The Story about Six Rusty Nails 

I have more work to do before I am finished with my story about Six Rusty Nails.

There were many things I had not considered. When we write, we get engrossed in our own world and it's hard to break up and discard what we believe is imperative for the story to function. 

After having had my manuscript professionally assessed, I have discovered that if I am brave enought to slash away some parts, it may become a better story.

So, back to the computer to use the cutting implement and then maybe add a few more exciting elements, if I can just get the right inspiration.

This is Lena Nilsson and this is her story - Six Rusty Nails.

When we write stories, we use our thinking quite a lot. We need an idea to start with. Something we will be able to communicate to children. 

First lines are important, so are interesting characters. We have to remember viewpoints and we have to not only come up with believable story lines, but also with some excellent plotting to make it all exciting.

The story needs to move forward, not backwards, even if we have to go back in time. Heroes may be likeable, but not every day. We cannot forget our villains, the baddies, but baddies can also be goodies, however, not all the time. If we are generous, we add in more than one villain, even if we can make do with a single one without getting into strife. 

Last, but not least, we need acceptable endings and like the real authors say - do not finish with this: 

"Can you imagine? It was all a dream."  

Write, write every day. It doesn't matter what we write as long as we write. Read, read every day. It doesn't matter what we read as long as we read.

Would you like to come with Benjamin Starling to another world? Do you have what it takes? The right map, a compass and the necessary bits and pieces?

The world you're going to is unbelievable, but exciting with its dusky, swampy and much too strange terrain. Beware because it's also dangerous with magical traps.

If you want to follow Ben there, you have to realise he was born a worrier. Yes, he worries constantly about most things and it could be contagious. With his parents gone and a mean and jealous brother, it's not always fun. As a matter of fact, he hates it. However, circumstances force him to grow up fast.  

If you have Ben as company into this world, don't be scared when something really bad happens. You may be left on your own to fend for yourself. Why? Because Ben happens to disappear. He ends up in a weird place downunder and you - you will be left to your own devices. Try to work yourself out of that situation if you can, but don't fall into any trap in the process! Ben is clever enough to make it. You can too!

During his time in this baffling place, he finds out from an old and scraggly man that he must find the most important keystone before the ultimate rescue attempt can take place. It's a race against time. Others too are after the famous keystone, which was lost on top. Can the rescue succeed? Will it be a great escape?

Who are the evil ones chasing them? Will all make it back before they're caught?  

This was only some brief info without getting into too many details. More will follow. 

I think I am a kid at heart and that's why I love to write for children.

I am waiting to grow up. I have been waiting so long that my hair has turned grey and new wrinkles appear every day. 

I'm no angel, but I want to believe I have a kind heart. It helps to have the most beautiful grandchildren too. They are all the sweetest angels. At least when they want to be.