Here are ten reasons to love writing for kids.
1. We can explore our own creativity. We can write anything from picture books to poetry to chapter books. Along the way, we can let our imaginations run wild. Will it be make-believe? humor? mystery? We have the freedom to write about anything we choose and to unleash our creativity while doing so.
2. We can create new characters and get to know them. Anything can become a character – a scarecrow, a car, a dog, a person. The choices are unlimited. As we choose our characters and develop character sketches for them, we get to endow them with all sorts of traits which can be important in the story. Sometimes these characters even try to take over the story – which leads to even more creativity.
3. We can shut out the outside world and get lost in our own mind. As we develop our stories, we can play with structure and plot and shape our stories in any way we want. We can play around with different ideas until we discover the one that brings us satisfaction.
4. We can get back in touch with our own childhood. Remembering people and incidents which impressed us as we were growing up can provide fodder for stories. Sharing some of our interests or personal history might help today’s children make sense of their world.
5.
We get to hone our craft and improve our skills.
Through all the steps of the writing process, we can become better writers.
Whether editing, rewriting, or wordsmithing, we grow in our knowledge of what
works and what does not. By attending workshops and joining critique groups, we learn from
others. Applying what we learn helps us perfect our stories so they are just right.
6. We grow and learn as we write for kids. As we do research about time periods or search for information needed for nonfiction, we absorb many helpful facts and are exposed to new ideas which just might lead to that next great story.
7. We have the opportunity to change the world and make it a better place. Stories can teach our readers important ideas about life. As we craft stories about such topics as empathy, kindness, and friendship, we can inform and educate children and guide them to develop these values. When kids internalize these values, they grow as individuals and become more compassionate. Our stories can provide different points of views, expose kids to different cultures, or just help them to better understand life. The possibilities are endless.
8. We can help foster a love of reading and literature. Reading about topics which interest them helps children keep reading. Every author wishes that his work would capture the interest of a child and inspire him to keep reading. There is a child just waiting for a certain story to touch his heart.
9. We have the opportunity to meet wonderful, like-minded people. The kid-lit community is filled with kind, gracious, fellow authors who are willing to be teachers, mentors, and critique partners. Not only do these folks help us hone our craft, but they can become wonderful supportive friends.
10. We have fun! Yes, writing can challenge us in multiple ways as we try to reach our full potential. But if we are honest, who among us does not enjoy playing around with the ideas swirling in our brains and perfecting them until they come out our fingertips at the keyboard? It is fun to see our stories take shape and give us such a sense of satisfaction. Many other reasons to love writing for children exist. Which ones would you add to the list?
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