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Hoping to become a children's writer...

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Posted 6/5/2009 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I went to the doc today, and I had forgotten to bring a book with me, so I was reading a family magazine and I came across an article about becoming a children's writer. I have always loved to write. It is a big passion of mine. I am getting an aptitude test in the mail within the next week or so, and it will tell me if I have what it takes to be a children's writer. I would love to do this kind of thing as a career because I can stay at home and still make money, plus, I would be bringing happiness to children other than my own sweet child. So, wish me luck with this.
Posted 6/5/2009 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there Sassy,

Good Luck to ya! As for me I think I probably can only handle doing an ABC book. LOL! My daughter has written a children's book, but she loves to paint/draw as well. If you want check out her website.....
jessicachrysler.com

Hope your doc visit went well btw.

ttfn,
hugs,
Posted 6/5/2009 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Binki. My doctor's appointment did go well. I have been having a lot of chest pains, but my doc told me that it isn't anything to worry about. I just have inflammation of the cartlidge (sp?) of my rib cage. I wrote a children's book once when I was a kid...I need to see if my mom has it. I think it is great the your daughter is so creative. Always support that. My mom still supports my creativity.
Posted 6/5/2009 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I do not know if an aptitude test is a good indicator of your writing skills. I would suggest you research your local community colleges and see if any have a writing program.

There is a great series of books titled "Writers Market." I suggest you look for their website on the net. They have one that specializes in children's books which you should have. Their are also books on writing proposals for agents and publishers. All this information is necessary for today's writer.

With these books you can find writing jobs in the childrens' literary market. These include articles for magazines, short stories, etc. there are also conventions which specialize in the field.

Writers get great tax breaks so you can speak with an accountant about that. Keep every receipt from the materials you purchase to pursue the craft.

I hope you get to do what you love,

Donnaeil
Posted 6/5/2009 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Sassy,
I actually took that course that you are talking about. You take the aptitude test and they tell you if you can be taught to be a writer. Then you take the course. At the time (mid 80s), it was a correspondence course. Maybe it is online now. I did learn some good things like what to avoid in writing, how to suspend the imagination, how to find ideas for stories and articles, how to write queries and about the writer's market which Donna talks about. If you haven't looked already, here is their website: http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/

Good luck in doing what you want to do.
Sue
Posted 6/5/2009 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am really interested in this. I have thought so many times about going back to school, but I am not sure what kind of degree I would go for. And I am not sure what kind of grants and stuff that I qualify for. I have always had a passion for writing. I have been writing for years now, and through poetry.com, I have had quite a few poems published. Writing seems like a perfect career for me because I could stay at home to do it.
Posted 6/6/2009 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck with your aspirations! :)
As a published writer, my only advice is to get or become a great illustrator. Children's books are sold on the basis of the pictures, not the writing. Unless you want to write longer chapter books.

Have fun with it and learn all you can about writing and publishing. Put as much effort into that as you do into your writing.
Posted 6/6/2009 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice, K9. I will definately keep all of that in mind. I am not a terrible artist...I think my artistry could pass off ok...
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