Dr. Virginia Lowe, author of Stories, Pictures and Reality: two children tell (Routledge 2007) is well-qualified to advise aspiring writers of children's books on what does or doesn't work. Not only did Dr. Lowe gain her doctorate in children's literature, she has been the Victorian President of the Children's Book Council of Australia, as well as a judge for the CBCA awards. For the past thirteen years she has been proprietor of Create a Kids' Book, which offers manuscript appraisal and editing, writing e-courses, mentorships and workshops.
Create a Kids' Book – Mentorship, e-Course or Workshop?
Originally, Create a Kids' Book was offered through workshops, jointly run by Virginia Lowe and illustrator Jacqui Young. This led to requests for manuscript appraisals, which became the major part of their work. In turn, this morphed into e-courses on writing for children: one on novel and chapter book writing (administered by novelist Jennifer Dabbs) and picture books (administered by Virginia). Both courses consist of ten modules, with feedback and exercises for each module.
Then the Create a Kids' Book crew went one step further: they decided to offer mentorships in either picture book writing or novel writing. Students begin with the relevant e-course, and can submit drafts for up to a year later; with face-to-face contact with the tutor also being available.
Workshops, e-courses and mentorships are all currently available, but for convenience most people opt to do an e-course.
Does a Children's Writing Course Help with Publishing a Children's Book?
While success obviously depends on the talent of the individual writer as well as the expertise of the tutor, doing a course can considerably shorten the learning curve. When asked how many students have gone on to achieve publication, Virginia had this to say: "On the web site there is a Successes page featuring all the books that have been through us in various forms, and have gone on to publication. I think the tally stands at about 28 (there are two new ones to go on when we get a minute). Approximately half of them are picture books. It is much easier to get a novel accepted, than a picture book."
But what about those who don't achieve publication? Will they continue – or give up?
Virginia points out that there are ongoing benefits from the learning that takes place during a course. "Getting a publisher is very difficult," she says, "but if this one isn't accepted, with what they have learned, the next one will have a much better chance. We can think of the small things that will make it stand out from the others in the slush pile, and give it a better chance of being chosen. Sometimes it is a very small tweak, to give just a slightly different, original, point of view."
The Major Mistakes Made by People Writing for Children
When asked how aspiring children's writers might run into trouble, Virginia has some advice. "When it comes to picture books," she says, "it's not knowing that most picture books are 32 pages in length, and not remembering that the illustrations have to tell a lot of the story. I recommend people look at Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are as a perfect example – it has 264 words, and reads aloud beautifully."
Virginia also points out that very few people can write verse successfully. "Don't think picture books all have to rhyme," she advises. "Certainly, when it's done well, kids love it (think Dr Seuss) but so few people understand the rules, that you're better not to try – give it a go in prose instead."
What about common mistakes in writing for older children? "With novels," says Virginia, "I'd say that fantasy is a problem. Writers don't realise that it has to be plausible, even though it's fantasy - they must establish the rules of their imaginary world, and stick to them. Also, in writing for older children, dialogue is often a problem. There's a real art to writing convincing dialogue. Authors should listen in to children and adolescents speaking, as often as they can, and carry a notebook."
Virginia's Tips on Writing Kids' Books
- Read lots of them first. And lots of recent ones. Even if it's only ten years from when you read them for yourself, a lot will have changed - let alone if it's forty years. You need to know the sorts of things that are being published today. Browse your library and a good bookshop too, and read, read, read.
- When you have finished the book, a professional appraisal is invaluable. Your nearest and dearest will think you're wonderful, but won't recognise the plot holes. Ditto your son's grade two or your grandchild's kinder class. Even if they spot a flaw, they are loath to point it out. A professional knows the parameters, and also what your competition is.
While some new authors can finish a book and achieve publication without outside help, the journey can be long and arduous. A good course on writing for children can shorten the learning curve dramatically, and smooth the way to publication.
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Marg McAlister - Marg McAlister has tried on a good many writer's hats in her career, and has enjoyed wearing most of them. Her writing achievements ...
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