Hello Candice, I also liked your article. Not all books are a 'fun' read for all kids. I think that, like adults, they too have their preference for characters and storylines. I've been writing positive chapter books, and more recently picture books, since 2010. I've decided to focus on stories that are positive, with fun adventures. Since 2014, I've been adding images in each chapter to help those that are more visual readers. I've included a section for learning new words, and even a world map where it makes sense. Like you mentioned, I do agree that even if the author has a message in each story, I think it's up to the readers to find what resonates with them. I believe that indie authors have more flexibility for writing stories that can meet diverse needs. J:O)anne
This is a great read and I appreciate all the info. I am someone who came very close to publishing traditionally and then broke up with my agent and walked away from that process. I'm seriously considering self-publishing for the first time in 20 years, though I have loosely followed self-publishing through that time as well. It seems to me that in self-publishing the answer to earning an income always boils down to "write more books. The more books you write the more you earn." I always take pause with this for two reasons....not all writers want to write lots of books (especially if they're writing novels) and have a longer process...just because. Do you believe that self-publishing is a less viable option for such writers? Thank you for your insight!
Oh, yes! Redwall! Now we're talking! And yes, I even have the cookbook. I wonder though, if it's the type of story that's more enjoyed in England than the U.S. Your thoughts?
I enjoyed the article. I did want to comment on," Kids don't read for fun." I can only go by what I see with my 6 yr. old grandson. He seems to STRONGLY dislike reading on his own. I do believe some of it comes from school where there is so much focus on MAP scores that the focus is primarily on how you preformed and not what did you enjoy about the story. He enjoys having stories read to him but will not pick up a book to read for fun. One thing we are working one is giving him the opportunity to write his own story. We assist with spelling of course but he seems to really enjoy allowing his imagination drive the experience.
Hello Candice, I also liked your article. Not all books are a 'fun' read for all kids. I think that, like adults, they too have their preference for characters and storylines. I've been writing positive chapter books, and more recently picture books, since 2010. I've decided to focus on stories that are positive, with fun adventures. Since 2014, I've been adding images in each chapter to help those that are more visual readers. I've included a section for learning new words, and even a world map where it makes sense. Like you mentioned, I do agree that even if the author has a message in each story, I think it's up to the readers to find what resonates with them. I believe that indie authors have more flexibility for writing stories that can meet diverse needs. J:O)anne
This is a great read and I appreciate all the info. I am someone who came very close to publishing traditionally and then broke up with my agent and walked away from that process. I'm seriously considering self-publishing for the first time in 20 years, though I have loosely followed self-publishing through that time as well. It seems to me that in self-publishing the answer to earning an income always boils down to "write more books. The more books you write the more you earn." I always take pause with this for two reasons....not all writers want to write lots of books (especially if they're writing novels) and have a longer process...just because. Do you believe that self-publishing is a less viable option for such writers? Thank you for your insight!
Oh, yes! Redwall! Now we're talking! And yes, I even have the cookbook. I wonder though, if it's the type of story that's more enjoyed in England than the U.S. Your thoughts?
I enjoyed the article. I did want to comment on," Kids don't read for fun." I can only go by what I see with my 6 yr. old grandson. He seems to STRONGLY dislike reading on his own. I do believe some of it comes from school where there is so much focus on MAP scores that the focus is primarily on how you preformed and not what did you enjoy about the story. He enjoys having stories read to him but will not pick up a book to read for fun. One thing we are working one is giving him the opportunity to write his own story. We assist with spelling of course but he seems to really enjoy allowing his imagination drive the experience.