Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News - Posts Tagged "writing"
The Writers Newsletter
I am honored to have my "Winter/Christmas" poems featured in the December Edition of this newsletter. Thanks go to Storm Grayson for publishing my poems!
Limitations (Inspired by The Line: The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword)
“I know my limitations,” she said.
Her eyes were honest,
and she shook her head.
So many lines,
so many lines
rehearsed, unsaid,
and crumpled paper,
that blew - confetti,
yet still, unwed.
“To begin, again, is almost unthinkable!”
The specter of polite letters -
the “not quite there” comments,
that made her sink into despair,
crack open the wine,
and celebrate -
magnificent failure, alone.
She flits about the room, a moth,
dives for another plot, another character.
An open door, a newly arrived spectator.
“I need to be alone to hear the voices, Diane.”
The door closes.
She begins to begin, again.
Another chapter, and she’s lost.
Lost to the book, that tells her to give up.
“Just let them write themselves.”
She hears the voices in her head
and feels that it might crack.
A siren outside, interrupts her train of thought.
And from the sash window,
revelers, in the street, run, amok.
“Just get it done” (and it will be enough.)
She types the characters, plods through
the sentences.
She gasps for air. Goes outside.
She walks the forest, alone at night.
An unknown shadow’s at its heart.
She reaches in her breast pocket.
She knows her limitations,
takes the knife,
and draws blood.
Copyright Suzy Davies 10/01/2017. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
Her eyes were honest,
and she shook her head.
So many lines,
so many lines
rehearsed, unsaid,
and crumpled paper,
that blew - confetti,
yet still, unwed.
“To begin, again, is almost unthinkable!”
The specter of polite letters -
the “not quite there” comments,
that made her sink into despair,
crack open the wine,
and celebrate -
magnificent failure, alone.
She flits about the room, a moth,
dives for another plot, another character.
An open door, a newly arrived spectator.
“I need to be alone to hear the voices, Diane.”
The door closes.
She begins to begin, again.
Another chapter, and she’s lost.
Lost to the book, that tells her to give up.
“Just let them write themselves.”
She hears the voices in her head
and feels that it might crack.
A siren outside, interrupts her train of thought.
And from the sash window,
revelers, in the street, run, amok.
“Just get it done” (and it will be enough.)
She types the characters, plods through
the sentences.
She gasps for air. Goes outside.
She walks the forest, alone at night.
An unknown shadow’s at its heart.
She reaches in her breast pocket.
She knows her limitations,
takes the knife,
and draws blood.
Copyright Suzy Davies 10/01/2017. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
International Happiness Day - Writing Can Make You Happy!
This is the day when people around the world celebrate being happy. But what is happiness? Does it just exist out there to be taken, or do we have to learn how to create our own happiness? And if the latter is true, then how do we become happier and healthier in our lives?
My idea is a personal one, and comes from my own personal experience of creating joy from writing.
My first book, "Johari's Window," is a romance novel with a dark side. I wrote it when I was "getting over" some difficult experiences in my life, and I was also aware that I was venturing toward the light, and better times ahead.
As I wrote the first chapter of "Johari's Window," I revisited one of the happiest times of my life, my early childhood in Wales, when I was surrounded by nature, and close to the ocean. I also "experienced again" my relationship with my late paternal grandmother, a wonderful, spiritual woman, and a bird-whisperer, who has been a constant enduring influence on me and my life.
The difficult part of "Johari's Window" was when I wrote through the pain I had experienced in my life, and, in a sense, in the process of writing, I had to relive these times, when, to be honest, life sometimes was a trial, and I did not know how I would see another day. These were times when I was emotionally withdrawn, and socially isolated, and to get through to another day was my only ambition. I was operating in survival mode, but survive to tell the tale, I did.
Once I had written out the darkest of chapters, I felt a sense of relief, and of being heard for the first time. I looked at my situation again with an objective eye, and I even felt proud of myself for hanging on through the bad times, and making the best of it. I felt empathy for myself, and began to cultivate a deeper knowledge of who I was and what I needed to be happy. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I had made.
