The Way To Write For Children by Joan Aiken

I managed to find time to pick up a new book – The Way To Write For Children by Joan Aiken, published by Penguin Books in 1982 and the second edition in 1998. It was tucked somewhere in the book library at home and it feels like I’ve discovered some treasure.

“The title of this work is misleading… a hazard contingent upon providing a contribution to an existent series – because, of course, there is no one way in which to write for children. Ways of writing for children vary as widely as ways of writing for adults; and may be as numerous as the writers who find and follow them.”

Joan’s personal candidness opens up the book and she immediately challenges the intention to write; about children or for them? Children love and appreciate all-rounded real characters and they don’t criticize nor enjoy criticism, rather they read purely for the plot unlike adults. Interesting, isn’t it? As we grow up, we adopt ways of thinking and interpreting the text we read. External circumstances and life experiences shape the way we read whereas children read to learn, explore and discover the world.

A little witty handbook for writers or anyone who’s interested in children’s literature.

You can get a copy of this book on Amazon or Book Depository.

– Sarah Zoe