Writing for the Youngest Readers

Elements to consider when writing (or selecting picture books to read aloud):

·        story so light, words seem to float

·        lyrical, poetic

·        rhythm, beat

·        some internal/end rhyme, alliteration, repetition

·        perspective/“I, me, baby”

·        tone/avoid contractions, but don’t “talk” down

·        satisfying twist, end with a smile

·        whimsical

·        flow/page-turns

Artistic decisions in the range of picture books to read aloud:

·        striking color use

·        distinctive art styles

·        white space and color choices

·        photo-illustration

·        layout/flow

Early literacy points to reflect on when writing/reading for/to the youngest readers:

·        Is it developmentally appropriate—length, word choice, pace, clear and simple?

·        Is the content age-appropriate?

·        Is the subject appropriate to engage individual children, inclusive messages?

·        Is there room for imagination and a playful (pointing, acting out, repeating words) exchange between child and person reading?

·        Does the story have any of following qualities—whimsical, nonsensical, lyrical, engaging, connect with the family/home/child himself/herself, early learning concepts, early socialization concepts, universal theme?

 

Sample Writing Prompt:

Write one to three lyrical sentences suitable for a two to three-year old. Break sentences into short lines that might appear on a page. Consider the elements we discussed. Revise. Is writing for the youngest reader a challenge?

 

Spinning Perspectives Part Two

            Spinning Perspectives began with the May 2014 post. This month, I will "spin-out" a few conclusions on thoughts and how I’m moving along in rewriting.

            First, we write the stories that are part of who we are. Even nonfiction must connect to the writer in some way. Financial support is good, but it can’t be the only motivation and is unlikely to be available for unknown writers or writers without a platform. If one is not published, does it matter if it is fiction or nonfiction in a financial sense? Even fiction requires research. And countless workshops have a cost. We write because we have to, to understand, to find ourselves.

In trying to find the right perspective, one can accept the idea that all in life is connected, and this certainly is so in crafting a satisfying story. As far as my story is concerned, I need to change-up my characters and switch perspectives. The characters are still thin and need to ring truer. My threads need to be light, but strong in connections.

To move forward I have pieced together a virtual, patched-up quilt to wrap around me as I write. The pieces are more complete with forgiveness, understanding, and the knowledge of my roots and who I am.

With my unique quilt, I will search for the right words and lines that float. Truth as weightless as light, a bubble, a quick shadow, and illusive to my characters until the last page turn. 

 

Organic Writing

Organic

2014 Linnea Heaney

How does your writing look?

This is how my writing looks. The writing was going strong, then life and time happened. The restoration will be even stronger, but character was been added in a way that is organic to the process of building something unique. What is needed? Persistence. Persistence is part of every writer, every moment, and is so ingrained, it is our life. Never let go--treasure unexpected lessons. Writing is a journey.