Does Alistair's sizzling shoes help his anxiety?

 So, what am I talking about? Well, Book 5 in my Rainbow School books for 7-9 year olds called Alistair and the Sizzling Shoes is now out. As I put in the 'About the author' page at the back, I loosely based him on me when I was at primary school. I was anxious, bit my fingernails (don't now) and did dancing lessons (I think it was barn dancing). His passion is dancing, hence the sizzling shoes. Does his hobby help make his life easier and help him make friends like his dad mentioned in a postcard to him? You can find out at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alistair-Sizzling-Shoes-Rainbow-School/dp/B08HTBB3HC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Alistair+and+the+sizzling+shoes&qid=1600257753&s=books&sr=1-1

If you do buy it, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I have loved writing these stories and getting the characters to make friends along the way. Billy comes into his own when he helps his new friends.

Happy reading.

How I plot my books

How do you plot your novels? Above is how I plotted my latest Rainbow School book. I know that some writers use Scrivener, but I prefer pen and paper and to have the sheets in front of me. I can't write straight onto a computer as I get brain freeze, and I want to have the plot in front of me as I write the book. Above you will see I have written brief chapter summaries. That is how I work. But this book is different to the others in the series. I knew whose story each book would tell, but this one I wasn't sure as it features all the characters who appear in the school show. I thought it might be Billy, to show how he has improved but thought, he has already told his story (Billy and the Sparkling Socks). Then I began writing it last month at the weekend writing retreat and a new character came along - Erin. I had a girl in mind some time ago. She wasn't at school before due to illness and was back now. As soon as I started writing about her, I knew this would be her story. She experiences the magic via Alistair and dancing with him; she is a keen dancer like him. Once I have written the first draft, I will have to go back and add in more detail about Erin's background and her home life. More work for me, but am loving writing these books.

So, how do you plot? On your pc or on paper?