But I want to write for young people?

The place to learn how to write for younger generations is: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators . SCBWI holds conferences, sponsors web workshops, and has chapters around the United States and in other countries. The members are supportive, and the events are enlightening. Also, a common suggestion is that a writer should read 1000 picture books to learn how to write those types of stories.

I want to be a writer, what should I do?

Read and write. After you finish a book, think about how the author developed the character and the plot. While earning my Master in Fine Arts in writing creative nonfiction, I spent my days reading novels similar to what I wanted to write and then writing critical essays about the books.

What pets like to share your writing time?

In the winter, one of my three cats sleeps in my office while I write. During the summer, the two youngest supposed-to-be-barn-cats spend most of the day outside and stop by for snacks. In the winter, they prefer sleeping on the settee or on a stack of fabric waiting to become a quilt. My deceased corgi, Merlin, also liked to reside in my office when I wrote.

Do you follow any rituals in your writing day?

I usually write for two hours in the morning, accompanied by a cup of tea. Unless I need to research a specific detail for the chapter, my phone stays off because it is too easy tap that Facebook icon and waste time. If I am unsure how to create a vivid scene, I walk around the house or even go outside for a few minutes to clear my head.

How does writing historical fiction differ from writing a contemporary novel?

Writing historical fiction requires hours of research. Most of the time I find necessary information through the internet, or by contacting an expert on a certain detail, but sometimes I need to travel to a location. Historical fiction writers must recreate a world during a certain time period so the readers can encounter details about how people lived. Yet, the story shows how folks experienced the same universal emotions and conflicts as contemporary people.

How hard is it to write a book?

Creating a book is like running a marathon because day after day, a writer strings together words that pull a reader into a character’s life and conflicts. Writing requires discipline, and a sense of vision of how to tell the story. Having one of my cats by my computer helps me to stay focused.

When did you write your first book?

Because no other children lived on my city block, after school I either memorized poems from A Child’s Garden of Verses or wrote stories. I was nine when I sandwiched a collection of stories, plays and poems between two pieces of cardboard held together with brass clips.

FAQs Archive - Joan Donaldson

But I want to write for young people?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on But I want to write for young people?|
I want to be a writer, what should I do?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on I want to be a writer, what should I do?|
What pets like to share your writing time?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on What pets like to share your writing time?|
Do you follow any rituals in your writing day?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on Do you follow any rituals in your writing day?|
How does writing historical fiction differ from writing a contemporary novel?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on How does writing historical fiction differ from writing a contemporary novel?|
How hard is it to write a book?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on How hard is it to write a book?|
When did you write your first book?
Published On: January 31st, 2025|Comments Off on When did you write your first book?|