If you’ve read The Wingfeather Saga, you might have been surprised to see the title of this post! Because romance probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you call to mind (most fondly, I hope) Andrew Peterson’s The Wingfeather Saga.
The Wingfeather Saga is an epic fantasy series with four installments: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, The Monster in the Hollows, and the final and glorious The Warden and the Wolf King. Lots of italics. 😉 And lots of splendid adventure, intrigue, suspense, music, beautiful themes, and vivid characters.
And touches of sweet, innocent romance.
They don’t take up a huge amount of screen time (or is it “page” time???) but they still enhance the plot by adding dashes of tension and conflict (and humor and sadness) for the characters. I believe this shows that not every subplot has to have hugely major implications upon the primary plot for it to earn a place in the story. Subtle subplots have a magic of their own that shouldn’t be ignored – subplots that enrich the story by giving more nuances to characters’ decisions and desires.
Today I’ll focus on two WFS ships (“ships” refers to romantic relationships) and see what lessons we can glean from them to apply to our own writing. (There may be minor spoilers. Nothing I’d call major, though.)
Janner Igiby and Sara Cobbler
At the end of the day, both Janner and Sara are just kids, around 13 years old.
And usually, I hate romance between younger kids. Such as when two around-ten-year-old children kiss each other in the movie Max 2 (it’s about spies and dogs and a president’s kid). Seriously? That’s one thing I’m just not okay with.
We’ve probably all seen scenes in movies where something like this happens:
INT. FOREST – HIKING TRAIL – DAY
10-YEAR-OLD BOY
“Okay, well… goodbye.”
10-YEAR-OLD GIRL
“Bye.”
There is an awkward moment of silence. The boy turns around, begins to walk toward his bike, which is thrown carelessly along the side of the trail, then halts.
BOY
“Wait.”
He runs back and kisses her.
*blah blah blah*
I can’t tell you how much I hate this. Indeed, I believe it’s impossible to have a well-done kiss between kids. Cause in my opinion, it shouldn’t even happen. If you disagree, I dare you to convince me otherwise in the comments. 😜
But with Janner Igiby and Sara Cobbler, Andrew Peterson weaves an innocent, sweet, something-more-than-friendship, thankfully featuring no kisses. (And you don’t even notice the lack, it’s perfect as it is.)
Janner is first caught by her dazzling blue eyes (which of course his brother teases about later on) and the fact that something in her sets her apart from the rest of the kids in the factory. So sure, like the more intense YA romance, the kids in question can consider each other good-looking, cute, charming. Arresting, even. But since they’re just kids, it must be in a wholesome, innocent way, or else it will end up being exceedingly trashy, lame, and stupid. 😀 And cringey, among other things.
And since they’re just kids, think twice before you actually consider them truly in love with each other. Know what I mean? Their relationship needs to be treated differently than you would a romance between older people, because they just aren’t mature yet.
As I mentioned above, his brother teases him about how captivated Janner was with her eyes. It’s so hilarious! If you’re writing a cute romance subplot (or as I’d call it, a something-more-than-friendship) between kids, have a sibling or friend tease them about it. It’s so cute and funny to read… or maybe I’m the only one who thinks that? Well, I think we can all agree it’s just a perfect opportunity for some awesome comic relief.
Anyway, Janner and Sara’s relationship is sweet, wholesome, and so touching. There’s another adjective I have in mind but I’m not going to use it in case it counts as a spoiler. *half-hearted smile*
Artham and Arundelle
First off, aren’t those names just beautiful together? So flowing and fairytale-ish.
Anyway, if you’re a writer who doesn’t really like romance, consider slipping in a satisfying little ship like this one to humor that percentage of your readers who do like romance. Especially if you’re writing a middle-grade fantasy. 😉
“Artham forgot to hide his claws and his reddish skin. He forgot to stutter or bob his head, and he forgot to listen to all the accusing voices in his mind. He completely forgot his shame. Then he lifted Arundelle in his arms and kissed her, and it was several minutes before he realized that they were flying high over the heads of the cheering crowd.”
