Junie B. Jones Inspires by Joylene M Bailey

 

~~~~~

I was introduced to Junie B. Jones when my daughters were in elementary school. She was precocious and brave. Endearing, despite her hilarious escapades. I thought her creator, Barbara Park, was ingenious.

I love to read books written for children and young adults. I admire authors who can enter the world of a child and bring us with them. Keep us engaged. And certainly, not every writer can do it.

Park's brilliance was that she could get into a kid's brain. She could tell a story with a five-year-old's voice, from their point of view, and still give a glimpse into what the adults in the scenes were thinking and feeling. 

Barbara Park did something else: she inspired and encouraged me. She showed me, through Junie B. Jones, that writing for children--from their point of view--was doable. More than that, it was publishable!

But it wasn't easy. For example, the chapter book Junie B. Jones and some Sneaky Peeky Spying is 66 pages long. That blows my mind. A children's writer must say everything needed in the fewest possible strong and interesting and just-right words. No, it's not easy. But I do enjoy trying.

I too love to get into the head of a kid. I love the unpredictability, the unique words that come out of their mouths. Their fresh perspectives. It's the most fun I have writing.

I got to wondering as I prepared this post ... did Junie B. Jones inspire me to write for children, or was I drawn to Junie B. Jones because I was innately drawn to writing for children? I still don't have an answer to that one.

Do you find yourself drawn to read the genre in which you write? When you're working on a manuscript, do you purposely read only the genre you're writing in, or do you find it more beneficial to read other genres as well? Does your reading in those genres inspire and encourage you as a writer?

Margaret Atwood's most famous advice for writers is, "Read, Read, Read. Write, Write, Write." Makes perfect sense. I write better when I read. Not just because I'm reading words that are well put together, but because I'm also gleaning from the author how they've formatted their work, how they've used foreshadowing, how best to write dialogue, etc. And for me - when I read books like Junie B. Jones, I'm taken into a child's world. It helps me to get into my own character's head, to bring me into their perspective.

And then the fun begins.

    After that I behaved myself very good. I sat up real straight. And I did all my work. Work is when you use your brain and a pencil." 

Junie B. Jones

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Feature image by HANSUAN FABREGAS from Pixabay.

Joy loves creating stories for children from her home in lake country Alberta where she lives with The Cowboy and an Entlebucher Mountain Dog named Chara. She recently won first place for her children's story, Willard, in InScribe's Fall Contest. Find more of her joy-infused perspective at Scraps of Joy.

Reflecting on Resources by Glynis M Belec

I love my dictionary, the big black book

It's always been my friend.

Thesaurus is the second one, on which I do depend. 

Rhyme-zone, Inscribe, Fellowscript 

Are handy things to read.

Websites, blogs and courses, too, all help me to succeed. 

But most of all when I feel lost

And my brain goes on a break,

Prayer is on my resource list, with that there's no mistake! 

God whispers words that make me smile

He tells me to be still

And then He pours the words right in as I try to do His will. 

A few of my favourites on my shelf!

I have to agree with many of the other writers who have preceded me. So many good resources out there these days. I love to read how other people 'write' and also I love picking up quick tips, so I use YouTube for inspiration and direction, especially if I need hands on help with my programs or the like. I am such a visual learner so this works so well for me. 

Here's four great books I love having in my arsenal of resources. 

#1. My CHILDREN'S WRITER'S WORD BOOK is one of my favourite resources for when I am writing for children. It helps a children's writer choose exactly the right word for a particular age group or grade level. This is the new, 2nd edition and it is really a great resource that I use often.






#2. This next book - THE NAME BOOK - is such a great resource for me. It's a book from the 80s but to me, it never gets old. It gives all sorts of ideas for character naming including the definition of names, meanings, spiritual connotations and supporting scripture. Love that.

