With the signature wit and humor that have garnered him legions of fans, Jack Gantos instructs young writers on using their "writing radar" to unearth story ideas from their everyday lives. Incorporating his own misadventures as a developing writer, Gantos inspires readers to build confidence and establish good writing habits as they create, revise, and perfect their stories. Pop-out text boxes highlight key tips, alongside Gantos's own illustrations, sample stories, and snippets from his childhood journals. More than just a how-to guide, Writing Radar is a celebration of the power of storytelling and an ode to the characters who―many unwittingly―inspired Gantos's own writing career.

Before writing, there was storytelling -- 1. Trust me -- 2. Getting started -- 3. The best journal in the world is yours -- 4. Turning on and fine-tuning your writing radar -- 5. Story hunting and gathering -- 6. The writing journal in action -- 7. 'I'll kill you," said my sister -- 8. The oath -- 9. Blank slate -- 10. Story maps -- 11. Action and emotion -- 12. Power! -- 13. Good habits lead to great inspiration -- 14. Story structure and story elements -- 15. Putting my oath to the test -- 16. The follower -- 17. Breaking it down -- 18. My first reader teaches me a lesson -- 19. Focused drafts -- 20. A parting surprise -- A final word -- Writing connections.