Have you ever wondered if there are magic words that have the power to change our lives? While there may not be literal magic words, there are certainly words that have the power to transform our relationships, our happiness, and our success. These words are not complicated or extraordinary. They are simple, yet incredibly impactful. One such word is "sorry". The act of saying sorry requires humility and the willingness to admit our mistakes. It shows that we value the other person and their feelings.
The first passage is from a classic English middle-grade novel called The Borrowers by Mary Norton; the second is from a contemporary magical-realist YA novel called Above by Leah Bobet (which I edited). While the two books are both about communities of people who live hidden away, the writing alone signals their different audiences and intentions. The Borrowers offers up straightforward sentences—long, but not difficult to detangle—with an emphasis on explanation and description, so a young reader can easily envision this charming room and feel oriented in the comic action that will take place there. Above, on the other hand, is written in a dense, evocative, world-specific dialect that concentrates on the details of the scene more than the overall setting. It also drops a thicket of proper nouns and relationships for the reader to figure out and keep track of—a strategy that is important long-term for the book’s themes of community, diversity, and inclusivity. The mere fact that Above involves those themes means it needs a reader sophisticated enough to appreciate their complex treatment here, as well as one with a high degree of reading ability and the patience to decipher the language and find pleasure in it. All of that points to YA.
From a publishing perspective, editors want content at every level to be justified by the reality of the characters and story line, and to be in tune with the ethos of the overall book. At the moment you blow out eighteen candles, snobs will announce you shouldn t read YA anymore, because that contributes to the infantilization of America.
It shows that we value the other person and their feelings. Apologizing can mend broken relationships and heal emotional wounds. It has the power to dissolve resentment and rebuild trust.
The Magic Words - by Cheryl Klein (Paperback)
This master class in writing children's and young adult novels will teach you everything you need to know to write and publish a great book.
Book Synopsis
The best children's and young adult novels take readers on wonderful outward adventures and stirring inward journeys. In The Magic Words, editor Cheryl B. Klein guides writers on an enjoyable and practical-minded voyage of their own, from developing a saleable premise for a novel to finding a dream agent. She delves deep into the major elements of fiction--intention, character, plot, and voice--while addressing important topics like diversity, world-building, and the differences between middle-grade and YA novels. In addition, the book's exercises, questions, and straightforward rules of thumb help writers apply these insights to their own creative works. With its generous tone and useful tools for story analysis and revision, The Magic Words is an essential handbook for writers of children's and young adult fiction.
Review Quotes
The Magic Words manages to articulate, in clear and compelling language, what others rely on intuition to understand. The result is a comprehensive and engaging examination of what readers will recognize to be true about the best novels--and yet have never heard expressed.--Eliot Schrefer, two-time National Book Award nominee for Endangered and Threatened
Cheryl B. Klein [is] a craft-focused fairy godmother. [The Magic Words] is a well-organized master class.--Mary Quattlebaum "Washington Post"
Editor Cheryl B. Klein guides writers on an enjoyable and practical-minded voyage of their own, from developing a saleable premise for a novel to finding a dream agent. She delves deep into the major elements of fiction--intention, character, plot, and voice--while addressing important topics like diversity, world-building, and the differences between middle-grade and YA novels.--Nikki Vanry "Bookriot.com"
Insightful, enlightening, and practical, The Magic Words is a book that belongs on every writer's shelf. Loaded with concrete examples and specific strategies, it's likely to end up dog-eared and well worn--that favorite book on craft that writers revisit again and again with each new project.--Kate Messner, author of The Seventh Wish and the Ranger in Time series
Inspiring, comprehensive, and insightful, The Magic Words ably fills a gaping hole on the shelves of developing and experienced writers alike. An essential guide to the art and craft of writing for young readers.--Anne Ursu, author of The Real Boy and Breadcrumbs
What Cheryl B. Klein talks about when she talks about writing is what every aspiring children's and young adult novelist needs to hear. She offers generous insights, frank talk, nuts and bolts advice, editorial wisdom, and ample encouragement. The Magic Words is all the inspiration and guidance you'll need to get your novel started, and more importantly, to get it finished.--John Dufresne, author of The Lie That Tells a Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction and I Don't Like Where This Is Going
Obviously these two examples come from extreme ends of the literary spectrum, and there are plenty of YA novels with straightforward declarative sentences, and plenty of middle-grade books with an extraordinary level of literary sophistication. Perhaps the true distinguishing factor here is intensity: YA often burns white-hot emotionally, dramatically, even linguistically, while middle-grade holds itself at more of a comforting simmer.
In personal and professional relationships, saying sorry can be the first step towards resolution and growth. Another powerful word is "thank you". Expressing gratitude not only shows appreciation for what others have done for us, but it also enhances our own well-being. Gratitude has been linked to increased happiness, improved mental health, and better overall life satisfaction. When we consciously acknowledge and appreciate the kindness and support we receive from others, we create a positive cycle of giving and receiving. Yet another magic word is "please". This simple word demonstrates respect and consideration for others. When we ask for something using "please", we are acknowledging that we are making a request, not a demand. This can foster collaboration and cooperation, making it more likely that others will be willing to help us. By using "please" in our interactions, we create a more respectful and harmonious environment. Lastly, the word "love" holds immense power. Love is often associated with romantic relationships, but its meaning extends far beyond that. Expressing love to our family, friends, and even acquaintances can deepen our connections and create a sense of belonging. Love has the potential to transform our lives, bringing joy, compassion, and fulfillment. In conclusion, while there may not be actual magic words, there are certainly words that have the power to transform our lives. Saying sorry, thank you, please, and love can have a profound impact on our relationships, our happiness, and our overall well-being. Let us use these words consciously and frequently, harnessing their power to create positive change in our lives and the lives of those around us..
Reviews for "The Magic Words and Cultural Influence: Exploring the Role of Language in Society"
1. Emma - 2/5 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Magic Words". The storyline was predictable and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The writing style was also very basic and didn't engage me as a reader. Overall, I felt like I was reading a poorly written children's book instead of a compelling novel.
2. Adam - 3/5 stars
"The Magic Words" had an interesting concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was too slow, and the plot lacked excitement. The characters were not relatable or likable, which made it difficult for me to care about their journey. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I had high hopes for this book, but it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I found "The Magic Words" to be incredibly cliché and unoriginal. The story followed a predictable formula and failed to bring anything new or innovative to the table. The writing was also mediocre, with a lack of descriptive language and engaging prose. I didn't feel emotionally invested in the characters or their plight, and ultimately, the book left me feeling underwhelmed.
4. Jason - 2/5 stars
I struggled to finish "The Magic Words" as it failed to captivate my interest. The plot was weak and lacked coherence, with several loose ends left unresolved. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Overall, the book felt like a missed opportunity and didn't live up to its potential.
5. Samantha - 3/5 stars
While "The Magic Words" had some intriguing ideas, the execution fell short. The pacing was uneven, with slow and repetitive sections that made the reading experience drag on. The character development was also lacking, and I found it difficult to connect with or care about the protagonist. Overall, the book had potential, but it failed to deliver a compelling story.