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rose24073
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« on: December 17, 2009, 03:57:53 AM » |
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I am a new member to MWC. I have always wanted to write a children's book. I wrote well in school and college and made A's in English. I would like to translate these skills into a book or story. Does anyone have any ideas or advice for me? Any advice about how to best achieve this would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty much a novice. Thanks much!  Would a creative writing course help or is writing just a talent you are born with? What do you think?  |
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« Last Edit: December 17, 2009, 04:06:32 AM by rose24073 »
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PretzelGirl
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« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2009, 05:34:53 AM » |
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The best thing you can do is just WRITE. There's no formula, you learn as you go, and you must write to learn.
And read the type of stuff you want to write.
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Smoke me a clipper, I'll be back for Christmas!
- A. J. Rimmer, Red Dwarf
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Nordy
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« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2009, 01:34:32 PM » |
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Rose - Just as PretzelGirl said - write, write, write. Even if you write what you think is rubbish, write it anyway. You might find that after you've been writing a few weeks your natural style might not even be for children. There are lots of books on writing that'll give you some ideas. A few weeks ago I downloaded this http://www.write-a-childrens-book.com/children/ it will give you some good guidelines. Keep at it |
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Country4Gal
http://www.writestreet.com/writestree
Global Moderator
Hero Member
Posts: 10841
Missing you
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« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2009, 05:22:44 PM » |
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Rose, sorry but I can't advise you on writing for children. But I would like to suggest that you visit the Welcome Board and introduce yourself to the membership at large.
Good luck with your writing journey.
Smiles,
Alice
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super fly
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« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2009, 06:34:23 AM » |
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hi rose  My suggestion to you would be picking an age group you would like to write,  for instance, if you chose 1-6 year old need illustration to sustain their attention. (why because they are still learning words) 7-12 year olds are called transition readers meaning they won't need pictures just good stories. For 12 year old and up you can write intricate plot twist, stories. So it just depends on what you like to do.  |
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eric
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« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2009, 03:32:50 AM » |
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Breathing is a talent you are born with. Writing is hard work for many of us, not Stephen King maybe but most of the rest of us. A lot of us will never get it while thinking we have. Studying how to use the language often helps, and a good (or great) creative writing course, plus lots and lots of practice, may be a lot of use. A lousy creative writing course won't help, but the practice will.
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« Last Edit: December 20, 2009, 03:36:10 AM by eric »
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rose24073
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« Reply #6 on: December 20, 2009, 04:46:46 AM » |
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Thank you all so much for your suggestions! They were VERY helpful. I will keep them all in mind. One of my favorite children's books is "Goodnight Moon". I will practice writing and try to find a really GOOD creative writing course. Again, thank you all so much!!! Rose |
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hopehetterley
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« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2009, 01:58:49 AM » |
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I am new here and i've always wanted to write a book and have one in the works. Hopefully i make it. Its my dream. Does anyone know if writing software helps?  |
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don86usa
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« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2009, 03:42:42 AM » |
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Hope -
Best way to get an answer is to go to the Welcome Board and give yourself a proper introduction. Once you've done that, start a new thread in All The Write Questions and ask away. We have members with expertise in every imaginable subject, so I suspect you'll get a variety of answers. Good luck.
Don -
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dhanks
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« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2009, 08:02:41 PM » |
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Hi Rose24073,
My area of education far from children's books. And I don't have any children myself. So my input on your writing interests can be taken or left.
When I was in between degree programs, I took History of the English Language class at a local univ that proved to be well worth my money. One particular theorist, Steven Pinker, has done a tremendous amount of research that suggests language is somewhat instinctual. They have designed studies with children to explore their use of language and have made some fascinating discoveries.
I can't remember all the details, mainly because it isn't my area of interest. But I will tell you that the research is quite interesting. Pinker wrote one book called The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language. And I'm sure there are many others avail.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that writing children's books may be more challenging and more of an opportunity to advance the learning skills of children beyond what we have historically believed about 'pop-ups' or 'pictures' etc. Kids might actually understand more than we think....
Anyway, for whatever it is worth. Welcome to the forum!
D
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Symphony
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« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2009, 09:34:33 AM » |
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Hi there,
What age group are you targetting? You need to start there.
After that, well, just write, write, write. I've been writing children's books for about ten years now and not a single one published but I'm still writing. This is the most competitive market around and the statistics of what gets published are very demoralising - unless you're a celebrity and then they're just worthless rubbish. Don't let anything get in your way. I'm well aware that my writing might simply be complete rubbish but I enjoy every moment and that's the most important (until you get to the editing bit, which is just pure slog!! lol)
Write and then write more. Put your favourites stories in a bottom drawer for three weeks, then take it out and edit before you send it off anywhere.
Write what you enjoy, not what you think a publisher might like!
There are some great sources of information around. My own favourite is Children's Book Insider - CBI. Worth a look. The Writer's Bureau also does a 'free' children's writing course, which could give you the starting block you're looking for.
Good luck and get writing,
Symph
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midnight candle
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« Reply #11 on: December 29, 2009, 09:44:58 AM » |
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I am a new member to MWC. I have always wanted to write a children's book. I wrote well in school and college and made A's in English. I would like to translate these skills into a book or story. Does anyone have any ideas or advice for me? Any advice about how to best achieve this would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty much a novice. Thanks much! Would a creative writing course help or is writing just a talent you are born with? What do you think? 1. go to your local library and read books from the various age ranges. 2. know which age range you want to write for 3. keep reading 4. write i have 3 children aged 8 and 10. i've been reading to them since the day they were born so i guess i've got a good headstart. if you want to study the master of children's writing, you won't go far wrong with roald dahl. and he's just as great for adults to read too  daryl |
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Calrootpeg
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« Reply #12 on: January 01, 2010, 07:15:15 AM » |
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Become a child again and mentally tell yourself a story. Then write it! Go to Barnes & Noble, sit around the YA & Children area. Watch what people are picking up. Write short summaries, give them to 9th graders... They tell it like it is. Post some short ideas here, they'll tell you like it is. Brain storm titles, write them down. Add sub-sections to the best titles. Make a list of endings, twists and hooks, write backwards. Mash a preexisting book theme, steal it by changing it. Write from the heart. A child can feel it.
I'm like symphony... never give up, and take the next step. Write-on to finish!
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