The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Peterson
This romance subplot has little screen time – I believe even less than the Janner and Sara one – but you can see, even in this short excerpt, how much the internal conflict plays a part in the romance – even without you knowing exactly what those accusing voices in his head were.
The romance doesn’t need to be the whole focus of the story in order for it to influence the characters’ lives and thus add nuances to the plot that it would be lacking without.
One more thing: this show that an appropriate kiss or two (not between little kids though, obviously) is totally doable in that middle-grade genre. (Though disclaimer: The Wingfeather Saga is perfect for all ages. If you think they’re just for the 8-12 age group, well, read it and you mind will be changed!)
I hope you enjoyed this first “installment” in the Analyzing Stories series! 😀 Have you read The Wingfeather Saga? If so, who do you ship from the series? And who loves Leeli and Thorn? (I know I do!) What are your thoughts on romantic subplots or something-more-than-friendships between kids in fiction? Can it even be done well? Or… *pauses dramatically* should it even be done at all?
Have a lovely day! (I really need to come up with a sign-off I can use, don’t I?)
(By the way, speaking of romance, Grace A. Johnson opened submissions for her Tell Me You Love Me Anthology today! Click here to check it out!)
Saraina Whitney 
I like subplots a lot and sometimes find them more interesting than the main plot. I agree a classy ship as you call it adds a lot to a story. And especially so if a sibling chimes in to poke fun.
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Yes, sometimes they’re even more interesting than the main plot! 😀 I love when subplots enrich the story – and even have their own themes. It does!!
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I love a good romantic subplot! I used to be a bit more into writing romance, but the older I’ve gotten, the less romantic I’ve become. 🙂
And these are great examples – thanks for posting!
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They’re so fun to read! Haha I get it!! (Though you’re amazing at writing the romance in the Grace Sufficient series! 😉 😀 )
Thank you so much for reading!
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Awww … thank you. 🙂 I like to consider those subplots, but sometime the characters lend themselves more toward romance. *sigh*
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Hehe yeah! Characters have such minds of their own. *sigh* 😂
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This was great! I definitely agree that 10 year old’s should NOT be kissing, I have a little sister who is 10, and I would be utterly disgusted to find out she kissed a boy >_<!!! But the subtle hints Andrew Peterson gives are great!
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Exactly, right!! YES, the subtle hints he gives are great! 😀 Thank you for reading!
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SARAINA THIS IS BEAUTIFUL I LOVE THE WFS (in case you haven’t noticed xD) AND I ACTUALLY SHIP ALL THE CHARRIES WITH THE PEEPS AP GAVE THEM (go figure) AND HE DID THE CHILD-CRUSH THING SO WELL WITHOUT MAKING IT SERIOUS BUT HINTING THAT IT COULD BE AND–
*sighs in ecstasy* Great story to analyze for this, I must say. XD
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AHHHH I LOVE THE WFS SO MUCH *sighs in ecstasy too* Lol yes I am so with you!!! I ship all the characters he had them go with! Hehe thank you!!! XD
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Ack, this was such a great post!!!! SO well-plotted and everything pointed out…perfect!!! We love WFS!!! (Which you know because we’ve talked about it on multiple occasions…lol…) Agreed! Childhood romances or as your put it (which we love!) more than friendships should never involve kissing, hate when that happens, bleh!
Janner and Sara….just perfect!!!! Artham and Arundelle (did we spell that right? Probably not…lol…) is a sweet subplot too!!!!
And LEELI AND THORN!!!!! SO CUTE!!!! WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!! SO MUCH!!!!
This was awesome!!!!
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Aww thank you so much!!! (Lol yes, we love it ❤ !!) Ugh yes, glad you agree about the kissing! Bleh. I usually can see it coming… lol and I always cringe when it happens. 😦
Yes! 😍 It is Arundelle, I had to look it up when I wrote the post though hahaha, just to make sure!! ME TOO!!! They're soooo cute!
