A New Way Forward for Children’s Writing

By Jon Bard

There are two important things I want to tell you today.  This post may take a few minutes to read, but I promise it will be worth it.

 

First, this:  You know the old Chinese curse “May you live in interesting times”, right?  Well, we certainly do.

 

And, whatever your feelings about events may be, there’s one thing we know.  In uncertain times, it’s children and teens who often feel things the most.  They don’t have an understanding of the complexities of the world, and they don’t have the life experience to put things in their proper perspective.

 

If the world seems a bit scary and uncertain to grownups, imagine how young people are feeling.  They need to know that kindness, common purpose and love are still the fuels that drives humanity, and that, together, we’ll make our way through whatever happens.

 

They need people who can tell them that, and do it in ways that are engaging, entertaining and powerful. They need children’s writers.

 

They need you.

 

We’ll have more to say on this subject soon, but I wanted to share this today, because a lot you need to hear it.  And I needed to express it.

 

So get to work.  Your insight, your compassion and your talents are needed. Right now.

 

 

Which leads me to my second point.  It’s about *how* to put your talents to work.

 

 

You’ve probably heard us talk about Picture Book Blueprint and our upcoming Chapter Book Blueprint. They’re the first of what will be an extensive library of online tools/courses to help you learn to create a great manuscript in whatever genre you want.

 

We created them because we know that so many of you are truly devoted to the idea of writing great books for kids and teens, but you’re confused, intimidated and overwhelmed.  The process seems impenetrable.

 

 

You want to change the world with your words, but you just don’t know where to start.

 

 

So let me take just a moment to explain the Blueprint concept we created, because it can show you a clear path to move past all the frustration and go directly to being an author.  It’s the answer to help ease your mind, allow you to relax and get right into the joyous process of writing your book and connecting with the young people who need you.

 

Here’s the deal…

 

After 27 years, here’s what we’ve come to know about writing:  Learning to write can seem like a long, hard slog.  You just want to write, but it’s like there’s a mountain in the way. It represents the things you don’t know, and the experience you don’t have.

 

There’s no clear path. Just tons of info.  Courses, blog posts, articles, conferences, advice of varying quality from thousands of sources.

 

Everyone tells you “what” to do, but hardly anyone tells you “how” to do it.  As a result, you probably have no clear idea what to do next.

 

 

And, you’re short on time and money.  You don’t have the resources to buy every expensive course, get a Masters Degree or fly around the country attending conferences.  And your hectic life doesn’t give you enough time to pore through all those “how to” books and courses.

 

The Blueprint concept changes everything.  A Writing Blueprint isn’t just another course.  It’s actually a writing system that you’ll use again and again.

 

It’s built on these foundations:

 

1.   Writing Blueprints break every step of the writing process into easy-to-manage pieces.

 

2.  They offer expert video guidance every step of the way.

 

3.  Each step includes worksheets that build on one another, leading to a finished manuscript.

 

4.  The way the worksheets are created assures that the “DNA” of the best books of the particular genre are built into your manuscript.

 

5. Each Blueprint includes a step-by-step self-critique and revision system, with expert guidance.

 

6. When you’re done, you’ll have a finished, polished manuscript, ready to be submitted!

 

 

Here’s the old way of learning how to write a book in a particular genre:

 

• Spend months sifting through information
• Try to figure it out yourself
• Spend tons of money on courses, conferences and books
• Pay for expensive critiques
• Use trial and error while you collect rejection slips and get discouraged

 

Here’s the Blueprint way

 

• Write your manuscript while you learn!
• Get step-by-step instruction from world-class teachers
• Incorporate the DNA of the greatest books directly into your manuscript
• Revise like a pro with video guidance from top critiquers
• Effortlessly create a polished manuscript, ready to submit
• Includes lifetime access – Use it again and again, for each new project

 

Picture Book Blueprint is already transforming the lives of writers around the world (you can see it here http://picturebookblueprint.com)

 

Next Wednesday, we release Chapter Book Blueprint and we’ll be inviting you to join us and actually use the Blueprint in real time to begin your own chapter book.  (Save the date, the live launch webinar is Wednesday, November 16 at 5 PM Pacific.  More details to come soon!)  If you’re interested in writing chapter books and haven’t already checked out our free webinar called “The Magic of Chapter Books”, visit http://writeforkids.org/cbmagic

 

We’re currently developing Writing Blueprints for YA/Middle Grade, Magazine Writing and Self Publishing, and more are on their way.

