I love writing for children! It’s not something I dreamed about doing from the time I was a little girl, like some children’s authors. But I always loved reading, and books. That’s my addiction. Children’s writers come from all walks of life—from being a mom or a dad, to teachers, nurses, engineers, and farmers.
There are signs, you know—signs that you might be a children’s writer! Here are just a few.
You might be a children’s writer if…
You can’t read a book for pleasure without critiquing it or line editing.
You critique plot and character when watching a movie.
You miss half of what people are saying because you’re off in the land of the latest book you’re writing.
You miss out on most of a lecture, sermon, speech, TV show… because something inspired you and you’re thinking up a new story, plot, characters, setting…
You take picture books home from the library even though you have no young children at home.
You visit family or friends and end up spending more time with the kids than with the adults.
You ad lib when reading your child a story.
You keep a pencil and paper and a flashlight by your bedside.
You find it difficult to part with your kids’ books when they’ve outgrown them.
You order more books from the book club flyers that come home from school than your kids do.
You can’t fall asleep at night because of all the words running through your head.
You have a collection of notes that you’ve written on napkins, newspapers, coupons and other pieces of paper.
You are a list maker, including lists of words that are fun to say out loud.
You make lists of rhyming words.
Working on crossword puzzles and word games is relaxing.
You take a book with you to read at the doctor’s office and are disappointed because your appointment is on time.
You miss meals because you’re writing and lose track of time.
You ‘watch’ TV but never know what’s going on.
You take a stack of books, pencils, paper, highlighters, and a laptop with you when you go on vacation.
You get your exercise by going to storybook walks at the park.
You love quotes from famous people, especially authors.
You get more excited about going to a book convention (think: BEA / ALA / Printers’ Row) than to an amusement park.
Local librarians and independent bookstore owners all know your name.
You have at least one bookshelf in each room of your house.
You think the book is always better than the movie.
You ask for books at Christmas and on your birthday.
Everyone gets a book from you at Christmas and on their birthday.
If you have any of the above symptoms, watch out! You just might be destined to be a children’s writer! (Thanks to Jeff Foxworthy for the ‘Here’s your sign’ inspiration).