A Writer's Number One Job | Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi

Writers have to do a lot to create a good story, but the number one thing is to create a connection. You must make the reader care.

Although it’s the most important element of your job, lots of writers just don’t get it right.

According to Mary Kole of KidLit, “Whether they name emotions outright, or engage in a lot of telling, or sink into melodrama, a lot of writers aren’t very good at crafting genuine emotion.” (1)

Suppose you’re a children’s writer and want to show ‘hurt.’

It was a month since Tommy’s dad left. He ached deep down inside; in a place he never knew existed. He’s not coming back weaved its way into all his thoughts.

This one does say Tommy ached, but it doesn’t say he felt it. Still, you definitely get the message. This boy is heartbroken.

Now, suppose you want to show suspense or fear.

Lucas grabbed his little brother’s hand and pulled him close. “Shhh. Don’t make any noise. It might hear us.” They crept along the wall, barely breathing. Then suddenly . . .

There you go again. There’s no telling, no stating the obvious. Yet, you know there’s suspense through actions and dialogue; you know the older brother is fearful. Can you hear Lucas whispering to his little brother and see him holding him close?

Now, what about showing anger.

Julia tightened her lips and narrowed her eyes. That’s it, she thought. Sarah’s not going to call me another name. Julia drew her fist back. Ready to let it launch like a torpedo out of its tube, she stopped.

Here, you have a couple of things going on. You can see that Julia is really mad–mad enough to strike out. But you also see that she stopped. Even though she was angry, she had self-control and was able to stop herself.

So, along with showing anger, the brief passage also shows the reader another facet of Julia’s character.

Okay, last one. Suppose you want to show happiness. This is an excerpt from Walking Through Walls:

Wang stared at the wall and repeated the formula. He took several steps toward the wall. He closed his eyes and quickened his step. In a matter of seconds, he felt a thickness surround him, like walking through water or sand. Then it vanished. Wang opened his eyes.

“I did it. I did it. I DID IT!” His arms flew up as he danced and jumped around the yard.

I added the beginning of this passage so you could understand his accomplishment–walking through a wall. Once on the other side, he couldn’t contain his excitement. Again, there no telling. Just dialogue and action.

Obviously, emotions look and feel different to everyone. So, use your experiences or what you’ve seen in the movies or TV. You can also see how other authors show emotions.

In addition to this, you can look around you. Watch how children or adults act out their emotions. Then write what you see.

Reference:
What Do Feelings Feel Like?

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN COURSE
A guided self-study course and mentoring program.

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.

You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)