Previously
published at Gotta Write Network
Copyright
2002
For distribution contact: richput@mywebemail.net
SHARING THE REAL
WORLD
By
Today young
people are reading non-fiction just for the fun of it. They want to know why ice doesn’t sink, why
ashes don’t burn, and how birds find their way during migration. A writer’s mission is to present interesting,
but sometimes boring facts, in a way that grabs a child’s attention. Easy? How many times have you tried explaining
something to a child, but lost him at, “Did you know?” Children’s attention span may be very short,
but curiosity has driven them ever since they were babes. They soak up the world around them more than
sponges. They are oceans, able to
receive information like heavy rains, and yet never overflow. Editors know this. Publishers know this. Teachers know this. Writers must also know this.
Non-fiction articles have been written on
almost every subject in the universe, so finding a distinctive concept that
hasn’t been overused is quite a challenge.
So how does a non-fiction writer find interesting subjects? One way is to study adult non-fiction,
focusing on one highlight, and tackling it with the aggression of a pro
football player. Take for instance, the
broad subject of dreams. Freud proposed
that dreams were the “royal road to the unconscious.” What does that mean to a child? Do animals dream? What happens to your body when you
dream? What causes the brain to slip
into dream world? What is Rapid Eye
Movement, and why is it important? Why
do people talk in their sleep? What
causes sleepwalking? Nightmares? Why do we sleep at night? Does everyone need eight hours of sleep? As you can see, there are many highlights to
choose from.
Animals have always been a favorite among
young readers, and because of that, stories and articles need a new twist that
editors haven’t seen. Instead of an
article on the care and grooming of horses, how about doing one on spotting
disease and injuries? Much has been
written on creating natural butterfly habitats, so write one on raising
butterflies, or nursing an injured butterfly back to health. Editors spend more than ninety percent of
their time reading. Give them something
unanticipated and imaginative.
Many non-fiction articles for children
contain fun experiments. Hands-on
projects are the perfect way to enhance a student’s fact retention. A scientific transcript on carbon dioxide can
be made fun with simple baking powder and all-purpose flour. Adding baking powder to flour and water sets
free carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise. Where does the carbon dioxide come from? As a writer, you answer these questions.
Don’t make the mistake in thinking that
writing for young readers requires less time and effort. You must possess the ability to transpose
complicated terminology into simple language.
Usually, parents and teachers will not only choose a young reader’s
literature, but read to them as well.
Your article must first draw the parent/teacher’s attention before it
ever reaches the child’s. In few words,
content has to be correct, complete, and well researched. How few?
The ideal length for Chickadee runs from 50 to 100 words, while Humpty Dumpty allows up to 500 words. Also, sentences must be short, informal, fast
paced, and entertaining. Sound
elementary? It’s not. But if you choose one highlight as previously
mentioned, and delete every unnecessary word within your manuscript,
restrictive word limits are no problem.
Magazines such as Highlights, Pockets,
Turtle, and Ladybug are always searching for innovative ideas. However, Ladybug and Turtle accept more
creative non-fiction shared in stories and poetry, while Highlights wants
factual articles with little or no fiction.
Familiarize yourself with the magazine, reading several issues cover to
cover. Some publications focus on a main
theme, and all stories, articles, poetry, and crossword puzzles relate to that
theme. Submission guidelines center more
on how to send something rather than what to send. When considering a publication, request a
copy of guidelines and monthly themes.
Remember to include a SASE with enough postage. Articles relating to themes should be sent
many months in advance. Don’t make the
mistake of sending a Christmas article in September.
The children’s department at the public
library retains current and previous magazine issues. I research them every month and keep a
notebook. At the top of the page I write
the name of the magazine, the date issued, and list content information
below. For example, the September 1999
issue of Highlights might include a short story about a little girl wanting a
horse, article on raising horses, Kentucky Derby history, and biography on a
famous jockey. Also, I detail whether or
not it’s creative non-fiction, or “just the facts, ma’am,” and whether sidebars
are used.
Sidebars can run the length of the page, be few words or a paragraph, and are added without regard to
word limits. Your side text might be
definitions, a famous quote, graph, puzzle, map, etc., and a great spot to add
humor. An article about the nervous
system might include sidebars such as, “How Fast Does Pain Travel?” “Why Do You
Blush?” or “Why Do We Turn White when Frightened?” Kids love added explanations and information,
as do teachers and parents, who learn a few things themselves.
Young readers don’t categorize fiction and
non-fiction. They learn from everything
they see and read, depending on parents, teachers, and writers to help them
differentiate between the two. Writers
have an awesome responsibility, but wonderful opportunities, when reaching out
to children. Your writing becomes a
bridge from a small town in
A writer that shares the real world with
children is investing in thousands, maybe millions, of great minds.
Richelle Putnam is a
former writer for All Headline News. She
has been published in Common Ties, E2K Literary Journal, World Wide Writers,
Orchard Press Mysteries, Southern Hum, The Copperfield Review, Cayuse Press,
Writer’s Journal, Obadiah Press’s Living By Faith Anthology, A tribute to
Mothers Anthology, A Cup of Comfort for Mothers and Daughters, and more. Her children’s literature has been published
on the Institute of Children’s Literature’s website, Writing Korner, and Wee Ones, Boy’s Quest, Appleseeds,
and Hopscotch Magazine for Girls; Her
work is soon to be released in Flashquake, Fireflies in Fruit Jars Anthology,
and GCWA “Mississippi” Anthology. Her novel, Fallout, was released in 2000; She
is the Founder and President of Mississippi Writers Guild. www.richelleputnam.net