Towards the end of "Johari's Window" the mood is more wistful than melancholy, and I am in South Korea, in this dream-like landscape with Cherry Blossoms.
For me, these flowers capture the transient nature of happiness, and, at the same time, reassure us that happiness will come around again.
But a constant thread in my life is the joy of writing. When I write, my ink is the happiness that flows in my veins.
My idea is a personal one, and comes from my own personal experience of creating joy from writing.
My first book, "Johari's Window," is a romance novel with a dark side. I wrote it when I was "getting over" some difficult experiences in my life, and I was also aware that I was venturing toward the light, and better times ahead.
As I wrote the first chapter of "Johari's Window," I revisited one of the happiest times of my life, my early childhood in Wales, when I was surrounded by nature, and close to the ocean. I also "experienced again" my relationship with my late paternal grandmother, a wonderful, spiritual woman, and a bird-whisperer, who has been a constant enduring influence on me and my life.
The difficult part of "Johari's Window" was when I wrote through the pain I had experienced in my life, and, in a sense, in the process of writing, I had to relive these times, when, to be honest, life sometimes was a trial, and I did not know how I would see another day. These were times when I was emotionally withdrawn, and socially isolated, and to get through to another day was my only ambition. I was operating in survival mode, but survive to tell the tale, I did.
Once I had written out the darkest of chapters, I felt a sense of relief, and of being heard for the first time. I looked at my situation again with an objective eye, and I even felt proud of myself for hanging on through the bad times, and making the best of it. I felt empathy for myself, and began to cultivate a deeper knowledge of who I was and what I needed to be happy. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I had made.
Towards the end of "Johari's Window" the mood is more wistful than melancholy, and I am in South Korea, in this dream-like landscape with Cherry Blossoms.
For me, these flowers capture the transient nature of happiness, and, at the same time, reassure us that happiness will come around again.
But a constant thread in my life is the joy of writing. When I write, my ink is the happiness that flows in my veins.
Snugs The Snow Bear On Air - Tune in to The Author's Show - Week Beginning 12 June!
I am delighted to announce that Book One of my Children's Fiction Series, "Snugs The Snow Bear," is featured on The Author's Show, when I chat to Radio Host, Linda Thompson, about my inspiration for the book, the colorful animal characters, and the green message in my book about climate change and global warming.
I wish to thank Linda for welcoming me as a guest on her radio show, which will be broadcast worldwide. Just visit the radio website theauthorsshow.com, nearer to the time, for details of the schedule.
I wish to thank Linda for welcoming me as a guest on her radio show, which will be broadcast worldwide. Just visit the radio website theauthorsshow.com, nearer to the time, for details of the schedule.
A Sense of Place
For me, places are living things. Authors make their books have universal appeal through atmospheric scenes, which are set in locations that seem to be familiar to the reader.
Seaside locations are evocative for me, since I spent my early childhood in a seaside town - Aberystwyth, in Wales. Many summer days were spent there, on the beach, and in autumn and winter, the family walked along the prom.
“Aber” is a windy town, and I can still remember the changed personality of the resort, and the sea, during the latter part of the year. In winter, the place seemed deserted, but more exciting because of the dramatic ocean, and colorful skies during storms. I got to know the sea in all its moods.
Often, in spring and summer, the family visited nearby Borth. The round boulders on the beach fascinated me, and I believed that a giant had put them there! Who else could carry such heavy rocks? The rock pools, which teemed with crab, and had limpets, and razor shells, were like miniature worlds to me. Who needs bubble-wrap?
Dark green seaweed festooned the rocks, and was plentiful. Resplendent in a seaweed necklace, I was the Hawaiian girl of Wales!
During the summer, the family went further afield, to Pembrokeshire. We visited lighthouses and castles, and went on nature walks. The taste of salt on my lips, the sound of singing in the chapel, the sight of cattle coming home, a fisherman’s catch hauled in, a pretty harbour, with fishing boats, a bowl of leek soup, or striped sticks of rock, all bring back my childhood place.