 

We believe that the Writing Blueprint concept will be the key to get writers out of their own heads and onto the page.  And then, into the hands of the children and young adults who so greatly need your work.

 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: A New Way Forward for Children’s Writing

Get Started Writing Science Articles for Kids

By Guest Author

by Suzanne Henshon

 

Do you love being outdoors? Have you ever considered combining your love of nature with writing? Many writers never consider writing nonfiction for young readers, yet there are many places to publish science-related articles for kids. It can be a great way to break into print.

 

So, how do you write about science in a way that is fun to read and accessible for young children? You need to think about including details that are interesting, provide accurate information, and bring a complex subject to life. It’s critical that you also think like an artist and make it visually appealing while presenting scientific facts in an accurate and compelling manner. Does it sound challenging? It is! Here are a few tips:

 

1. Pick an appropriate subject. Young children are fascinated by the outdoors, so it isn’t hard to find a subject of interest. But you want to make sure this subject is also appropriate for the publication where you will submit your piece. Read issues of the magazine to see how other writers handle scientific subjects before deciding what you will write about. When you are confident that your subject is appropriate, you can progress with researching and writing your article.

 

2. Research carefully. Go the library and find recently-published books on your topic. Peruse related websites as a starting point in your research, but don’t rely on them exclusively unless you can verify the information in at least two other sources. Read recent articles for adults on the subject and make a note of which experts are quoted. Then try to contact these people for an interview. If you can’t find scientists in the field of your topic, look for university professors to interview, or authors who have written extensively on the subject. You’ll be taking a different slant on the material than they did, and these authors may be open to being a source for your article.

 

3. Consider how to present this subject to young readers. The youngest readers will have no knowledge of the topic. Don’t overwhelm them with details—zero in on one fascinating aspect and explore it in an entertaining way. Older readers will want to build on what they already know. Think carefully about the reading audience and the best way to present your information; remember that you need to be age appropriate and accurate concurrently.

 

4. Read comparable articles and pieces. Have you read articles for children? Have you purchased books about comparable subjects? When you read articles and books, you learn how to write for this age group; you develop a sense of how to present a subject in an interesting and compelling way for your particular age group.

 

5. Plan out how your piece will appear on the page. Will your piece appear on a single page, or will it appear on several pages? How much text will appear on each page? Will you be providing photographs to go with the article? Think carefully about these issues as you write your piece, and be cognizant of how many words are in most science articles.

 

6. Write beyond facts. Your job isn’t to write an encyclopedia entry; your responsibility is to tell a true story about the natural world. So don’t just present facts and figures; focus on specific facts that children can connect to directly, and find a way to make the information relevant to the reader’s life.

 

7. Focus on bringing science to life. No matter what you are writing about, your first responsibility is to make your text interesting. Generally science pieces for young readers are short and to the point; you will find yourself emphasizing some factual information while having to omit other things. Don’t feel guilty about this; maybe you are tantalizing the interest of the young reader and encouraging her to explore further on her own.

 

8. Edit and revise. When you have finished writing your piece, sit down and read it over carefully. Compare your piece to other science pieces that have been published by this publication. Is yours comparable in length, style, and word choice? Have you stretched the imagination of young readers in an appropriate and meaningful way?