#3.The INDIE AUTHOR GUIDE is described as a 'roadmap to success'. I can think of another Book that fits that description better, but this is a very good book for the indie author who needs direction with all sorts of information from organization to publishing to building an author platform and SO much more. 

#4. I like WRITING PICTURE BOOKS because it totally respects children's writers of all levels. There's plenty of instruction on creating characters, plotting, working out beginnings, middles and endings, hands on revision exercises, tips on researching markets, and plenty more.


  And then there is the Greatest Resource ever!

A few wise words for contemplation ... 

Proverbs 1:5

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Proverbs 18:15 

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 9:9

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 1:7      

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Glynis lives, loves, laughs and does an awful lot of reading, writing, publishing and praying in her home office. 

        How thrilled Glynis is to be part of CHRISTMAS WITH HOT APPLE CIDER - an anthology filled with a wonderful assortment of Christmas short stories, memories, drama and poetry. 

                     www.glynismbelec.com 

Writing to Bless Others by Susan Barclay

This month’s prompt asks what outreach or ministry opportunities has God given us through our writing. How have our words provided nourishment, encouragement or redemption to someone else?

For several years I facilitated my church’s Creative Writing Team. Along with a few others gifted in writing, we produced a ‘Family Faith Book’ which parents could use with their children. Each week we would offer a key verse, a character builder, and activities to do with preschoolers as well as together as a family. We provided a page for children where they could do colouring, work through a maze, answer some riddles, do some puzzles or word searches. While we didn’t get much feedback for our efforts apart from the encouragement of the children’s minister and volunteer coordinator, I like to think that our words promoted the spiritual growth of children and their parents. Those of us who were part of the team definitely benefited from the work, experiencing our own nourishment as we studied God’s Word and created our weekly take-home pages. Only God knows how His Word met the hearts and needs of others in our church community.

These days Inscribe and my personal blog are the launching pads for writing that I hope encourages and nourishes readers. I appreciate the positive comments I receive when my words touch someone. Sometimes I don’t think much of these words myself – “I could have done better” – but God uses what I say to bless someone else and enables me to hear about it. That is such a wonderful feeling and awareness, to know that what I may think is weak carries God’s power, His hope and His grace. It humbles me and urges me forward.

Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20, TLB

DIY Writing Retreats – Ramona Heikel

Is there anything that sounds more delicious to a writer than a writing retreat? I think it must be our version of a decadent chocolate dessert. An opportunity for time away from the cares of the world in a quiet, beautiful hideaway, inviting you to work on your novel, poetry or another favorite piece—ahhhh.

But have you considered a day-retreat, or a mini-retreat, at home? It may sound a bit disappointing to hang around your own familiar digs, and call it a retreat. But when you custom-make the schedule and activities for your own priorities and enjoyment, you can have so much fun you can’t help but have a great day (and compose some great work)! I have found these little breaks to be refreshing and satisfying, putting the creativity back into my writing.

Below are outlines for two do-it-yourself writing retreats, based on a mini-retreat I did with a writer's group. One of the joys of a retreat is having someone else take care of your meal and snacks, so prepare drinks and a lunch in advance so you don’t have to “work” in the middle of your inspiring day.

Part of the enjoyment of the day is leisurely reading from some inspirational and educational articles or books, so gather some things the day before that you’ve been anxious to read. Find some quick, easy writing prompts or exercises that look like fun and have those handy as well.

Suggested schedule for a Mini Writing Retreat

10:00 – 10:05     Prayer, quiet your mind
10:05 – 10:15    Do a writing exercise
10:15 – 11:00    Read from articles or books that inspire and encourage
                          your writing
11:00 – 11:10    Coffee/tea break, move around, relax and clear your mind
11:10 – 12:00    Think about, then write your vision or goals as a writer
12:00 – 12:45    Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:00     Do a writing exercise
1:00 – 1:30       Read from articles or books about the craft of writing
1:30 – 2:30      Write a short story, poem or article related to one of your
                         writing exercises
2:30 – 2:45      Coffee/tea break, move around, relax and clear your mind
2:45 – 3:30      Write an article or scene of how you want your writing to
                         affect someone

“Kid Day” – A Mini Writing Retreat for Children’s Writers
Based on the above, but you’re focusing on being a kid today,
so keep it simple and fun!