My Wales is The Big Country, mentioned in the opening chapter of “Johari’s Window,” my first novel. As a girl, I knew the majesty of the hills, and the music of its rivers.On horseback, the country opened up to me, and revealed its hidden secrets. I remember when once, I discovered a deserted village. Shells of houses, uninhabited, in recent times, suggested an Atlantis, that was now unveiled.
Wales is a country, with an ancient heart. I will celebrate its beauty in my writing again.
Copyright, Suzy Davies, 24/06/2017.
Seaside locations are evocative for me, since I spent my early childhood in a seaside town - Aberystwyth, in Wales. Many summer days were spent there, on the beach, and in autumn and winter, the family walked along the prom.
“Aber” is a windy town, and I can still remember the changed personality of the resort, and the sea, during the latter part of the year. In winter, the place seemed deserted, but more exciting because of the dramatic ocean, and colorful skies during storms. I got to know the sea in all its moods.
Often, in spring and summer, the family visited nearby Borth. The round boulders on the beach fascinated me, and I believed that a giant had put them there! Who else could carry such heavy rocks? The rock pools, which teemed with crab, and had limpets, and razor shells, were like miniature worlds to me. Who needs bubble-wrap?
Dark green seaweed festooned the rocks, and was plentiful. Resplendent in a seaweed necklace, I was the Hawaiian girl of Wales!
During the summer, the family went further afield, to Pembrokeshire. We visited lighthouses and castles, and went on nature walks. The taste of salt on my lips, the sound of singing in the chapel, the sight of cattle coming home, a fisherman’s catch hauled in, a pretty harbour, with fishing boats, a bowl of leek soup, or striped sticks of rock, all bring back my childhood place.
My Wales is The Big Country, mentioned in the opening chapter of “Johari’s Window,” my first novel. As a girl, I knew the majesty of the hills, and the music of its rivers.On horseback, the country opened up to me, and revealed its hidden secrets. I remember when once, I discovered a deserted village. Shells of houses, uninhabited, in recent times, suggested an Atlantis, that was now unveiled.
Wales is a country, with an ancient heart. I will celebrate its beauty in my writing again.
Copyright, Suzy Davies, 24/06/2017.
Glass-Blower
By the ocean, he drifts in silence,
the sea a womb,
that churns with creation.
He stops and listens.
The sun’s high -
burns
his feet,
scorches
his mouth,
the sea
delivers
conch shells
and sea glass before him.
He stands in silence,
listens as
timeless waves
mold and polish treasure,
carve cliffs and caves,
with patience, without measure.
The relentless sun beats down
on the horizon,
where it dives and sparkles,
casts its robes into a molten sea -
the waves tangerine and crimson.
Images and shapes take form,
his heart a crucible
of burnished dreams.
Copyright Suzy Davies. 17/07/2017. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
the sea a womb,
that churns with creation.
He stops and listens.
The sun’s high -
burns
his feet,
scorches
his mouth,
the sea
delivers
conch shells
and sea glass before him.
He stands in silence,
listens as
timeless waves
mold and polish treasure,
carve cliffs and caves,
with patience, without measure.
The relentless sun beats down
on the horizon,
where it dives and sparkles,
casts its robes into a molten sea -
the waves tangerine and crimson.
Images and shapes take form,
his heart a crucible
of burnished dreams.
Copyright Suzy Davies. 17/07/2017. All Rights Reserved. No Copying.
What You Can Do To Develop Your Writing Skills.
This is an answer I gave in response to a question on Quora.
I often crack the joke,”I was born in Reading.” This has a dual meaning. I was born in Reading, Berkshire, in England. I was also “born” as a would-be writer from reading books! In this answer, I talk about how to cultivate writing skills for Fiction only.
Reading and writing are “opposites” in a sense, but doing a great deal of reading will cultivate your knowledge of writing.