 

When you write a science piece for young readers, you have the capacity to change their lives forever; you might inspire the next Jane Goodall or Neil Armstrong. You could be the spark that encourages a child to reach for the stars. So take this responsibility seriously, and enjoy writing your science article. With a little luck, you might get a publication— and change a young reader’s life forever.

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: Get Started Writing Science Articles for Kids

A Fantastic Example of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’

By Jon Bard

The advice “show, don’t tell” is certainly one of the most overused pieces of writing instruction.  But it’s overused for a very good reason:  It’s a core principle of great storytelling.

 

When a character’s simple action reveals more about him than five paragraphs of expository prose, you’ve rewarded your reader with something wonderful.

 

I’ve been enjoying the new HBO series Westworld.  It’s well written, beautifully acted and very intriguing.  In this week’s episode, the writers pull off a masterful bit of “show, don’t tell” that I wanted to point out, in hopes it will spark some ideas for your own writing.

 

Westworld takes place in a theme park in which human visitors get to relive the old west, thanks to hundreds of human-like robots.  In this week’s episode, we’re introduced to two human visitors as they arrive at the park:  William and Logan.

 

We get the idea pretty early that Logan is cocky, arrogant and most likely looking for trouble.  But we aren’t so sure about William.  He’s quiet and perhaps a bit intimidated by the experience.  But how he’ll act once ensconced in Westworld is a mystery.

 

Until the writers pull of a spectacular “show, don’t tell” moment.

 

We follow William as he selects his wardrobe for his adventure.  Some boots, some rawhide trousers, a jacket.  And then he comes to his final selection.

 

On one wall, a rack of black hats.  On the other, a rack of white hats.

 

The camera closes in on William’s face as he ponders his decision.

 

The next shot is of William and Logan striding down Westworld’s dusty main street.  Logan is wearing a black hat, William is wearing his newly chosen white hat.

 

And with that, we’ve learned volumes about these men and their intentions.  One is there to be an outlaw, the other a hero.

 

And not a word of dialogue was needed.  That’s showing, not telling.

 

 

(Image:  HBO)

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: A Fantastic Example of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’

Three and a Half Minutes that May Change your Writing Life Forever

By Jon Bard

We spend so much of our time focusing on what we do, that we rarely take the time to ask why we’re doing it.  And yet, that simple step can make a massive difference in the quality of the art we create.

 

This short video is a dramatic testimony to how understanding your “why” can transform the quality, depth and emotional connection of everything you write.

 

Take a few moments to watch this. I guarantee it will stay with you for a very long time.

 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: Three and a Half Minutes that May Change your Writing Life Forever

How to Plan a Great School Visit

By Laura Backes

The Ultimate Guide to School Visits Webinar with Teresa Funke is coming on September 21st!  This will be an amazing workshop that will allow you to start booking school visits right away – even if you’ve yet to be published.

 

Spaces are limited, so head over to http://ift.tt/2c99h7O to reserve your spot (and get ensure access to the video replay and the handouts)

 

---

 

School visits are one of  the best things about being a children’s writers.  Meeting young fans, being treated like a star (which you are, of course!) and yes, making some extra income are jsut some of the benefits of bringing your work into schools.

 

That’s why we’re happy to offer this special audio interview (and transcript) with an author who’s conducted many visits.  Laura spoke with children’s author Rachel Rodriguez about how to plan and execute a great school visit.  Enjoy!

 

 

Download the Podcast

 

Download the Transcript

 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: How to Plan a Great School Visit

Jon Reviews KindleSpy — a Must-Have Tool for Kindle Publishing

By Jon Bard

In this video, Jon reviews KindleSpy, a powerful program that digs into Amazon’s Kindle bestseller lists and delivers information that can help any eBook author succeed.

 

Jon will demonstrate how KindleSpy:

 

 

* helps you determine which Kindle niches have buyers and which ones don’t (spoiler alert: don’t even think about writing an kids’ eBook about motorcycles.  There is, however, a similar niche that’s golden!)

