles just in the central Florida area! Some of that, from what I hear, is solidly in the works (a new branch up norther is opening in April or May, I believe) and a few of those are more rumors for now (don’t tell him I told you guys all this), but regardless, that’s excellent news, isn’t it?

Other news—I’ve seen the full cover wrap for Monster Tree and you GUYS!! I am so so excited. I seriously feel so incredibly lucky with all my cover artists and design team so far. On this Monster Tree cover especially, I’m never going to get over the amazing twisty, skeleton finger looking branches closing in on those poor kids.

I’ve been very, very project scattered since finishing Monster Tree edits, but this last month I’m starting to feel a little more focused. I hope *fingers crossed knocks on wood*. I’ve started (a whole 2 pages woot woot!) a family feature screenplay—it’s a halloween story with dragons and an interdimensional middle-aged Cinderella. We’ll see how it goes. And now that my work on Monster Tree is mostly wrapped, I’m putting together pitches for future middle grade projects. I will be getting those to my agent to look over and pass along to my editor this week, and depending on how the chips fall, that will determine at least a little bit what I’m working on next. At least on the middle grade front.

But the other big news is that my agent and I have officially sent my ghosty chapter book out on submission! I’m so excited about this one. I included sample artwork with our pitch because *gulp* I’m pitching this as something I could possibly illustrate myself *gulp gulp* so it’s a new adventure on a lot of levels. It’s been a couple years now of playing around with and learning illustration stuff, and this is sort of where I’ve envisioned it all leading. I’m always gonna be a writer first and never gonna feel like a real artist or anything, but the goal has been simply to expand my writerly repertoire. I love illustrated books as a reader, and wanted to see what that would be like as a writer. And honestly, I’ve had a blast. I’m coming for ya Jeff Kinney.

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Writing Romance for Middle Grade, with Alyson Gerber

I am SO very excited that we have the incredible Alyson Gerber with us today! Alyson is the author of critically acclaimed middle grade novels published by Scholastic. Alyson is a graduate of two New England prep schools, has an MFA from The New School in creative writing, and now lives in New York City with her family. Alyson’s books have a total of five starred reviews between them, have been nominated for eleven state book awards, are all Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and have been picked as Best Books of the Year by many publications, including Today Show and Kirkus Reviews.

And check out her new book that comes out TODAY!!! THE LIARS SOCIETY, her new middle grade mystery series set at a New England prep school, like KNIVES OUT for the family, is out now! THE LIARS SOCIETY is even a Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated Book of February 2024! This one lives more in the mystery territory than the romance space of her previous books, but it looks incredible and basically I want them all???

Thank you so much for joining us, Alyson!

1. Let's address the common question right off the bat--what are the not allowed, big no-no's when it comes to writing romance for middle grade readers? Have you ever been asked to tone anything down?

My new book The Liars Society is a middle grade, edge-of-your-seat mystery set inside a New England prep school, like Knives Out for the whole family. The Liars Society is told from two distinct points of view. Jack is the ultimate insider, everyone in his wealthy and influential family has attended the prestigious Boston School, and Weatherby is a fish-out-of-water scholarship student. There are some really fun relationships and dynamics and possibly a crush brewing in this story! I can’t wait to hear what readers think as they try to solve the mystery and play the game. 

I think middle grade is such an interesting and exciting place for exploring relationships and budding romance because the narrators are experiencing all these complicated, strange, and super confusing feelings—love-hate, friends to maybe more, secret crushes—for the first time! And they have no experience to reassure them. 

I’ve never had an editor push back on these storylines, because first crushes and first love can be part of growing up, and in the right context, it can really serve readers to see a fictional kid experience a crush, pick themself or their friends over a crush, and, of course, survive heartbreak. 

2. What are your middle grade romance green flags? Things that, when an author does them in their book, make you think yes, this writer knows what they're doing?

Awkwardness happens, especially when you’re 9, 10, 11, and 12. I’m always looking for authentic awkwardness! 

3. Romance has clearly always been popular, and seems only to be trending up. For middle grade readers specifically, what has been the response to any romance plots in your books? Any particular reader interaction that stands out?

I have some romance in my first three books and readers usually come up to me at a signing and either say, “I loved everything about your book, except the kiss.” Or “I loved everything about your book, especially the kiss!”

Thank you so much Alyson for your expertise! Find out more on her website and don’t forget to check out THE LIARS SOCIETY, out today!!!

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What I’m Reading: I usually wait to, ya know, finish the book, before I recommend it here, but this time I’m making an exception. I’m about half way through this incredible middle grade but it only took me a chapter or so to know this is what I wanted to recommend this month. I have been blown away by everything Dusti has written, and this is no exception. This book, as with all of Dusti’s books, do all the things middle grade does best, and I love it. Check it out!

What I’m Watching: Ok ok, fine, we’ll get back to romance here. But considering that our character motto at chez Sarah is “under 15 or over 50,” I’m gonna give you a couple recs for second chance romance and middle-aged love stories. And guys, they are phenomenal. You might have a bit of side-eye at the descriptions or titles here (and believe me, I know, The Love Punch is the worst title ever) but seriously, trust me.

You didn’t know you needed a rom com between Umbidge and Peter Pettigrew but believe me you do.

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Norway and Penguins: A happy little song about possibly the best thing Norway has ever done?

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What I’m Drawing: If anyone knows anyone who’s hiring…

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“I have no notion of loving people by halves.”

— Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

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Writing Opportunity: Ask magazine for kids is looking for essays and stories on the theme of “make it yourself.” Deadline is Feb. 29 so don’t miss!

Teacher or Librarian? I would love to do a free virtual Q&A with your class or book group! If you’re interested in scheduling a visit you can reach out to me via my website. Let me know how I can support you! I’ve also got free classroom resources to accompany each book. You guys are rock stars!

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Thanks for coming along everyone! The Smorgasbord is a hand-kneaded, hand-shucked, reader supported publication. You can support by buying a delicious book or by becoming a paid subscriber. It seriously means the world, you shining star you.

-Sarah