First of all, read books that teach you English Grammar basics, how to write sentences and paragraphs that work. They are, after all, the building blocks of good chapters, and good books. There is no short cut to this, but it is a crucial part of being a writer. I like “The Elements of Style,” by Strunk and White, and “English Grammar in Use,” by Raymond Murphy.
Next, choose some books to read (or revisit the ones you already have,) which have stood the test of time, and are regarded by the literary world as good books.
I don’t mean reading in the casual sense. I mean being selective about what you read, and a close analysis of why you admire and like a particular book. You may even dislike some books that are highly esteemed by the critics. However, you need to know what doesn’t work for you, and why.
Read a book quickly on your first read to get an overall feel of the writing. Then, scan the book on the second read, paying very close attention to how things work. A third read, and you will be very familiar with the book.
You need to scrutinize things such as the style of writing - is it simple and pared down, as in the style of Raymond Chandler? Is it poetic, as in the style of James Joyce or Dylan Thomas? Is it cinematic, as in the style of Truman Capote? Is it atmospheric, as in the style of Daphne Du Maurier? Whatever the writing style, every word must count.
Read books on the writing devices which are used by famous writers, and do close reading to analyse the ways in which these writers use their “methods.”
O.K, this may take some of the spontaneity out of your read, but the rewards you reap will be bountiful.
Read each book you select with a purpose. Some writers are known for the brilliance of characterisation and dialogue, others for their plot devices, and others the atmosphere of scenes and settings.
All good writers are good observers, with an eye for detail, and the big picture.
What kinds of details do they leave to the readers’ imaginations? As illogical as this may sound, what do they “not say.” Gaps, silences and absences in a writer’s text speak volumes.
What are the “grand themes” of their books? What kinds of themes are they, and what makes these themes important to their readers?
Some writers are inventive, and they break conventional rules of genre and language. You may be tempted to do the same yourself. But, a cautionary word here! You need to be a seasoned writer to get away with breaking rules or being unconventional. When you have mastery, that is the time to burn the rule books if you so wish!
Another important aspect of being a writer is development of good observational skills. Certain hobbies may help you develop “the eye” for detail, such as Photography, Watching Films, Drawing or Painting, Sewing, being an umpire at football matches, Fly Fishing, Bird Watching, and so-on.
Try to cultivate an ear for language, too. Listening to songs or studying languages can help with this.
Nurture your memory! I am not just talking about visual memory. I mean memory in all the senses - visual, auditory, touch, olfactory.
People-watching in everyday life is the best way to sharpen your memory, strengthen your observational skills, and develop a good ear for language.
Whenever you go anywhere, jot down anything that strikes you as interesting - scenes, people, situations, and so on. Pay close attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings, scenes and situations evoke. Notice people’s idiosyncrasies and not just what they do, but how they do things. Eavesdrop on conversations. Try to imagine the context of what you hear. Be nosy! Take the question words Why, Who, What, When, Where, Which, How, How many, and so on, with you wherever you go, and use them to ask yourself about what you are witnessing. Write down quirky names of people and places to add flesh to what you write.
Another method for developing your skills is to watch T.V. I watch T.V with the sound turned off. No, I am not an expert lip-reader! I create dialogue in my head, and try to make it fit the film I am watching. Watch the action for a while, make some jottings, and then turn on the sound to see if you had the right idea. The answer, of course, is that there is no right and wrong, unless you completely misunderstood what you saw!
You can also listen to drama on the radio. Now, your task is to visualise people and places from what you hear!
Some people have better imaginations than others, but you can still cultivate your imagination and ability to think creatively. I find dreamwork and meditation useful for this. Keep a dream diary, and make a note of the archetypes you meet in your dreams. If you don’t remember your dreams, visit a meditation practioner, and go on a guided meditation - a kind of journey that will help you tap into your subconscious. Strange as this may sound, if you want to write fiction, you will need to tap into this primitive, often hidden side of your personality.
If you develop your imagination, you will be able to write your own stories from a simple stimulus such as an everyday object, a souvenir, a work of art or a piece of music.
