The Road to Writing for Children and Teens by VS Grenier

"It is the magic of fiction that allows the young reader to 'escape' from ordinary day-to-day doings and to live more fully in a heightened, highlighted version of life, with adventure possible at every turn of the page"
—Lee Wyndham, Author 

Every time I think everything has been said about writing, something new pops up. I don’t mind admitting I’m wrong. Heck, I think that’s one reason why I love writing for children and teens, but knowing the nuts and bolts is important before you sit down to write, especially for the children and YA market.

Writing for children and teens can be a rewarding experience—both personally and professionally. The insight you gain as a writer is un-measureable. It also means opening yourself to a child’s point of view and rediscovering what it feels like to learn something new, to experience something for the first time, to let your imagination run wild. However, children’s writing isn’t all fun and games. In many respects, it is more difficult than writing for adults because the writer has so much less in common with the reader. Or so we think, and just because your readers will be children/teens doesn’t mean you can pay any less attention to the basics.

In fact, bright, curious young readers demand realistic, compelling characters and exciting plots just as much—if not more so—than their adult counterparts. 

If you are thinking of taking up writing for children and teens, first be warned it is not an easy way to make money. If you’re in the game for money…then forget about writing in this genre. True, there are always stories of beginning writers (J.K. Rowling, Brandon Mull, Stephanie Myers) who will ship out a children’s story and sell it to a publisher on the first or second try, and wind up with a very successful book. But for the rest of us…entering this profession takes years of practice, self-education (I highly stress this part) and much frustration. And that’s only the beginning.

So here is my road map for those of you who want to start down this journey. The suggest material comes from my own research as I walked down this path and now reflect back on my own personal expertise/experiences. Much of the information will also apply to other areas of writing as well. I hope this road map will help your writing and personal growth.

Road Map to Becoming a Children/YA Author:

1)      Buy books on the subject. There are many books on writing and many of them focus on different genres such as picture books, chapter books and YA novels. Some even focus on techniques for writing for young readers. You can never have too many of these books and even a few not specific to your genre but to writing in general. Here is the list of books I first started off with:

a)      The Business of Writing for Children by Aaron Shepard

b)      You Can Write Children’s Books by Tracey E. Dils

c)      Picture Writing: A New Approach to Writing for Kids and Teens by Anastasia Suen

d)     From Inspiration to Publication: How to Succeed as a Children’s Writers by the Institute of Children’s Literature

e)      The Story Factor by Annette Simmons

f)       Creating Plot by J. Madison Davis

2)      Signing up for writing workshops/ecourses. To hone your writing, you need to take writing courses at a local college, writers group/conference and/or online. I cannot stress the importance of these workshops. Some will teach you new techniques while others will share information you may not have known or heard about. Here is my list of places where you can take writing courses:

a)      The Institute of Children’s Literature (I did take their basic course)

b)      The Muse Online Conference (This is free and in the month of October)

c)      Writer’s Digest (They offer different ecourses throughout the year. Even though I have not taken one, many of my fellow writers have really enjoyed their courses.)

d)     Local colleges or continuing education workshops offered by your city or local college campus. (I teach for our continuing ed program through Dixie State College and my students here really enjoyed what I have shared with them. This is a cost effective way to learn a lot in a short period of time.)

e)      SFC Publishing online workshops (The SFC team has put together some online workshops to help those wanting or already writing for children and teens. We truly want to help you hone your skills.)

f)       The Working Writers Coach (Another program I haven’t taken, but know many who how have and say it was one of the best things they have done for their writing.)

You can also do a Google search for many other online workshops on writing. But before you sign up for any of them…first ask fellow writing buddies if they have heard about it. You don’t want to spend lots of money on a program that isn’t right for you.

3)      Join a critique group. I’m sure you have heard this one repeatedly. There is a reason for this…it works. Most critique groups have new and advanced writers meeting together, sharing their experiences and knowledge. Critique groups are not only good to help hone your writing, but also to make connections with fellow writers who may one day help you see your book in print.

4)      Sign up for writing newsletters and magazines. Make sure you don’t overdo it. You want to make sure you’re not just receiving them and not reading them. What good is it if you don’t read the articles within?

5)      Join a local and/or online writing group. There are many writing organizations out there for writers. I’m a member of a few and have been a member of others in the past. These groups are wonderful not only to help you hone your writing, but also in sharing publication information, contract advice, etc. The connections are valuable and will pay off down the road. Here are a few groups I suggest:

a)      The CBI Clubhouse (Fightin’ Bookworms) http://cbiclubhouse.com/

b)      League of Utah Writers (they have local chapters throughout Utah) http://www.luwriters.org/ch_heritage.html

c)      WriteOnOnc http://writeoncon.com/

d)     Savvy Authors http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/benefits.php

e)      Verla Kay’s Writing Board http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php

f)       Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators http://www.scbwi.org/

g)      MuseIt Up Club http://museitupclub.tripod.com/

Plus check out Facebook, Yahoo Groups and Google for more online groups and writing resources.