* shows you which words appear most often in the titles and descriptions of current bestsellers in your niche

* allows you “reverse engineer” successful eBooks in your niche, and will even give you a specific roadmap for how to successfully promote your eBook

 

If you’re already publishing for Kindle or just thinking about it, you should watch this video.  It could save you a lot of time, money and heartache.

 

If you want to get KindleSpy, here’s a special affiliate link that will save you $50….

http://ift.tt/2crCyf4

 

 

 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: Jon Reviews KindleSpy — a Must-Have Tool for Kindle Publishing

How to Read (and Think) Like a Kid

By Guest Author

by Suzanne Henshon

 

In his bestselling book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Tom Foster writes about how professors read books—and what we can learn from analytical readings of texts. Foster takes readers on a wonderful time trip and demonstrates that reading about characters, plots, and themes can give us a greater appreciation of classic texts. Wouldn’t it be helpful to use these same techniques with children’s books? And, by extension, wouldn’t it be useful to use books as a springboard for (re)learning how to think like a kid?

 

Since it isn’t possible to return to an earlier time in our lives we have to take other steps to adopt the mindset of a modern children. We can start by revisiting the playground where we hung out, flipping through an old yearbook, or calling an old friend. But to think like today’s kids, you need to know some of your audience—the people you are writing for. You need to understand the technology they use, the places where they gather, and the books they are currently reading. Begin by taking stock of your contacts. Do you know any kids? It’s difficult to write for children if you haven’t spent much time with them and don’t understand their perspective. But if you aren’t a parent, teacher, coach, or librarian, you may find that meeting children is difficult. Here are a few ideas:

 

Form a writing group for kids. If you are friends with several parents, you may help start a book club or writing group. Or ask your local librarian if you can organize one for your community. While you offer your expertise to young kids, you will gain valuable insights about where young people are coming from. Try to be more of a group facilitator than a leader. If you let kids take charge of the discussions, you’ll have more opportunity to get their candid opinions on their books, and the conversation will overflow into other areas of their lives.

 

(Also check out Alison Lurie’s book, Don’t Tell the Grownups. This book is a wonderful read about the elements of children’s literature that have been consistent since the publication of Alice in Wonderland in 1863. An undercurrent of subversiveness tends to permeate children’s books with staying power. You’ll discover that kids of all ages love a rebel—and that by understanding the psyche of childhood, you may just create the next Peter Pan or Tom Sawyer.) Observe kids. Whether you are at a bookstore or library, observe children the same age as the audience for your book. Talk to librarians about what these kids read. Find out what makes them “tick.” When you watch kids, you may be surprised at how sophisticated, funny, and knowledgeable they are.

 

Consider doing a focus group for your manuscript. Do you have an idea for a plot? Or even a book series? In many other industries (i.e. toys), marketers do extensive testing with focus groups before bringing a product to market. Why not do the same thing with your children’s books? Before putting a lot of time into something, describe your project to several children you know and see if the basic premise is appealing to them, and if they find the characters believable and compelling. Don’t make the mistake of writing outside your protagonist’s perspective. There’s nothing more fatal than having a young protagonist refer to his “little friend” in a narrative; kids will immediately be reminded that an adult is writing this story, and their willingness to suspend disbelief and enter the world of the characters will be shattered.

 

Laugh like a kid. Notice what makes kids chuckle at different ages. Younger children love silly, visual comedy that is portrayed through the illustrations. Kids in second and third grades laugh at puns and wordplay. Older children appreciate humor that is situational, characters that act against expectations, and dialogue with a humorous subtext. Now, think like a kid. Wait impatiently for the school bell to ring. Step outside without a hat on in the middle of winter. Walk through the mall and take note of what a five-year-old would see from his younger, shorter viewpoint. And think about how you can’t wait to grow up. Now, transfer all that angst, that frustration, and that perspective to the page.

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: How to Read (and Think) Like a Kid