Another piece of advice is “Writer know thyself.” Have an idea of your own strengths and weaknesses, and write what you are familiar with, and know. Remember you are a unique individual and bring your unique self and life experiences to your work as a writer! This is what will interest your readers. Show them what you want to say - don’t tell them! Readers like to feel they have discovered things for themselves.
Be self-aware. Ask yourself “What kind of writer am I?” Your authorial voice will be quite distinct from that of other writers. You need to know where your boundaries are - what is you, and what is not you, to create your characters. The paradox is that through writing, you will get to know yourself better than you ever did before!
Being a writer will develop you, and it may change you. As you practise your skills, you will discover that being a writer is a process, not a goal.
If you are serious about writing, write every day, and spend time reflecting on what you have written, so you go from strength to strength. Always take time out to reenergise! You will revisit what you have written, with a fresh mind! Writing can be hard work, so when you need it, request feedback from beta readers, and take their advice.
Above all else, find your own voice, and do not be a poor imitation of anyone else.
Writing buddies and writing coaches will help you when you are stuck, and can be a wonderful source of inspiration to encourage and inspire you on your journey as a writer.
I often crack the joke,”I was born in Reading.” This has a dual meaning. I was born in Reading, Berkshire, in England. I was also “born” as a would-be writer from reading books! In this answer, I talk about how to cultivate writing skills for Fiction only.
Reading and writing are “opposites” in a sense, but doing a great deal of reading will cultivate your knowledge of writing.
First of all, read books that teach you English Grammar basics, how to write sentences and paragraphs that work. They are, after all, the building blocks of good chapters, and good books. There is no short cut to this, but it is a crucial part of being a writer. I like “The Elements of Style,” by Strunk and White, and “English Grammar in Use,” by Raymond Murphy.
Next, choose some books to read (or revisit the ones you already have,) which have stood the test of time, and are regarded by the literary world as good books.
I don’t mean reading in the casual sense. I mean being selective about what you read, and a close analysis of why you admire and like a particular book. You may even dislike some books that are highly esteemed by the critics. However, you need to know what doesn’t work for you, and why.
Read a book quickly on your first read to get an overall feel of the writing. Then, scan the book on the second read, paying very close attention to how things work. A third read, and you will be very familiar with the book.
You need to scrutinize things such as the style of writing - is it simple and pared down, as in the style of Raymond Chandler? Is it poetic, as in the style of James Joyce or Dylan Thomas? Is it cinematic, as in the style of Truman Capote? Is it atmospheric, as in the style of Daphne Du Maurier? Whatever the writing style, every word must count.
Read books on the writing devices which are used by famous writers, and do close reading to analyse the ways in which these writers use their “methods.”
O.K, this may take some of the spontaneity out of your read, but the rewards you reap will be bountiful.
Read each book you select with a purpose. Some writers are known for the brilliance of characterisation and dialogue, others for their plot devices, and others the atmosphere of scenes and settings.
All good writers are good observers, with an eye for detail, and the big picture.
What kinds of details do they leave to the readers’ imaginations? As illogical as this may sound, what do they “not say.” Gaps, silences and absences in a writer’s text speak volumes.
What are the “grand themes” of their books? What kinds of themes are they, and what makes these themes important to their readers?
Some writers are inventive, and they break conventional rules of genre and language. You may be tempted to do the same yourself. But, a cautionary word here! You need to be a seasoned writer to get away with breaking rules or being unconventional. When you have mastery, that is the time to burn the rule books if you so wish!
Another important aspect of being a writer is development of good observational skills. Certain hobbies may help you develop “the eye” for detail, such as Photography, Watching Films, Drawing or Painting, Sewing, being an umpire at football matches, Fly Fishing, Bird Watching, and so-on.
Try to cultivate an ear for language, too. Listening to songs or studying languages can help with this.
Nurture your memory! I am not just talking about visual memory. I mean memory in all the senses - visual, auditory, touch, olfactory.
People-watching in everyday life is the best way to sharpen your memory, strengthen your observational skills, and develop a good ear for language.
