This week YA author Ian Dawson took over our Twitter as a part of our weekly Thursday Twitter Takeover. Ian Dawson is the author of Midnight House. (See YEM’s interview of Ian Dawson here.) See highlights from the takeover below.
Hello, everyone! I’m Ian Dawson – @thefieldya – author of the YA novels, THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE! I’ll be sharing my inspirations, writing tips, answering questions, and more over the next two hours. Let’s get started! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/Os1gKhRwr1
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Subscribe to the Official Website of THE FIELD series at https://t.co/PrRw02L60v.
You can also follow on Twitter and Instagram, @thefieldya! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
It took me 15 years to write and publish THE FIELD (2018), and MIDNIGHT HOUSE took 5 years. Both are action-adventure stories that also deal with issues like friendship, trauma, and sports hazing. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/0u9FAAqPWs
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Description of THE FIELD: When fourteen-year-old Daniel Robinson is abducted, his life quickly changes from one of fun to one of survival. Daniel must find the courage and strength to escape his two captors and get back home no matter what it takes. #YAauthorTakeover pic.twitter.com/APjRIeuvOr
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
…the lingering effects of his insomnia. Will Daniel reach out for help, or allow the nightmares to consume his sanity? #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/jxwx4ViJ7t
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Head to https://t.co/PrRw02L60v for a special link and Promo Codes for discounts on the paperbacks of THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
THE FIELD is based on my personal experience when I was abducted when I was 13. MIDNIGHT HOUSE is more fiction-based, but some events are from my real life. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/mZdUhYt91z
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
The great thing about fiction is the ability to create new worlds, people, and situations. Sometimes it helps to base your story on an experience you have had in order connect better with your story. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
When I come up with a story idea, I like to develop the basic elements of the story on a legal pad. This gives me plenty of room to move things around, cross stuff out, and jot notes in the margins as I go. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
It's important to create a roadmap of where your story is going. This will help you stay on track if the story begins to wander. It's good to have some idea how your story ends so you know where your characters are going. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Whatever you're writing, you should enjoy the experience and want to work on it. If you're not enjoying the process or the story, ask yourself why and how you can change it to make it more enjoyable. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
One of my favorite things to write is action. THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE have many action elements. I like to write multiple versions of these sequences to work out the best pacing and structure. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/lCAwWeMWFH
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
What are you excited about when it comes to writing? What are you passionate about? What experiences have you had that might works as a short story, novel, or screenplay? #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
While story is important, making sure you have strong characters who change over the course of the story is also a must. Your main character is taking us along on their journey, so make sure they take us on an adventure we won't soon forget. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Subscribe to the Official Website of THE FIELD series at https://t.co/PrRw02L60v. You can also follow on Twitter and Instagram, @thefieldya! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
I prefer to write at night when there are fewer distractions and my day is done. This gives my creative side a chance to shine and ideas to flow. What time of day so you like to write? #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Do you like to write and create with music on in the background? I listen to music to get into the mindset of a particular scene or chapter, but I usually write to ambient noise like rain or the ocean. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels https://t.co/XFypFoyR1N. .
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
I LOVE to read, and it's important that if you want to write, you read a lot of every genre. Both fiction and non-fiction. One of my favorite authors is @StephenKing. Who are some of your favorite authors? #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
I'm currently reading THE INSTITUTE by @StephenKing, which is one the most suspenseful eating experiences I've had in a long time. Definitely recommend! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #readingcommunity pic.twitter.com/wtlHyT25gw
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
My favorite @StephenKing novel is NEEDFUL THINGS, which I have read more than once. It's not only a great read, but also shows excellent examples of set-ups and pay-offs. #YAauthorTakeover #readingcommunity pic.twitter.com/toweLIDQlg
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
The more you read, the more you see how different authors structure story, introduce characters, describe settings, and create suspense, action, and emotional elements. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
Check out the Official Website of THE FIELD series at https://t.co/PrRw02L60v. You can also follow on Twitter and Instagram, @thefieldya! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
THE FIELD was my first published novel, but I also have written screenplays, plays, short films, and instructional videos that have been produced as well. It's good to explore all areas of writing to see what you like best. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
The animated covers I have posted of THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE were created by the very talented @byMorganWright! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #creativity pic.twitter.com/RdOS6e9o20
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
We're headed toward the end of the first hour, and I'd like to thank @YoungEntmag for giving me this platform to talk about my books – THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE – and about writing. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity pic.twitter.com/oVdE0BLqCv
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
I took advantage of the time I had at home last year due to the pandemic to edit and finish MIDNIGHT HOUSE. Did you take the opportunity to work on something new or creative last year? #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity pic.twitter.com/GQANnkCykU
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 22, 2021
I often listen to music to get into the mindset of a chapter or scene I'm writing that day. I am a big fan of film scores, and I have a large collection that I refer to when I need some inspiration. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #filmmusic
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
When writing a first draft, don't be afraid to play around and experiment with dialogue, character choices, and other elements. You'll be able to go back later and edit things that don't work. Be brave in your drafts and see what magic happens!#YAauthorTakeover #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
I love writing because you can do it anywhere you are. You can use a pen and paper, Notes on you phone, or a laptop. The important thing is to get the ideas down so you don't forget. #YAauthorTakeover #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
At home, I have a simple set up with a card table and my laptop. I have my legals pads with notes and ideas nearby as well. A simple space, but it helps me focus on being creative. #YAauthorTakeover #WritingCommunity #writingspace
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Learn more about THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE and grab a copy of each at https://t.co/PrRw02L60v! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/ikbjFP2Zoh
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE are also available as eBooks on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Apple Books! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #ebook pic.twitter.com/xmkabQEX7U
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Another book that I really loved and couldn't put down was IMAGINARY FRIEND by @StephenChbosky. I don't think I've read a 700 page book faster than this one. Definitely recommend! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #readingcommunity pic.twitter.com/CYGvVo9IBe
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
If you have the interest and desire to write, do it. The nice thing is that there are plenty of people out there who will enjoy and support your style of writing and the stories you create. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
If you're like me and have an active mind and imagination, I recommend keeping a pen and paper next to your bed. That way if you have a story idea at 3AM, you can quickly write it down instead of hoping you'll remember it in the morning. #YAauthorTakeover #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Does every idea work and turn into a story? No. But you learn by writing what works and what doesn't, and you only get better with each word, sentence, and paragraph you write. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
How do I know when a story is done? I know when my brain starts to drift to other ideas for other stories and isn't laser-focused on the current project that I'm nearing completion. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Head on over to the Official Website of THE FIELD series at https://t.co/PrRw02L60v and subscribe. You can also follow on Twitter and Instagram, @thefieldya! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Everyone's voice matters and everyone has a story to tell. If you're a member of the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC communities, your stories matter and need to be expressed. Don't let anyone silence your voices. #YAauthorTakeover
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
As a kid, I always loved writing stories. I wrote comic books and puppet shows when I first started writing. Then I wrote sketches and song parodies in high school. Making other laugh and entertaining them was always a plus. #YAauthorTakeover #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Screenwriting is one of my passions along with playwriting.While novels and scripts both tell stories, you have less page space in a script than in a novel. It's a great way to learn how to communicate big ideas in a compact way.#YAauthorTakeover #screenwriting #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Check out https://t.co/PrRw02L60v for a special link and Promo Codes for discounts on the paperbacks of THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE. #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Part of writing is observing the world around you. Is there an event, place, or person that you found interesting that you could write a short story about? Short stories are a great way to develop your skills as a storyteller in a compact format. #YAauthorTakeover
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
For me, the best stories are the ones where I have no clue where the narrative is headed. This year, two of those stories have been #WandaVision and #Loki. Excellent examples of unpredictable storytelling. #YAauthorTakeover #MarvelStudios pic.twitter.com/gIRcWbz0NY
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE are the first two books in a three book series. I'm hoping to have the third book – currently UNTITLED – out late next year! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/eoxOGecFen
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE are the first two books in a three book series. I'm hoping to have the third book – currently UNTITLED – out late next year! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
While I do read a lot of fiction, I also love non-fiction books. You never know when a real-world event or person could inspire your next story. From history, biographies, and current events, all are worth reading about. #YAauthorTakeover #readingcommunity #nonfiction
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE take place in Redding, California. I grew up there and used a lot of locations I'm familiar with in both novel. How could you use places where you live in a story? #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #WritingCommunity
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
Visit and subscribe to https://t.co/PrRw02L60v for posts about writing, authors, and more! Also, follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @thefieldya! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
It looks like we're at the end of my Twitter Takeover. I want to thank @YoungEntmag for giving me this platform today, and thank all their followers. I hope you learned a lot and will check out THE FIELD and MIDNIGHT HOUSE! #YAauthorTakeover #youngadultnovels #actionadventure pic.twitter.com/ekyQm4cOhE
— Young Entertainment Magazine (@YoungEntmag) July 23, 2021