So glad you liked it!!!
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Of course!!! (Indeed we do!!!) Yeah, it’s just wrong…bleh! Us too.
Haha, we could have scrolled up to check but we didn’t…lol…we have to look stuff like that up all the time…hahaha…
❤ They really are!!!!!
Loved it!!!!
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EEE YESS!!! I love love love Janner and Sarah’s subplot! And yes, I totally agree with you about 10-year-olds not kissing…that is just…no. No no no. *Shakes head violently*
AhHh and I so ship Thorn and Leeli too! They’re adorable! And Artham and Arundelle are like thee OTP. XDD I love them all!!!
Anyways great post! 😀
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Yayyyy, you love them too!!! 😀 Ugh, glad you agree about that, it’s so ridiculous and annoying when it happens. *shakes head along with you*
They are adorable!! I know!! In fact, I think Artham and Arundelle deserve a little sequel or prequel of their own. 😉
Thank you, Ava! 😀
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Yes!!! Uhh, I know, it’s disgusting.
Ooh yes! I agree! 😉
Ofc thank YOU!
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Ooh, girl, I have GOT to read The Wingfeather Saga!!! AAAHHH!!!
Also, thank you for sharing about TMYLM!!!!
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YES, YOU HAVE TO!!! 😀 Lol, it’s so good!
You’re very welcome!!!
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I KNOW!!! 😀
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AHHHHH!!! This is great! I love this. The “more than friendship” thing is a great way to describe kinda “romantic” relationships between kids.
And the Wingfeather Saga is the only book – well, series, that I can think of with more-than-friendship relationships with kids in which it’s not, like, way too much or anything. It’s really good!
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Thank you!!! 😀 I completely agree, the Wingfeather Saga does it SO well! (Though The Green Ember has some utterly splendid moments of its own 😉 The only thing is, you’re not exactly sure how old the characters are, like Heather and Smalls.)
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Loved this post, Saraina! It’s been awhile since I’ve read the Wingfeather Saga, so I don’t quite remember the romantic subplots as well Lol. Normally, I don’t like romance in the MG genre (I prefer the exploration of family, siblings, and friends aspect, which is why I like writing it.) However, if it’s done right and it’s more a subplot, I enjoy it (Like in the Bronze Bow, or Walk Two Moons). But usually not really if it’s the main focus. 🙂
Oh, I saw that on Grace’s blog! Have you thought about entering? Also, how has your week been?
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Thank you!!! Totally get it, lol. 😉 Same, I’m usually not a fan of it if it’s the main focus of the story (when it’s the MG genre)! (Ohh I remember The Bronze Bow! I love that one! I haven’t read Walk Two Moons though.) 😀
I am planning to enter! I’ve been working on it the past few days and it’s been very fun! Are you going to enter? My week has been good so far, kinda busy with school but nothing too bad, lol. How’s your week been?
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Oh, Walk Two Moons is about a girl who’s trying to bring her mom home (I suggest bringing tissues!) I love how the author weaves a story within a story (I can’t explain much or I’ll give the whole thing away Lol.)
Yes, the Bronze Bow was a good one! And I love The Witch of Blackbird Pond (definite romance subplots in that one, but everyone was older and it was a sweet type of ‘ships’.)
Ooo, I wish you all the best! (can I ask what genre it will be? *pretty please*!)
I don’t actually write romance, though I thought about trying; not sure, I guess I’ll have to see if I have time *haha* *glances at unfinished writing projects* Yeah…. pretend you didn’t see those XD
I’ve been doing well, thank you! I feel like God has been growing me more in His Word lately. 🙂
What’s been your favorite subject in school this year?
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Oh wow, I’ve got to read that! Hopefully our library has it! (Lol, I love when books can make me cry…) Yes, I LOVE The Witch of Blackbird Pond ❤ 😀 (Exactly.)
