Writing Fiction for Children: STORIES ONLY YOU CAN TELL

"Writing for children," says Judy K. Morris in Writing Fiction for Children, "means, above all, having a lively story to tell and an active central character to help tell it." Preachy tales are deadly, Morris says. That's why "some of the best-told stories grow out of parents' entertainment for their own children." Though Morris's book is geared toward the writing of fiction for 8- to 12-year-olds, her sensible, intelligent advice applies to the writing of books for younger and older readers as well. As children's lives become more circumscribed, Morris considers it increasingly important for children's authors "to help children imagine moving out of their constricted lives to make real choices and take effective actions." Morris helps by offering longer discussions about good children's fiction, shorter tidbits ("in writing, as in life, it's often necessary to shore up one's sagging middle"), and stimulating exercises. And if you get bogged down along the way, remember your goal: "A child, comfy in a chair, curled around your book and sinking into your story." --Jane Steinberg