Young adult authors coming to Greenville Feb. 1

Authors Sarah Mlynowski and Lauren Myracle are bringing a little magic to young readers in the Upstate.

The pair, who along with Emily Jenkins, author the “Upside Down Magic” series, will introduce the fourth book in the series, “Dragon Overnight” at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the University Center of Greenville. The event is hosted by Fiction Addiction.

The books delight elementary ages with wacky magic and characters that face challenges together. Readers are primarily ages 8 – 12.

“We have younger readers as well, if they are strong readers or their parents use them as read-alouds,” Mlynowski said. “It’s a world where everyone has magic powers but Nory, the main character, has to go to school with people who have wonky magic.”

The series focuses on kids whose magic is different, a theme that those without magic powers can relate to in a way that is fun and nonthreatening.

“We want to tell all kids that you are fabulous just the way you are – not because you overcame that but because of the difference,” Myracle said.”

The fact that three authors – each with successful books outside this series – collaborate makes these stories unique as well. The three pool their strengths to bring out the best in each other.

“One of the things Sarah is amazing at is plot,” Myracle said. “She is the plot queen. We wanted to write a series that was not for reviewers or grown-ups. It’s for kids. For more reluctant readers, there are male and female characters, there are kittens and dragons. We use humor, for sure, to pull readers in.”

Mlynowski said the three writers brainstorm ideas and then she writes the outline of the story.

“Lauren is in charge of the first draft,” Mlynowski said. “Emily goes in and revises it. It goes back and forth between all of us.”

“Emily is amazing with the big picture structure,” Myracle said. “She is able to look at the whole thing to say, ‘Here’s how we can tighten it up.’”

“Emily is also very good at remembering the rules of the world we’ve created,” Mlynowski said.

The three even engage in three-hour lightning rounds of edits, working together online to craft stories that will delight children and their parents.

“Collaboration makes the writing part fun,” Myracle said.”

Want to go?

Myracle and Mlynowski will sign books and engage readers with games at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at University Center of Greenville. For details, visit http://www.fiction-addiction.com.

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