KidLit Writer Confessions @kidlitwriterconfessions - Tumblr Blog

I'm all about complaining to get the stress out So tell me: how is your writing going? Are you mad that book came out? What bothers you about the kidlit community? Let's get it out!

I haven't felt the urge to write in a month.

I'm sorry to hear that. The fog is hard to see through sometimes. Try small steps like:

Making a map

Just outlining a scene

Talking about your work with another writer

Reading (I find audiobooks very helpful when the fog comes on)

It's important to take breaks. I'm sure the thought has crossed your mind that you might never return to the work and that can be frightening, but if you try to force yourself to go back to it that will almost surely happen.

Don't worry about taking breaks from your work. It'll be okay.

kidlitwriterconfessions

I used to do that, too! My number was even lower. I only sent out five. But that has its own levels of torture too. Sending out so few queries and having to wait six months before you send out more means your journey will be slow.

But at the end of the day, you should do what you feel comfortable doing.

kidlitwriterconfessions

I'm afraid that even if I do get published that no one will like my work... and that my career will be over.

I think we all share this fear and I feel a deep level of camaraderie with you. But I think you know, if you let this fear stop you, your work will never be out there. You might be missing out on a huge opportunity because of it.

I know it's scary and that words don't often help with that, but you've got to, at least, try to get your work out there.

kidlitwriterconfessions

Hey, I've got so many degrees in writing, you should take advantage of that!

kidlitwriterconfessions

Submit an anonymous question, comment, complaint, or confession, OR submit a full-on post. I'm open to both. Come on. You know there's something bothering you about your writing.

kidlitwriterconfessions

So I've got this idea for kid's book, but I'm not sure if it's a teen or tween story. How do you decide?

Sometimes, I feel like this is an easy answer. If your story is about a concept (this is the color blue, or rhythms, etc) then it's clearly for younger children.

But as things get older, this gets harder. Dating, crushes, drugs, death, violence, and all that is for older kids. A lot of people think that's only for adults.

I decide mostly on the age of my characters. So if I'm thinking of a 12 year old whose best friend died, then I'm going to present that story in a way I feel is okay. The friend probably dies off screen and not in front of them. If the friend does horrifically, then the details will be kept minimal and brief.

But if I move that to YA. We're going to watch that friend died in real time.

The decision to write for older or younger kids is equal parts the age of the protagonist and the content you want to write.

I'm sorry I can't help more, but if you join my writing group and tell me a few details I can help out more. TWSwriters.org

kidlitwriterconfessions

Why doesn't the upper middle grade / YA crossover have it's own name and market?

I DON'T KNOW! But it is something I wonder constantly. Because it needs one. That's where I like to write. It's a fun place where magic still needs minimal rules and the content can get mature-ish.

kidlitwriterconfessions

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KidLit Writer Confessions