When I was a kid, I walked 3 miles to school...just kidding!
People often ask me how I got started writing, so I thought I'd talk about that
today and give some tips on how to encourage your children's interest in the
subject.
My academic career got off to a rough start. One of my first
teachers slapped a "slow learner" label on me and sent me on that
track. Fortunately, my third grade teacher didn't buy into the tag, and I was
moved into a more advanced class.
It wasn't until the fifth grade that a teacher, Mrs. Dowd,
recognized my potential and did some intense work with me. She helped me exceed
my reading grade level, and I was never behind from that time forward. Reading became an exciting
adventure, and seeing me with my nose stuck in a book became a normal
occurrence.
The jump from reader to writer was a natural progression.
Throughout the years, I dabbled in the craft and wrote skits, pieces for
children's Christmas programs, Sunday School Curriculum, and Bible Studies. My
late husband urged me to seek publication, which led to publishing credits in
the non-fiction market. In 2005, I took a leap of faith into the fiction area.
The rest, as they say, is history.
I wish the resources available today would have been around
when I was a kid. The Internet provides many opportunities for youngsters
interested in writing. Here are a few ideas to nurture their budding talent:
1) Find books that match their interests, and keep them well
supplied with reading material. I was interested in ballerinas, nurses, and
series books. My mother took me to the library often and purchased books for
gifts.
2) You can find
online writing courses for children. My fellow Helping Hands Press author, Karen E. Lange, teaches several of these on various levels.
3) The Greater
Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference offers a writing track for teens
called, "Teens Write." You can check out the conference here.
Even if your child doesn't become a writer, the experience
will help them with their other studies. Who knows? They might become the next
Francine Rivers or Ted Dekker.
Writers: Do you see
signs your kids may want to follow in your footsteps? How do you aid them in
their writing journey?
Readers: Please share how you encourage the youngsters in
your life to read.
