writing tips

Many adults who want to write for children look at websites like this. So here are a few tips just for them. Disclaimer: These are general tips, not rules. And remember, every age group and style of book differs. Also, some of this advice may seem woefully basic. However, having managed the slush piles for two major children's publishers I have often had to avert mine eyes in horror…

When writing for kids it is important that you hit the ground running. Try not to fiddle around setting up your story and don't waste time on lovely lyrical description; you'll lose them. Kids are not analysing your art—they're after a good story with punchy characters. That is not to say you can ignore quality writing. You just need to be cunning and weave it in, no lyrical lumps. Voice is vital to the success of any piece, but I believe it is absolutely central when you are writing for children. Spend time getting your voice right. Work on it. Experiment with it. Commit to it. I assure you, it will be worth the effort. Some tips to remember when developing voice: Don't talk down to kids. "Hey kids! Wanna have some FUN?" Sounds like Krusty the Clown. And don't use 'kid speak' unless you're certain it sounds authentic. You definitely don't want to risk sounding like John Shaft. Can you dig it? Beware the maiden aunt syndrome too.

If you have a word you want to use but it's a big word and it's all a bit scary, live dangerously. Kids (all ages) love to play with language (although I might draw the line at 'stumblingly'). On the other hand, try to keep your sentences short and snappy (unless a loooong sentence is part of the joke).

Unless you are truly blessed and have an editor tied up in the basement, put everything you write in a drawer for a month before you send it anywhere (Stephen King says wait six weeks but he's rich.) After a month, you'll see your work with fresh eyes and you'll be able to edit it and polish it until it's the absolute best it can be. I know this sounds harsh. The first flush of creativity is heady; we are usually dying to show off our talent. But just as you wouldn't turn up to a meeting in your undies, don't show a publisher your first draft (or your second or your third).

Try not to be conned by the seductive lure of 'writer's block' (even though it's ever so appealing to the neurotic artist in us). I continually run aground while writing. Sometimes for days. Sometimes for weeks. I work on other stories during this time, do more research or read the work of authors who inspire me. I never consider these lapses as writer's block because I know that if I did I'd have a wonderfully dramatic excuse not to push on. While these 'vacant' periods are frustrating and at times even scary, I know that they are simply part of the process. Stories come to me in dribs and drabs, never in lovely big slabs. As much as I don't like it, that's just how it is. Giving up and declaring I have writer's block is never an option.

The illustrations on this page are from my book, Sing, Pepi, Sing! They were drawn by Gus Gordon. Obviously Gus is extremely clever. Who else could make a humble Mexican walking fish look so endearing? Thanks, Gus!

 

Some must-have accoutrement for your writer's briefcase:

A copy of Stephen King's, On Writing, Hodder and Stoughton, London. One of the best books on writing I have read. Honest, insightful, erudite. I love this book.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamont, Knopf Doubleday. Equal first with Stephen King's gem. This book is spirited, compassionate and very funny. Essential reading.

The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, Meg Leder, Jack Hefferon, and the editors of Writer's Digest. Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati, Ohio. A terrific compilation of interviews and articles by luminaries such as Margaret Atwood, Terry Brooks and Sue Grafton. Good for dipping into when you're feeling stuck.

How To Write Damn Good Fiction: Advanced Techniques for Dramatic Storytelling, James N. Frey, Macmillan. This is another of my favourites but be warned, James N. Frey won't take your hand and gently guide you. He'll grab your elbow and wrench you along.

Every aspiring and working children's author should watch Elephant's and Hens. It's in series three of the television series, Black Books. This is the episode in which Bernard and Manny set out to write a children's classic (no less). Brilliantly funny and painfully accurate in its portrayal of attitudes toward the art of children's writing. If you don't want to buy it most video shops stock Black Books in their TV section.

 

My favourite films about writing and books etc:

84 Charing Cross Road: Okay, it's sentimental but what reader/writer wouldn't love this film?

Stranger than Fiction: Love Dustin Hoffman's line, 'Did you say, "little did he know?" I've written entire papers about little did he know...' Emma Thompson is a gem.

Wit: Gorgeous Emma Thompson again. Utterly harrowing in parts but includes discussions of John Donne's poetry. Now how often can you say that about a film? Have the tissues handy. For fans of children's literature the final scene is particularly poignant...

Miss Potter: Ah, the world of publishing. So genteel. So whimsical.

Elf: Not exclusively about this writing life but has its moments (and so many of them hilarious). 

The Shining: Only kidding... Or am I?