Jill Osborne is a fiction author writing for pre-teens. Here's the link to the Show Notes Page for Jill's interview with show highlights and tips, and links to her books in Amazon, her webpage and social medial connections.

Jill's been involved in children’s ministry for 16 years - so writing for this age is natural. She started writing in the seventh grade and has written ever since - writing whatever needed to be done: stories, curriculum, skits, articles, and newsletters. In 2008 she began writing for publication. While on a run she felt God calling her to write for 9-12 years olds kids - an age often affected negatively by today’s cultural. That started her love of writing fiction for pre-teen girls and led to writing goals and reading books about writing. I love Jill’s answer to the question whether anyone can write for children. It makes sense and is a wise response. She defines the terms planners and pantsers as they relate to one’s writing method. 

Jill takes us through her writing process of her three book series, which she calls junior novels; how she creates lovable characters, with loads of action, gets the language right, and then ties everything up in the last contracted book - even though she wants to continue the series. You’ll like her explanation of how to tell if an idea is worth writing. We talk in-depth about what she loves most about writing for this age group, how writers can increase their chances of success, and make themselves more appealing to publishers. 

She talks about her upcoming projects including writing a spin-off from the Riley Mae series and how different and challenging it will be to write from a boy’s perspective - when his character is smarter then you. We talk about the value of having beta readers. Jill shares some great insights for struggling writers that anyone can apply. It’s an insightful interview that goes beyond writing just for preteens.