Whenever you go anywhere, jot down anything that strikes you as interesting - scenes, people, situations, and so on. Pay close attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings, scenes and situations evoke. Notice people’s idiosyncrasies and not just what they do, but how they do things. Eavesdrop on conversations. Try to imagine the context of what you hear. Be nosy! Take the question words Why, Who, What, When, Where, Which, How, How many, and so on, with you wherever you go, and use them to ask yourself about what you are witnessing. Write down quirky names of people and places to add flesh to what you write.
Another method for developing your skills is to watch T.V. I watch T.V with the sound turned off. No, I am not an expert lip-reader! I create dialogue in my head, and try to make it fit the film I am watching. Watch the action for a while, make some jottings, and then turn on the sound to see if you had the right idea. The answer, of course, is that there is no right and wrong, unless you completely misunderstood what you saw!
You can also listen to drama on the radio. Now, your task is to visualise people and places from what you hear!
Some people have better imaginations than others, but you can still cultivate your imagination and ability to think creatively. I find dreamwork and meditation useful for this. Keep a dream diary, and make a note of the archetypes you meet in your dreams. If you don’t remember your dreams, visit a meditation practioner, and go on a guided meditation - a kind of journey that will help you tap into your subconscious. Strange as this may sound, if you want to write fiction, you will need to tap into this primitive, often hidden side of your personality.
If you develop your imagination, you will be able to write your own stories from a simple stimulus such as an everyday object, a souvenir, a work of art or a piece of music.
Another piece of advice is “Writer know thyself.” Have an idea of your own strengths and weaknesses, and write what you are familiar with, and know. Remember you are a unique individual and bring your unique self and life experiences to your work as a writer! This is what will interest your readers. Show them what you want to say - don’t tell them! Readers like to feel they have discovered things for themselves.
Be self-aware. Ask yourself “What kind of writer am I?” Your authorial voice will be quite distinct from that of other writers. You need to know where your boundaries are - what is you, and what is not you, to create your characters. The paradox is that through writing, you will get to know yourself better than you ever did before!
Being a writer will develop you, and it may change you. As you practise your skills, you will discover that being a writer is a process, not a goal.
If you are serious about writing, write every day, and spend time reflecting on what you have written, so you go from strength to strength. Always take time out to reenergise! You will revisit what you have written, with a fresh mind! Writing can be hard work, so when you need it, request feedback from beta readers, and take their advice.
Above all else, find your own voice, and do not be a poor imitation of anyone else.
Writing buddies and writing coaches will help you when you are stuck, and can be a wonderful source of inspiration to encourage and inspire you on your journey as a writer.
On Versatility, Humor, and Writing for Children
One common misconception is that being a Children’s Author is somehow easier than writing other genres of Literature.
Perhaps the reason that some people hold this erroneous view, is that Children’s Authors have a lot of fun. In our western culture, “play” and “work” are regarded as separate things altogether. In fact, people are sometimes skeptical that anyone having fun could be a serious writer. Yet, children’s authors can and do address serious issues of universal interest to the human condition, and one of the ways to reach their young audience is through fun and humor.
Of course, what we must consider here is what makes children laugh, and how this kind of humor is different from the kinds of things adults laugh at. Well, I believe that children and adults do laugh at the same kinds of things - there is overlap - but for young children, the jokes need to be based on things to which they can relate.
Children will always be entertained by cute characters who have funny physical features or have funny ways of doing things, especially if characters’ names are carefully chosen to reflect this. For kids, humor is often based on something dramatic and obvious, and often slapstick or physical. Bodily functions - farting, burping, eating noisily, characters getting messy in mud and water, ice-cream, jelly or cake will make kids laugh and keep them entertained.
Another thing that will make children have fun reading - which may also make them laugh, is onomatopoeia. Children love words that sound funny and are a novelty.
Situations will also make kids laugh. Lovable, naughty characters who get away with it will delight and entertain a young audience with their escapades. Of course, there must be a strong redeeming quality to these characters for them to have appeal, and a “good” hero to highlight the errors of the naughty characters’ ways, and to act as a good example and role model. Inept or goofy characters will make kids chuckle, and it is nice if kids get to see them succeed in their own way in the end. Dark humor may appeal to older kids when a bad, unlikeable character gets their just desserts.
