Educate & Entertain
Recently I wrote a blog about story time for the young ones. As I also write for the middle years it seemed relevant to blog about them too.
So here goes, my thoughts, feelings and why I write for age 9-13.
Perhaps it’s prudent to start with an article which was published in my local paper some time ago. I suppose the caption says it all.
‘Inspired by tragic lives,’ and indeed I was.
As the result of many trips to Mexico over a span of about 13 years I started writing. Keeping a journal of my initial visits soon morphed into a series of books. When I took that first flight in 2003 to research the life of the street kids, I had no concept that things would develop as they did.
Having visited nearly 200 schools in England I have enjoyed the creative writing workshop that I developed, and seen how children can be encouraged and inspired to write about their experiences, and the environment around them.
I wanted to educate whilst entertain, and clearly this has been achieved by the feedback I have received. I think it’s great to encourage fantasy and make believe, but equally so, real life has a role to play in the reading experiences of our young people. It can be quite difficult getting kids to read these days. Many are so preoccupied with other stuff, as my granddaughter says. They simply don’t appreciate how purposeful and relevant reading is to their lives. I hear all too often, ‘it’s boring, I can’t be bothered,’ etc etc.
Noticeably my own granddaughter has started reading less at home but – and here comes the BUT – school requires that our children read in key stage 2 a minimum of 12 books per year.
So the question is, what will work best in motivating your child to discover how much fun reading can be? It’s important to give them choices of course. What interests them? And from my own experience, I have found meeting a published author is a great start.
Hearing about the research and the planning that has gone into a book. From note book to publication is interesting in itself. Writing a book is no easy task. That said, I would say it’s easy compared to the marketing and promotion that follows.
200 hundred free school visits is not for the faint hearted!
I feel somewhat blessed and have heard some beautiful comments from school children which has made it all so worthwhile and inspired me to, keep on writing.
Isn’t it interesting that there are those less fortunate who would love to own a book, whilst those more privileged leave then on a shelf collecting dust.
Well, one exciting fact is that I have now adapted my range of books – Chavos – for stage. The script is written and production begins shortly. Instinct tells me that there will be plenty of kids wanting to read some of the Chavos novels once it has gone on stage. Meanwhile, I don’t mind a few more author visits, so get in touch. And let’s get those kids reading.
Regards
Anna
Here are some of the quotes I have had from a selection of school children after my author visits, for Chavos, The Kids of Distrito Federal. I will scan a few of their letters which are delightful and post them later. Meanwhile read these;-
- Reading your books takes me into a different world that I never imagined
- I have learnt so much
- I want to write a book now
- You have given me so many ideas
- I love your characters
- Your books made us grateful and think about those kids who live in poverty
- We had so much fun creating our characters with you
- You showed us how to write a story from the world around us.
- Write some more books. I want to know what happens next!
And one of the schools;-
‘This visit provided twofold benefits: firstly, the children gained a greater understanding of a global issue, and secondly, an idea can turn into a full length story.’
– The Silcoates School Foundation