VS Grenier is an award-winning author and editor who learned how to hone her writing skills at the Institute of Children’s Literature, and has membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators (SCBWI), the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), the League of Utah Writers (HWG chapter), and Musing Our Children. Her works include Babysitting SugarPaw, the Best of Stories for Children Magazine Volume 1 anthology and over 30 short stories, articles, and crafts for children along with newsletter articles for writers.

She is the Founder & Owner of Stories for Children Publishing LLC, and also is chief editor for Halo Publishing; in addition, to running her own editorial and critique services. Learn more about her at http://vsgrenier.com

Interview and Guest Post with Clayton Paul Thomas

Today’s post is a bit different from my normal posts. I have been working with a wonderful author who has written a parenting book. So today, you get a mini interview and then a guest post based on the subject matter of his book. I truly hope you enjoy and get some valuable parenting information as well.

Clayton Paul Thomas has worked with kids for about 16 years from three different settings. The first was at St. Joseph Children’s Home. This was a place abused kids went after being permanently separated from their parents. Most of his parenting skills were developed here. The kids Clayton worked with ranged from ages 3 to 15.

Afterwards, Clayton became an elementary public school teacher. He taught for 7 1/2 years from 1st through 4th grade. Finally, Clayton has two boys (Cameron age 7 and Luke age 3). He has been married for 9 years to his beautiful wife Lauren. Though his parenting skills were learned at St. Joseph, his wife’s has been the inspiration to writing the book and sharing insights with all of you. To her, Clayton is eternally thankful.

We want to thank you for being my guest here on the Utah Children’s Writer blog Clayton. Can you share with us a little about your current book?

***Sure! Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures is a book designed to help good parents maximize the potential in their children. This could mean academically, athletically, or emotionally. There are 25 chapters full of hot button topics such as bullying, discipline, modeling, and setting goals.  The goal of the book is to give parents more practical solutions they can use and place in their “parenting tool belt.” My book is also meant for parents to look at themselves and give an honest critique on what they are doing well and what could be improved.  

What type of book promotion works for you? Any special strategies you’d like to share?

***Because I am a self-published author, my first few months have been spent learning the ropes myself. I am my own marketing department. In saying that, social media has been the key for me. Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin are three of my favorite forums. I also write a blog twice a week (Tuesday’s and Friday’s) at http://www.claytonpaulthomas.com. This really helps to keep my name out there.   

What is the most difficult part of writing?

***The most difficult part of writing for me are the self-corrections. By the time my book was published, I couldn’t tell you how many times I had read it. In the event, a reader finds a writing mistake, my apologies!  

Do you find it hard to balance your personal writing time with your other job(s)?

***My first job is as a stay at home father to my sons. If I didn’t have them, I could have finished the book in half the time! Then again, if I didn’t have them, there would be a lot of great stories missing from the book. Yes, it is hard to balance my time. Like many other parents, I do my best in the time I have.    

Do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them?

***I have brainstormed and have a working outline for another parenting book. My main focus though (professionally speaking) is to attend to my blog, market Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures to the best of my abilities, and conduct a speaking tour this fall. 

The world of publishing is extremely competitive, with many authors hesitating between trying their luck with a traditional publisher or self publishing. What advice would you offer writers who are oscillating between these two publishing venues?

***There are a lot of advantages and tradeoffs to both styles of publishing. I chose self-publishing because I wanted my book on the market as quickly as possible. Also, I get a significantly larger share of the profit per book sold than a typical author at a publishing house. The flip side is I have to write my own press releases, market my book to the masses, and I didn’t get a signing bonus.
 
How do you see the future of book publishing, both traditional, electronic, and print on demand?

***I think the numbers are bearing out that the traditional means of publishing are slipping. I’d like to make it clear though that I am not an expert on this subject. It seems to me though that a lot of authors are trying their luck with services such as http://www.lulu.com. This is where Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures was published.    

There are a lot of talented writers who aren’t being published. Thankfully, though, there is an avenue for everyone and a person always has a right to change their mind if one style of publishing does not work for them.  

What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?

*** I enjoy writing so it’s not very hard for me to be disciplined. I am usually writing in the morning and at night after the children are asleep.  

My goal is to get the book in the hands of the people who want to read it. Every time the book is sold, I have accomplished my goal. I am really trying to help parents so whether they are reading my blog or my book- that’s all I need.  

My next goal is to get a small speaking tour lined up. It’s something I am really looking forward to so it’s not difficult.  Working towards this goal isn’t difficult because it is based solely on my passion to help others.

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How to Get Kids with Poor Grades to Improve 

by: Clayton Paul Thomas

Being a former teacher, I have been asked this question many times. The truth is most kids could do better in school but here’s something to think about first. Why is the child not doing well in school? This question is of extreme importance. This conversation really can’t go further until the answer is locked down. Is it because the child is lazy? Are the classes asked to be completed too difficult? Are there outside influences, which are taking the time academics should occupy such as a sport, video game, or boy/girlfriends? Has there been the loss of a loved one, which is occupying the child’s mind? Once the problem is focused on, it should be dealt with either by the parents or a counselor? 

