I’ve been exploring the different ways authors create suspense; ways they grab a reader’s attention and hold it throughout the telling of their tale. So far I’ve brought you examples of action and adventure, mystique and intrigue—today I’ve got a beautiful example of connection and conflict.
In this case, connection and conflict is another way of saying characters and their relationships—both within and without. Of all these story elements I’ve brought you so far, this is the most near and dear to my heart. It’s also my strength as an author.
The Curse of the Neverland features Piper Pizzinni and her seven friends-to-be—this is a connection she strives toward. Piper’s inner drive to get to the Neverland comes from a deep sense of regret and shame that she could not save her parents. Her various outer conflicts: with Belle, formerly Tinker Bell, with pirate Captain Li’l Jack, and with Sincoraz the Black Dragon, move the story forward through a slalom of events and obstacles.
In book two, Becoming Piper Pan, more connection and conflict lie in store for you.
“Wish Girl” by Nikki Loftin engages through rich connection and conflict.
Today’s book recommendation is by Nikki Loftin. I already brought you one of her stellar books: The Nightingale’s Nest. Today I bring you one I loved even more: Wish Girl.
“Twelve-year-old Peter has never felt at home with his noisy family, but begins to find the strength to live and be himself when he discovers a special valley in the Texas Hill Country, and meets Annie, a girl dying of cancer who knows and accepts him from the start.”
This story is completely about relationships—about connection and conflict. Peter’s connection with the magical valley, with Annie, and with Mrs. Empson, the “crazy” widow who owns the land. His conflict with his family, with his perception of himself, with his shame-filled memories of being bullied, and with the two new neighbor boy bullies who show up right on cue. Annie’s connection with making living, transformational art, with Peter, and with the valley. Her conflict with her cancer, with her mother’s lack of communication about her disease’s progression, and with the potentially devastating treatment she is facing.
There is pure magic in Wish Girl. It’s literally to be found in the valley, in its transcendental and synchronistic nature—and every bit as much to be found in the friendship Peter and Annie form.
I’d like to think The Curse of the Neverland carries the same kinds of magic—some is in the Neverland itself, even more is in the girls and their growing friendship.
Be sure to pick up Wish Girl, by Nikki Loftin at your local library—and happy reading!