I’ve had over 50 books traditionally published in a range of genres. A few are plays for teenagers and younger children. Some are linked to characters on TV (such as Brum) and are joke, puzzle, activity and story books. Others are … Continue reading
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By: Alan Dapré,
on 12/29/2013
Blog: Alan Dapré - Children's Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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By: Alan Dapré,
on 5/26/2013
Blog: Alan Dapré - Children's Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Writing For Children: Tips by Alan Dapré, alan dapre, authors hints, authors secrets, writing hints, writing kids books, how to write for children, getting published, children's writing, how to write, mumsnet, successful children's books, useful writing tips, writing tips, writing for children, Add a tag
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 11/21/2011
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: how to write for children, children's literature programs, how to become a children's author, Add a tag
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 5/19/2011
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing tips, national writing for children center, how to write for children, Renee Hand, Add a tag
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 1/18/2011
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: characters, how to write for children, writing a story, Add a tag
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By: Writing for Children,
on 11/25/2008
Blog: The National Writing for Children Center (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: teleseminar, writing for children, Suzanne Lieurance, Writing For Kids, Carma Dutra, how to write for children, Add a tag
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By: Alan Dapré,
on 12/29/2013
Blog: Alan Dapré - Children's Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing for kids, how to write for children, writing ideas, better writing, Writing For Children: Tips by Alan Dapré, alan dapre, authors hints, authors secrets, useful writing tips, writing hints, ideas generation, writing tips, writing for children, Add a tag
By: Alan Dapré,
on 5/26/2013
Blog: Alan Dapré - Children's Author (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Writing For Children: Tips by Alan Dapré, alan dapre, authors hints, authors secrets, writing hints, writing kids books, how to write for children, getting published, children's writing, how to write, mumsnet, successful children's books, useful writing tips, writing tips, writing for children, Add a tag
I’ve had over 50 books traditionally published in a range of genres. Can’t remember the exact number but some have been plays for teenagers and younger children. Other books tied into characters on TV (such as Brum) and were joke, … Continue reading
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 11/21/2011
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: how to write for children, children's literature programs, how to become a children's author, Add a tag
Children’s literature sets the tone for a child’s future enjoyment of reading. Though a degree in children’s literature by no means is the gold standard by which writers should be judged, anyone who has pursued their craft in their higher education will tell you that intensive study can absolutely change the way you look at the world as your work. If you’re interested in learning more about masters degree programs in children’s literature, read on!
MA in Children's Literature at Simmons College
The Simmon's College Master's in Children's Literature offers an intense, interdisciplinary approach to the art. Students take a critical and historical approach to children's literature, and are asked for a wide range of interpretations such as feminist, marxist, and post-colonial. Classes include Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Fanta
0 Comments on "Children's Literature Programs in the United States," by Emily Matthews as of 11/21/2011 12:44:00 AM
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By: Mayra Calvani,
on 5/19/2011
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing tips, national writing for children center, how to write for children, Renee Hand, Add a tag
Welcome to day four of Renee Hand’s 6-day NWFCC April Author Showcase tour and join Ms. Hand as she discusses knowing your audience.
When writing for children, one must always keep in mind their audience. Developing ideas for appropriate topics to write about and keeping them at a certain age level, can be challenging. I view writing for children as something that is fun and educational. I put a lot of effort in making my books unique and different. As a writer we must find a niche and fill it. Writing for children is making sure you get your message across. The children’s market is flooded with books. As a writer we have to create storylines that stand out from the crowd and get noticed, not blend in with the rest and be forgettable.
Follow Day 5 of Ms. Hand's tour tomorrow at http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com.
2 Comments on Writing Tips from Children’s Author Renee Hand, last added: 5/19/2011
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By: Mayra Calvani,
on 1/18/2011
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: characters, how to write for children, writing a story, Add a tag
A number of articles about writing for children, and other genres suggest knowing your characters inside and out before beginning the story. In fact, information suggests that the author build the story around the characters once they are fully developed. While this is good advice, and many experienced authors recommend this technique, there are some authors who occasionally watch their characters unveil themselves right before their eyes.
This is such an interesting method of writing. Your character introduces himself and gradually reveals bits and pieces, and blossoms as the story moves along. Sometimes a story doesn't begin with this intent, it just happens. This is known as the seat-of-you-pants method of writing.
You do need to be careful with this method though, you may lose track of all the bits and pieces that make up the character. So, a good way to keep track of those quirky telltale marks, expressions, behavior patterns, and physical features is to note them on a separate page or character card as they become unveiled. You wouldn't want your character to have brown eyes in one chapter and blue eyes in another - unless of course, it's a science fiction or paranormal and part of the storyline.
So, is there a right or wrong answer to the question of which comes first, characters or story? That depends on the writer.
While it may be important to know your characters, and even have a family and background established for them, even if they are not used in the story, you can also become acquainted as you go along. As your story develops you may find out if the character is fearful in certain situations, or if he is heroic. Sometimes it's impossible to know this about a person, let alone a character, until circumstances create the possibility of the question.
It is one's environment and circumstances that help develop his or her characteristics, fears, hopes, and so on. The same holds true for your character.
Using an example: How would a child who never saw a mouse before react to one? There's no way to answer that question until it happens. So, having the story help develop the character can be a useful tool. But, again, be sure to keep track of all the new features your character unveils along the way.
For more on writing, ghostwriting, freelance writing, and promotion visit:
http://KarenCioffi.com While you're there, be sure to sign up for Karen's FREE monthly newsletter, A Writer's World; you'll get TWO FREE e-books on writing and marketing in the process. For writing services visit: http://DKVWriting4U.com
10 Comments on Guest Blogger: Characters or Story - Which Comes First? by Karen Cioffi, last added: 1/19/2011
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By: Writing for Children,
on 11/25/2008
Blog: The National Writing for Children Center (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: teleseminar, writing for children, Suzanne Lieurance, Writing For Kids, Carma Dutra, how to write for children, Add a tag
If you’ve been wondering how to get started writing and publishing your own stories and other work for kids, then you won’t want to miss this special FREE teleseminar next Monday night, December 1, 2008, at 7:00 central time.
Carma Dutra will host this teleseminar with special guest, Suzanne Lieurance, author of over a dozen published books for children, instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, and found and director of the National Writing for Children Center.
Sign up for this free teleseminar right now, and ask your most pressing question about writing or publishing for kids. Then, attend the LIVE teleseminar Monday night to learn the answer to your question.
Sign up for the teleseminar HERE now.
Carma Dutra, how to write for children, Suzanne Lieurance, writing for children, Writing For Kids
5 Comments on Find Out Anything and Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know about Writing and Publishing for Kids!, last added: 12/1/2008
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Title: Sandlot Summit
Thank you for posting this article for my tour. Everybody can check out my books on my website at www.reneeahand.com
Renee
Thanks for being a guest on my blog, Renee!