The second thing a parent should remember is if a child isn’t doing well in school, the problem won’t always be worked out quickly. Patience is very important. When I was a teacher, I made a conscience effort to identify where children were academically regardless of the grade and build from that point. Over time, I found this to be the most effective strategy. 

Please keep in mind academics should be viewed as a marathon versus a sprint. Once you know what your child can do academically, build from there and set realistic goals. If a child’s grades are extremely poor, take advantage of time other children do not study such as an occasional Saturday or even the summer. 

Finally, utilize your child’s school as a resource if any of the suggestions seem confusing. Teachers, counselors, and tutors can really help with providing a step-by-step game plan. Remember that the squeaky wheel gets the oil so the more questions you ask to competent professionals, the more doors will open. I hope this helps. Best of luck to your child on their academics!

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Book Giveaway Rules:

One entry for each comment left per author virtual blog tour stop. (Must leave a real comment about the author, tour or book. Saying “this is cool” or “I love your book” will not count.) 

Make sure to include your safe email so we can contact you if you are the winner. 

Example: vsgrenier AT storiesforchildrenpublishing DOT com.

 Ask a question – get a bonus entry per author virtual blog tour stop.

Book Giveaway ends July 31, 2011

 

You can find out more about Clayton Paul Thomas’ World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/ClaytonPThomas.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Clayton Paul Thomas and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. Clayton Paul Thomas will be checking in throughout the tour and is offering an additional giveaway for those who leave comments throughout the tour.

In addition, come listen on demand to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth chatted with Clayton about his book, parenting tips, writing, the publishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Clayton will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life. 

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit Stories for Children Publishing at: http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com

Becoming a Children’s Author…What You Learned with Linda Valderrama

One of the fun things about being a writer is meeting others who have the same passion as you. But we all don’t start writing for the same reason and the lessons we learn are all different depending on situations and where we are at in the writing process.

Today, debut author Linda Valderrama shares what she has learned and enjoys about becoming a children’s author.

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As an author, I am still in the process of learning. The whole idea of reaching the developing mind of a child and possibly making a difference really excites me.

To publish my book, “Brush Barry Brush” I formed my own publishing company Shirley’s Girl Publications. (My mother’s name is Shirley.)

Right now, our book is unknown to most of the world. I am trying to change that through

1. Word of mouth

2. Book reviews

3. Contests

4. Creating a presence on the internet

5. Visiting bookstores and schools

6. Writing articles relating to children and dentistry

7. Developing an instructional aid to go along with the book and planning to expand and add to my website, to make it more fun and educational for the kids.

I want as many children as possible to have access to my book.

I do know when my children were growing up, their love of reading led them to be the success in school and the successful adults they are today. Reading is so important.  I still have a collection of their early books that they loved. I plan on passing them on to my grandchildren someday!

When I read “Brush Barry Brush” to a group of children, I love the fact they laugh and have their own funny comments about the characters. They are really smart and it gives me great pleasure to answer their questions and see them respond to the colorful paintings of my talented illustrator.  

You begin to realize what an impact books can have on a young mind.

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Linda Valderrama R.D.H. has over 25 years experience as a dental hygienist. She has treated patients from ages two to one hundred years old and has successfully developed preventative oral hygiene programs tailored to individual needs. Linda is a strong believer that good oral hygiene leads to overall health and well-being and that good daily habits must be acquired early in life. Her book helps parents to work with their children to achieve this goal. She is working towards developing programs for schools, assisted living facilities and healthcare institutions to enable them to offer more effective oral hygiene programs.

Her book “Brush Barry Brush” is to help parents and young children work together to achieve the simple but very important goal that every time you eat, you should brush your teeth. It is also a 2011 International Award Finalist.

Author Website: http://www.shirleysgirlpublications.com

Facebook Event/Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130513867030510

Publisher Website: http://shirleysgirlpublications.comirlpublications.com

Book Giveaway Rules:

One entry for each comment left per author virtual blog tour stop. (Must leave a real comment about the author, tour or book. Saying “this is cool” or “I love your book” will not count.) Make sure to include your safe email so we can contact you if you are the winner. 

Example: vsgrenier AT storiesforchildrenpublishing DOT com.

         

Ask a question – get a bonus entry per author virtual blog tour stop.

Book Giveaway ends July 31, 2011

Next stops on Linda Valderrama’s World of Ink Virtual Tour

July 4^th

The Maggie Project – Guest Post: The Story Behind – Brush Barry Brush www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com

 July 5^th

The Writing Mama – Book Spotlight

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

 July 6^th

Writing to the Hearts of Children- Book Review

http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

 July 7^th

Families Matter Blog – Interview

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

July 8^th

Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview

http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/pastfeaturedguests.aspx