I believe that books written for children should be funny and serious, dramatic and subtle, too. They should be written with sensitivity and the writer should pay close attention to how the stories make children feel and the values they impart. It is important that kids’ books show kids how to think, but not what to think.
Good children’s books should feature the “small” immediate worlds that children are familiar with but take young readers out to the wide world with the timeless “grand” themes they address in a child-friendly manner.
For Children’s Authors, it is a question of balance. How do you cultivate and maintain a playful, light, human touch when you write for children, and communicate serious messages, for example, about friendship, love, and loyalty or global warming, too?
Great writing entertains, illuminates and educates, without the need to dumb down. If it makes children, (and adults,) laugh too, this is all to the good.
Any writer worth their salt will have humor as part of their repertoire.
Copyright Suzy Davies 30/09/2017. All Rights Reserved.
Perhaps the reason that some people hold this erroneous view, is that Children’s Authors have a lot of fun. In our western culture, “play” and “work” are regarded as separate things altogether. In fact, people are sometimes skeptical that anyone having fun could be a serious writer. Yet, children’s authors can and do address serious issues of universal interest to the human condition, and one of the ways to reach their young audience is through fun and humor.
Of course, what we must consider here is what makes children laugh, and how this kind of humor is different from the kinds of things adults laugh at. Well, I believe that children and adults do laugh at the same kinds of things - there is overlap - but for young children, the jokes need to be based on things to which they can relate.
Children will always be entertained by cute characters who have funny physical features or have funny ways of doing things, especially if characters’ names are carefully chosen to reflect this. For kids, humor is often based on something dramatic and obvious, and often slapstick or physical. Bodily functions - farting, burping, eating noisily, characters getting messy in mud and water, ice-cream, jelly or cake will make kids laugh and keep them entertained.
Another thing that will make children have fun reading - which may also make them laugh, is onomatopoeia. Children love words that sound funny and are a novelty.
Situations will also make kids laugh. Lovable, naughty characters who get away with it will delight and entertain a young audience with their escapades. Of course, there must be a strong redeeming quality to these characters for them to have appeal, and a “good” hero to highlight the errors of the naughty characters’ ways, and to act as a good example and role model. Inept or goofy characters will make kids chuckle, and it is nice if kids get to see them succeed in their own way in the end. Dark humor may appeal to older kids when a bad, unlikeable character gets their just desserts.
I believe that books written for children should be funny and serious, dramatic and subtle, too. They should be written with sensitivity and the writer should pay close attention to how the stories make children feel and the values they impart. It is important that kids’ books show kids how to think, but not what to think.
Good children’s books should feature the “small” immediate worlds that children are familiar with but take young readers out to the wide world with the timeless “grand” themes they address in a child-friendly manner.
For Children’s Authors, it is a question of balance. How do you cultivate and maintain a playful, light, human touch when you write for children, and communicate serious messages, for example, about friendship, love, and loyalty or global warming, too?
Great writing entertains, illuminates and educates, without the need to dumb down. If it makes children, (and adults,) laugh too, this is all to the good.
Any writer worth their salt will have humor as part of their repertoire.
Copyright Suzy Davies 30/09/2017. All Rights Reserved.
U.K Talk Radio
Tomorrow I'm chatting with Jonathan Hines of U.K Talk Radio about my new Children's Book, "Luna The Moon Pig, The Pig Who Hid" which is released on December 9th, 2017. Watch social media for details of tune in times.
Radio Chat Show!
Tune in to U.K Talk Radio - Jonathan Hines approx 11.45 a.m -12.15 G.M.T United Kingdom Time, on Friday 8th December or on Sunday 10th December (times are estimated) to hear Jonathan Hines chat to me about Luna The Moon Pig - my new Children's Book illustrated by Sheila Graber of Paddington Bear fame.
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Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
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