If you like children and are quite childish, something I´ve often been accused of, then writing for children may seem easy and natural.
I began my love affair with words many years ago. Some of my fondest memories are being read to as a child, visiting the library, and discovering the ability to read by myself. I still have worn copies of favourite childhood books, such as The Bobbsey Twins, Little Women, Black Beauty and Anne of Green Gables; and revisit these old friends from time to time. Books and children go together like toast and jam. Recently, one seven-year-old friend said to me, “Who doesn´t like books?” I never show up without books as gifts for my grandchildren. I am known as The Book Grandma.
It´s not surprising that I love writing stories for children.
While writing for children can be fun, it isn´t easy. It requires removing yourself from the adult world and thinking like a twenty-first-century kid (unless you’re writing a historical novel, then a kid from whatever century you are writing about). Fortunately, I like to hang out with kids, listen to the words they use, observe the gestures, the looks, the trends. I also enjoy reading children’s books to see what sparks the interest of today’s young people. Children notice things adults don’t and could care less about things adults think are important. It’s necessary to get into their headspace. And guess what? While I’m writing, I get to be a kid again – and what could be more fun!
Here are a few tips, based on what I’ve learned after writing eight middle-grade books.
- Kids like strong main characters, role models. Characters willing to take risks and sometimes mess up, but coming out on top in the end. Keep in mind the characters you liked as a child.
- Young people often act childish, but they can also be very mature, especially under pressure.
- The hero/heroine can possess extraordinary skills, but they still need to be real so readers can identify with them.
- Dialogue moves the story along, breaks up description and gets the reader to know characters better. Each character needs his/her own voice.
- Show emotion, don’t tell. This is true in all writing but especially when writing for kids. Instead of writing Jane was homesick, how about, Jane spent a lot of time looking at pictures of her family, often bursting into tears.
- Listen to kids talk so you get the lingo right. They are not teenagers so they won’t talk like them, not yet. They often parrot their parents and other adults around them.
- Watch movies and TV shows with kids in them, observe how they act and talk.
- Be aware that kids speak differently in different parts of the country, and the world.
- If you aren’t sure about something, ask a kid. I do this all the time. In fact, I have a street team of young readers from age 7 to 12. They are so helpful. Don’t ask a parent, they are the last to know how their kids talk or act!
- Kids are always giving me ideas. I keep a notebook and write down things they say and do, often incorporating these in my stories. They can be so clever too. Often wise beyond their years.
Writing for children is important because I want children to develop the same love of books I had as a child. A love that doesn’t fade with time. Children’s books create lifelong readers; readers who eventually buy adult books.
So if you have been thinking of writing for children, give it a try. Have fun and let yourself be a kid again!
Thanks, Aurora, for the opportunity to talk about something I’m passionate about. If anyone has questions, I’d be happy to answer them in the comments.
About Darlene:
Darlene Foster is a Canadian author who has written the popular Amanda Travels series, featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places where she encounters mystery and adventure while learning about another culture. Readers of all ages enjoy travelling with Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another in various countries. Darlene has won prizes for her short stories and a number of them have been published in anthologies. She has also written a bi-lingual book for English/Spanish readers.
Darlene grew up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, where her love of reading inspired her to travel the world and write stories. Over the years she held wonderful jobs such as an employment counsellor, ESL teacher, recruiter, and retail manager, and wrote whenever she had a few spare minutes. She is now retired and has a home in Spain where she writes full time. When not travelling, meeting interesting people, and collecting ideas for her books, she likes to spend time with her husband and entertaining dog, Dot.
Her books include Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask, Amanda in Spain: The Girl in The Painting, Amanda in England: The Missing Novel, Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone, Amanda on The Danube: The Sounds of Music, Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind, and Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action. Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady will be released in the spring of 2021.
Connect with Darlene:
website http://www.darlenefoster.ca/
Blog https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFosterWriter/
Twitter https://twitter.com/supermegawoman
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/darlenefoster
Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Foster/
Thanks for inviting me to be a guest on your blog!
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It was my pleasure, Darlene. You know, you’re always welcome here!
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🥰
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Great read, Darlene and excellent advice! Unbelievable that I’ve never finished writing a children’s story, yet have written three – all unfinished. BUT have written millions of words…Weird! Perhaps when I have finished THIS book, which is taking forever… xx
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I am surprised too as I think you would be able to pen a good children’s story.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
10 great tips from Darlene, on AJ’s blog 👍
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Great advice, Darlene. Your books are wonderful!
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Thanks, Jacquie!!
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Thank you for the great read, and for remembering on your very wonderful Amanda series. Have a beautiful week! Michael
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Thanks, Michael. Have a fabulous week yourself!!
