Dave moved his workshop to my condo because of the strange thing happening at the hotel room he reserved.
Here are some notes I took while a fly on the wall:

telescoping: gradually exit one point of view and gradually enter the next point of view character.
Character naming = chose one name a then move. also choose naes that have one sylable and the next has two syllables.
true omniscient view point = people can have hidden motivies and so there are o surprises.

Hooks: (for the beginning and ending of chapters)
Action / danger
Overpowering emotion (gasp)
a surprising situation
Evocative description
Introducing a unique character
Warning or foreshadowing
Shocking or witty dialog (along with humor)
the totally unexpected
Raising a direct questions

Dave added the hooks:
Unique setting
Idea story
beautiful provocative language

most YA books that sell that start at age 16. and begin at age 14.
Woodie Allen was a great comedy writer.
Other good examples of humor: stainless steel rat, hitchhikers guide to the galaxy

Middle grade books should be around 250 pages.

Please feel free to share some of your own ideas.