The stretch of story takes place in Chapter 10 of the Grobug Tales chapter book. It features Grobug Watcher Tut and the Guardians fighting multiple Mockwings.
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October 07, 2023 – X
Screeches tore through the mist and Tut turned to see several enemies rushing to support their comrade. Tut shouted “NOW!” and the waiting Grobug Guardians entered the battle.
Tut watched as the battlefield fragmented. The Guardians tried to push the Mockwings together where their size would inhibit their movement and take away their ability to attack the Grobugs. The invaders fought hard, striking fiercely as each turn they could. Shining Arms were pecked and pulled. One mist bird twisted and contorted its body so that talons sprouted from its face. It successfully grabbed several Shining Arms at once, pulling a few Guardians in towards the eager beaks of its fellow Mockwings.
[14 minutes, 111 Words]
Pushing the Horror in Fantasy
Setting the Scene
I’m writing an action scene for my middle grade fantasy Grow Bug Tales. The hero Tut and his allies battle sinister Mist Birds known as Mockwings.
Raising the Stakes
As the fight progresses, I describe the Mockwings using their malleable mist bodies to horrifying effect. One sprouts talons from its face to snare multiple foes at once.
Dialing up the Creepy Factor
At first, I just envisioned the Mockwings twisting in the air since they’re made of cloudy vapor. But I decided to push the body horror and make them truly grotesque.
Is This Too Scary for Middle Grade?
A part of me worried – am I taking things too far for my target 8-12 year old audience? The Mockwings are meant to be frightening villains. But overt creepiness might not fit the lighter tone.
Striking the Right Balance
However, classic middle grade stories like Goosebumps often feature scary elements. As long as the violence isn’t gratuitous, some creep factor is fair game. The heroes are in peril, after all.
What’s Your Take?
What do you think about including body horror in a middle grade fantasy? I want the stakes to feel high without traumatizing sensitive young readers. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
MJ Muñoz 