How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But then I got to thinking (you said authors should think) and decided a book doesn't have to be funny to be good, although it often helps. This book did not need to be funny. (30.1)
Leigh is starting to get it. Humor is an awesome thing that can break the tension in a story, but sometimes seriousness is exactly what's needed. If a story about starving, orphaned bear cubs was funny, something would be pretty wrong about that. Leigh still enjoyed the story a lot, even though he almost cried.
Quote #8
Yes, I will continue to write in my diary even if I do have to pretend I am writing to you. You know something? I think I feel better when I write in my diary. (31.1)
Lots of Leigh's diary entries and letters are ways the author shows us what Mr. Henshaw has been telling Leigh. Cleary is able to do this without making it too awkward. We see Leigh restate some things from Mr. H.'s letters, and that's how we know what kind of writing tips he's been getting.
Quote #9
A character in a story should solve a problem or change in some way. (45.1)
Leigh is telling us another piece of advice from Mr. Henshaw: what's the point of a story if nothing really happens to the character? Like real life, no one stays the same in a good story, even if the changes are subtle.