On Writing for Children, by Rebecca Emin

With the official launch of Rebecca’s excellent book New Beginnings just two days away, Rebecca has kindly agreed to be our guest blogger today, sharing her journey to becoming a published children’s author.

Over to you, Rebecca.

Writing For Children

 The fact that my debut novel is for children came as a surprise to me. I had been planning to write a story for adults, but when I opened up the document for the first time, the idea for New Beginnings came to me so I started writing it out.

It was only when my beta readers read the manuscript and said they enjoyed it, and one of them made a comment about she had no idea how I could write for that age group as she wouldn’t have thought to put in various details, that I realised I had made the right decision. I find it really easy to get my head back to how I felt when I was that age, and also keep in my head the things my teenage step daughter and my nine year old daughter have spoken to me about, which really helps.

The thing that I love most about writing for children the most is the responses from the readers. The children who have read my book have been so positive and the fact that they keep asking when the next book will be out is so encouraging. I have already heard of a couple of schools where the book has been read to children and of one school girl who showcased New Beginnings in a project she was asked to make about any book she loved. 

I have already finished a second novel for the same age group, and I am planning to write a short story collection this year. I’ve asked some of my younger readers what they think of short stories and the responses were varied and interesting but overall they seemed to like the idea.

I have written a couple of very short children’s stories for Shambelurkling and Other Stories, and I when I took it with me on my first school visit, and said I was going to read one of the stories out, one of the girls said “yes” really loudly. It was an unplanned, honest reaction but she had a huge impact on me. It made me think perhaps I am on the right track.

I hope to write more novels for children in future, and I hope that everyone enjoys New Beginnings.

Thank you for inviting me here to talk about writing for children.

 Rebecca blogs at: http://ramblingsofarustywriter.blogspot.com/

You'll find links to purchase New Beginnings  on Rebecca's blog, as well as on this blog, in the side bar.

Thank you very much for being our guest blogger today, Rebecca, and allowing us an insight into your writing life, especially when it comes to children's books. We're looking forward to the next one!