Connecting with Kids

Connecting With Kids

On Friday of this week, I’m going off to do what I do best–connect with kids. We’re going to talk about writing for other kids. I’m going to give them a few tips, some that have worked for me.

Sometimes I like to start a story by having the main character worry. Worry in a hurry! Every reader can relate to that.

Other times, I begin at the end, especially if I’m writing poetry. After I choose a topic, I decide on the end line and work to the beginning. I always keep a word bank and I rely on Rhymezone.com to help me find interesting 2,3,4 or 5 syllable words that work.

When I’ve written something, I read and reread it. I write it over dozens of times. I put it away overnight and get it out the next morning. That’s the best time for me but I know loads of other writers who write into the wee hours when I’m sawing logs.

If I should happen to wake up from a deep sleep with a great word for a manuscript or an idea, I write it down right then and there. Sometimes titles come to me in dreams. It’s crazy but it’s true.

One last bit of advice. If you want to be a writer, go speak to young readers and writers. Their ideas are fresh and oftentimes, untried.