Writing for Children and Young Adults

“Writing is like getting married. One should never commit oneself until one is amazed at one’s luck.” Iris Murdock. Irish Author, (1919-1999)


Time

Good grief! It’s August already. I’ve been so busy this July with dogs, gardens, house repair, writing deadlines and other duties that I let time slip through my hands. My apologies for missing last month’s writing rant. As I mentioned in June’s news, it seems as though every short story I write lately turns into a story for children or young adults. Now I don’t have a clue as to how to write for younger audiences. I don’t have any kids but I do have some stepchildren. I don’t see them enough to be “child savvy,” though. Sooo, to cut to the chase, I’ve enrolled in a school for writing childrens stories. The name of the school is The Institute of Children’s Literature. It’s a two year course and is good for college credits, though I don’t need really them.

I would have joined sooner but there was one drawback to my becoming involved. The Institute has a writing test. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m more than a little bit wary of tests that purport to show one whether they have any talent when it comes to the arts. I remember there used to be a “Draw This” test that was a come-on for a school of art. As far as I know, no one ever failed.

I decided to check the web and see if anyone had comments on this school.

Lo and behold, I found an article where the writer purposely screwed up the test, making it as awful as possible, to see whether he would pass the test. Much to his surprise, (and mine,) he failed. The school sent a nice letter, regretting that they could not accept him. That tipped the scales in their favor in my opinion. The course in not cheap (about mid-range as schools go) but payments are available. I’ve received my first set of books and finished my first assignment and must say that so far, I’m impressed.

I’ve been writing for a while and taken a few online courses and like to think I know a bit about writing. Well I learned a lot in the first assignment. I like that! Note that this is NOT an online course. Lessons must be typed, conform to a specific format and be mailed, (that’s right, snail mail) to the instuctor.

What a clever way to get a newbie writer to learn how to follow instructions and send manuscripts to publishers! My instructor, by the way, is Stephen Roos. He is a recognized author of children’s books and has been published by such well known companies as Simon and Schuster and Delacorte. Well, enough for now. I’ll post more information re the school as I progress. Aelf

Remember, your comments and suggestions are always welcomeSites to see, places to go and groups to join

My Writing Friend: mailto:writingfriend@yahoo.com

Nick Daws Writers Circle: Click link on this page.

Writing Workshop: http://sff.onlinewritingworkshop.com/

Newbie Writers: http://www.newbiewriters.com/

The Grail: http://z3.invisionfree.com/The_Grail/index.php?act=idx

I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites