One of the things about writing children’s books that I hadn’t thought a whole lot about was the response from the kids.
It’s so much fun.
Hearing from family, friends and other adult readers that hear about my book is great, don’t get me wrong. But it’s been an unexpected treat on an entirely different level to get cards, emails, and face to face thank you’s from kids. I’ve had several readings and talks now at a school and tutoring group where I’ve spoken to the kids about writing, how to plan out a story, a brief history of books, and then read a section from one of my chapters. Sometimes there’s laughter, some times it’s completely quiet, which can be a little disconcerting, but seems to show that they’re really paying attention. Best of all, it’s fun to hear the heart-felt and unique things that they say back to me. There’s always tons of questions and comments.
Yesterday I spoke to a couple classes of third and fourth graders, and here’s a few examples of some of the feedback I received:
- “I’m definitely getting my parents to get the book for me and I’m going to write a book someday thanks to you!”
- “I wish you would write twenty billion more books. I would read all of them. Well, if I have that much time in my life!”
- “You’ve inspired me to write books. Who inspired you?”
- “It really inspired me to read more books and maybe even write my own.”
- “I was really interested in illustrating a book sometime. I really love to color and draw.”
- “I hope my family can go to your book signing!”
- “Happy Black Friday!”