10:00 – 10:05     Prayer, quiet your mind
10:05 – 10:30     Create a setting for a story from Play-Doh or modeling clay
10:30 – 11:00     Do a writing exercise from a writing book for children
11:00 – 11:10     Shake your sillies out, juice break
11:10 – 12:15     Using several colors of pencil crayons or markers,

                           write a poem in the shape of a rainbow

12:15 – 1:00      Lunch Break
1:00 – 1:15        Do a writing exercise from a writing book for children
1:15 – 2:00        Read a fairy tale, a picture book, or a short children’s book
2:00 – 3:00        Write your own short fairy tale, picture book, or children’s story
3:00 – 3:10        Shake your sillies out, milk and cookies break
3:10 – 4:00        Sing a children’s song and do all the actions,

                          then use it as the basis for a writing prompt

Try one of these, and have fun!


Posted by Ramona
www.happilywriting.com

Great Resources for Writing – Ramona Heikel

I am astounded by the amount of helpful information that generous writers are giving away free, and I’d like to pass along some of my favorite resources to you.

With the publishing industry seeming like a moving target, I trust the information on the internet to be the most current, and most of my resources are there. And since I am usually writing for children, much of what I list relates to that area. I hope you find something useful…

• Here’s a great book that I just finished reading, the ebook Time Management for Creative People by Mark McGuinness, free at http://www.wishfulthinking.co.uk/2007/12/03/time-management-for-creative-people-free-e-book/

• Writer’s Digest’s Robert Lee Brewer writes a blog that covers just about everything on writing. Here’s an awesome post: http://robertleebrewer.blogspot.ca/2012/02/best-blogs-for-writers-to-read-in-2012.html?et_mid=538100&rid=189868766
   
• I go to ”Verla Kay’s Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Chat Board” to post questions and find answers about anything related to children’s writing. http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php
   
• Even before I took the Institute for Children’s Literature course (which I highly recommend), I learned a lot from their helpful articles. Here is an example, an article entitled “Turning Ideas Into Stories” with Susan Uhlig http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/tr01/susanuhlig2010.shtml
   
• I also subscribe to two newsletters, one print http://www.childrenswriter.com/ , and one online (free) http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws01/webnews.shtml . These alert me to market news and highlights of a fantastic blog, Writer’s First Aid, written by a children’s writer but relevant to all writers. http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/
   
• Evelyn Christenson provides an ezine of up-to-date markets for children’s magazines, especially educational material. http://evelynchristensen.com/mags.html
   
• Freebie articles at the online library of Cricket Magazine help me to see samples of excellent fiction and non-fiction from all their magazines. Here’s an example: http://www.cricketmag.com/ProductImages/articles/make-it-snow.pdf
   
• The Ebsco Masterfile Premier search at Calgary Public Library’s elibrary shows me what has recently been published at the major magazines such as Highlights for Children, and shows stories and articles from every year since 1993. http://www.calgarypubliclibrary.com/books-more/e-library
   
• When I want to find children’s books of a certain grade level or from a certain publisher, I go to Renaissance Learning’s Quiz Store www.renlearn.com and use the advanced search.

Now I must confess to a quirk that I have. I love how-to-write books written especially for children. Their fun, goofy, imaginative ideas for stories inspire me. For these writing prompts, I usually have to write down the whole story in one sitting, which forces me to plan the conflict and endings, which I have always found challenging. Here are a few of the ones I’ve collected:
      

I hope that as time goes on and I learn more, I will be the one that offers tons of helpful information for free!


Posted by Ramona
www.happilywriting.com