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I read this post with a great deal of interest. I have always thought it takes a real knack to write books for children. Not as easy at it appears!
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It’s not easy but it is fun, for the most part. Thanks, Liz.
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I am a guest on The Writer’s Treasure Chest where I talk about writing for children, with a list of things I’ve learned over the years of writing my books.
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🙂
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Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
I am a guest on The Writer’s Treasure Chest where I talk about writing for children, with a list of things I’ve learned over the years of writing my books.
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Thank you for sharing, Darlene.
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Good advice, Darlene. I remember the Enid Blyton books I loved as a child. Now they’ve all been taken away from libraries I think. Such a shame.
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They are still available on Amazon. They are a bit dated as mine will be one day. Still fun to read.
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Yes indeed.
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Those are great tips, Darlene, and all ring true for what I look for in children’s books (I’m a teacher also).
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Thanks, Jacqui. Nice to hear from a teacher.
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I found it very interesting to read about how Darlene writes for children. Thanks for hosting, Aurora.
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Thanks, Robbie. xo
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
A fantastic post from award winning children’s author Darlene Foster on the subject of writing for children. She shares the key elements that children are looking for in their stories and some great pointers on how to create the perfect story. Hosted by A.J. Alexander. #recommended
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Thank you so very much for sharing, Sally!
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Delighted to Aurora Jean..x
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Thanks so much for reblogging, Sally.
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Very helpful post Darlene and delighted to share. xx
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Wonderful post thank you Darlene and Aurora Jean for sharing.. x
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My pleasure.
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Great article in writing for kids. Thanks, Darlene! I especially like what you said about showing emotion- that rings very true. Now to put my hands on a copy of Amanda in Spain for my 11 year old, off to the local bookstore!
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Thanks, Rebecca. I hope your 11-year-old enjoys the story. xo
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These are great tips, Darlene, and many of them apply to adult fiction as well. I think you’re probably inspiring many children to love reading!
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Thanks, Debra! I do hope so.
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Great advice, Darlene. Thanks.
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Thanks, John.
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Wonderful read, Darlene. So much valuable advice for any budding children’s author.
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Thanks. Always good to share what I´ve learned, although I´m still learning.
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I love it that Darlene has a “kid street team.” Lol. I think getting the modern language down would be the hardest part for me. Language changes so quickly! A note book would definitely come in handy. Great quest post, Darlene and Aurora. 🙂
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Thanks!! I couldn´t be without my street team.
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Hi Darlene and Aurora. I also write for younger people, albeit older as in teenagers! I’m young at heart like Darlene. And enjoy being with youngsters. I work in an international sixth form with kids from all over the world.
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Thanks, Marje. You do have the teenage angst down pat! Being around them helps for sure.
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Yes that’s for sure Darlene. 🙂
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Hello, Marje, if you’d like to be featured on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’, please contact me with the form widget on the right side. I’d be happy to have you as a guest.
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Ah thank you Aurora. I’d love to. Will do 🙂
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Kid street team? Makes you a sort of cuddly Fagin pickpocketing ideas then. I’ve always loved the idea of penning a book for children.. maybe one day if grandsprogs ever make an appearance…
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I can see you writing for children. You have the right attitude and style.
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Oh v kind..
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Fabulous interview!
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Thanks, Jennie!!
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You’re welcome, Darlene!
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As a children’s book author also, I agree with all of Darlene’s pointers. They’re GREAT! I’m giving a presentation in May (outside pavilion, masks…) and if Darlene doesn’t mind, I may “borrow” her list. ❤
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Please do borrow the list, I don’t mind at all. I consider it a compliment.xo
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THANKS Darlene! Blowing kisses and sending a virtual hug.
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Those are great tips for writing for children. I haven’t written a book for those younger than 16 for a few years, yet I remember how fun it was. Kids can do things adults can’t, and they go where adults don’t go. Kids often know what goes on in a neighbourhood much more than adults. They go into to every house where there are other kids, pass through every backyard and hang out to watch the activity of neighbours.
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So true and kids are observant too. They notice little details. Thanks, Diane.
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What fantastic tips, Darlene – they are all gems. I was so impressed to hear about your reading street team. Toni x
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Thanks, Toni. My street team is the best!
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This is so helpful. I’m trying to write a children’s book. But it’s not easy. Sometimes I just feel.like I want to give up
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Never give up! It is a lot of work but the rewards are worth it. All you need is one child to say, I loved your book, and it’s all worth it!
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Lots of wisdom from Darlene. Thank you. Writing for children is not as easy as it looks.
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Thanks, Norah! You know what I mean. But it’s worth it. xo
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It is! 🙂
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