Thank you!! Sure thing – it's fantasy! 😀 Though my first idea was a contemporary romance, so if I miraculously have time, I might do that too. Haha! *ok, pretends I didn't see them* 😉 I hope you do have time, then!
Ohhh that is so wonderful! I'm trying to wake up earlier so that I have more time to read the Bible in the morning. This year my favorite subject's been American Literature since I'm reading "To Kill A Mockingbird". SO interesting! Did you have a favorite subject in school? (I think you graduated already, right?)
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Aww, thanks! I hope you win, ’cause I’d love to read your story!
Oh, I really liked To Kill a Mockingbird, especially the movie.
Hmm. I did like parts of literature, and story-writing assignments were fun (go figure Lol. My mom sometimes wanted me to write an ‘end of the year’ short story.)
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Aww well thank YOU! 😀
I can’t wait to watch the movie!! I suppose I’ll just have to wait till I finish reading the book. ;P
Yeah, I’m definitely not obsessed with all parts of literature lol! But YES THOSE STORY-WRITING ASSIGNMENTS! <333 (Ooo I love that idea!)
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Lol. I hope you enjoy it!
Also, I realized I forgot to answer your question (sorry about that *sheepish grin*) Yes, I have graduated a few years ago. How about you? Are you graduating this year?
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(Hahaha it’s alright!) Got it! I think I’m graduating in about two years, so I still have some time. (Though sometimes I’m like ahhh that’s so soon, lol!! 😀 )
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This was so good!! I know exactly which adjective you were going to use… Featherhead minds think alike, eh?
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Thank you Emma!!! Yessss… *tries not to cry* Featherhead minds do think alike. 😉
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As odd as this sounds when I first read this I figured you would be talking about Janner, Tink, and Leeli’s parents who by the end have some sweet and sad scenes. Oops that might have been a spoiler. Hopefully if you read the comments, you already read the series. *Clears throat awkwardly.* I can’t be trusted with not telling spoilers. It just happens. Ugh! Lol. I honestly just need to be quiet but I wanted to share that so sorry y’all!
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Oooh, that would’ve been a great one to talk about!! Maybe I’ll do a post about that in the future. *winks* LOL, yes, hopefully they’ve read the series. 😂 It’s alright, I think it’s vague enough not to be a big spoiler! 😉
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I love Leeli and Thor and Janner and Sara. This also might sound odd but I think by the end Sara and Tink might be a good match. Wink wink. 😂 Also, does anyone else enjoy writing fanfic? I think I might try that with books. I already do that with AIO (Adventures in Odyssey) and really enjoy that!
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ME TOO!!! *grins* Whoa, I never thought of that! *considers it* That’s very interesting… perhaps so! I’ve always thought he could be a match with Maraly or that girl he talks to in the very end. (Maybe that’s too vague? XD) I LOVE writing fanfic, especially for The Green Ember!! *remembers a fanfic I once wrote that I never finished* You should totally do fanfic with books! (And I need to try doing it with things other than books. 😜)
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I loved this so much! It’s nice to see that others agree that there shouldn’t be kids kissing, that’s just wrong. And I loved the Artham and Andruelle ship! (how do I spell that???) I haven’t gotten to the Leeli and Thorn yet, but I love them already! 🙂 🙂 🙂 (^^)
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Yes!!! Ah yes the Artham and Arundelle ship is so sweet!!! ❤ Aww! Leeli and Thorn are the CUTEST. 🥰
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I love writing fanfic! But my family doesn’t appreciate it much, they’re sorta anti-romance people… 😦 What do you guys like to write about?
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Writing fanfiction is so fun!!! Hey I TOTALLY get that! 😅 A lot of people I know are anti-romance too but I’ve spent a lot of time diving into what I believe about it and so I can have a conversation with them about that. In the beginning the pressure from them did make me hesitant to share the romance I wrote. But the more I put it out there, the less scary it was!
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