Write for Children

by Andrew Melrose

Writing for children is not about writing little stories, it is about writing big stories, shorter. Children's literature is an art form in its own right, and this book is for everyone who wants not just to write for children, but to write well for them. This short guide to creative writing for children is based on the author's own successful MA course. Andrew Melrose provides guidance on every aspect of the process of writing for children. He stresses the importance of 'writing for' the child and not 'writing to or at' them. Literacy and learning depend on writing and reading and it is therefore the responsibility of the writer to understand who they are writing for. The book is divided into four sections which cover all aspects of the writing process.
This book goes far beyond the 'how to' format to help writers learn the finely balanced craft of writing for children. It will be an indispensable handbook for aspiring and practising children's authors.

Genres: Writing

180 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2001

Reviews

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. its not like all the other how-to writing books out there. what Andrew Melrose tries to achieve with this book is not only tell us how it is done but why it is done. and that is a great approach to learning anything, at least it's not formulaic.
I recommend it to anyone interested in understanding what it means to write for children, and extrapolate some of the guiding principles to help you writee basically.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some useful tips - I liked the pyramid structure for creating a storyline - and catchphrases ("Write the height!"), but the attempts at humour fell a little flat. Oh, and the poem written by the author's five-year-old son? Plagiarised from Slinky Malinki, mate.