The National Writing for Children Center

SIMON SAYS – The Perils of Poor Editing and Lack of Attention to Detail

Adrian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:40:41 +0000

SIMON SAYS
A weekly column from children’s author Simon Rose

In some previous articles here, we have examined the importance of editing and revision and how many new writers may overlook these important steps in the writing process. However, even the most experienced writers can make mistakes. Here are just a few examples that slipped through the net, from the worlds of literature and journalism.

He crossed one leg over the other and planted both feet firmly on the ground.

This could be an interesting maneuver to witness.

He put his hands on his knees and held his head in despair.

This person appears to have two sets of arms.

She ran down the beach and cast her eyes out to sea.

Did the girl gaze out onto the horizon or throw her own eyes into the water?

We will not stand idly by and be murdered in our beds.

I’m not sure how many people could actually sleep standing up in bed, but I guess it could be possible

Last night’s result isn’t as good as it sounds on paper.

A reporter’s take on an unexpected outcome to a sporting event seems somewhat confusing.

There’s a huge question mark hanging over him after the last game.

A below par performance by a player prompted this remark.

It shows what a hot seat that number six shirt has been.

We know what this means, but it certainly sounds very odd.

If Beethoven were alive today, he’d be turning in his grave.

This headline appeared above an article about a rather substandard orchestral performance.

New Hospital in the Pipeline.

Another newspaper headline, referring this time to either a very large pipeline or a very small hospital.

The soldiers were close enough to see their enemies eating their lunch through binoculars.

Initially this one seems to be okay, but is actually nonsense.

And finally, a classic ad from a local newspaper

German Shepherd. Eats anything, fond of children.

So the next time you might feel tempted to skip that final read through of your work, beware. It never hurts to do that one extra check.

Teaching about Metaphors

Writing for Children — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:54:29 +0000

by Renee Kirchner, Teaching Tips Contributing Editor

Time is Money

Metaphors talk about one thing as if it were another. They are not introduced with the words “like” or “as”, but make direct comparisons. Here are a few examples:

His shirt was a flag, flying in the breeze.
Her eyes were jewels, sparkling in the sun.
The ocean is a playground for scuba divers.
A song is a poem set to music.

Metaphors can compare something unfamiliar with something familiar to give you a frame of reference.

The surface of the moon is a snowy yard with footprint craters.
The bottom of the ocean is a dark cave.
A kiwi is a fuzzy lime.
A resume is a report card for adults.

A metaphor comparison is not literal. You can’t always take the meaning directly. Here are some examples:

His room was a pigpen. (This means his room is messy, not that pigs live in it.)
The harvest moon was a pumpkin. (This means the moon was round and orange, not made out of pumpkin.)
Her teeth were pearls. (This means her teeth were white like pearls, not that each tooth was actually a pearl.)
The baby’s cheeks were two rosy apples. (This means the baby’s cheeks are round and red, not really apples.)

Writers use metaphors to make their writing colorful and you can to. Give it a try.

Life is a Roller Coaster Sometimes!

An Exercise in Writing Metaphors: Complete the sentences to make your own metaphors.

1. The moon is a _____________________________________________.

2. Freckles are ________________ when they spread across your face.

3. His arms were _________________ as they lifted the heavy chair.

4. The stars are ______________ as they twinkle in the night sky.

5. The storm was a ______________ as it clawed against my window.

6. The freshly mowed lawn was a ___________________________.

7. The noisy children were __________________ as they raced through the museum.

8. I was a ___________________ as I tiptoed across the wooden floor.

9. The river was a _________________ as it twisted and turned down the mountain.

10. His cheeks were __________________ as he chewed the giant wad of bubble gum.

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NOTE: Are you a teacher who dreams of becoming a published children’s book author? Then let us help you make your dream come true. Join the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club. Find out more here now!

Early Childhood Reading Grants from TARGET

Adrian — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:59:13 +0000

Start a book club at your school, or bring a children’s book author to visit your students!
Target awards grants to schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations to support programs such as after-school reading events and weekend book clubs. Click here to learn more!

Marketing Tips for Children’s Authors

Adrian — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:47:36 +0000

This week’s LIVE teleclass for children’s writers will take place on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 3:00 CST. The topic of the teleclass is Marketing Tips for Children’s Authors & Aspiring Children’s Book Authors.

Click here to learn more about the teleclass and to register!

MOVE & GROOVE – Warm Up!

Adrian — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:00:34 +0000

Move & Groove: A Weekly Column from children’s writer, photographer, and dancer Grier Cooper

Warming up is such an important, yet overlooked part of dance and movement; the logical beginning of any dance or movement class.

Warming up our muscles means that we are taking care of the body, easing gradually into movement. Just like waking up in the morning, we don’t spring out of bed like we’ve been shot out of a cannon. We stretch and move slowly before we hit the ground running. Warming up helps prevent injuries, preparing the body for bigger movements.

Begin warming up gently, choosing either a top-down or bottom-up approach. If you choose the top-down approach, begin with the head, neck and shoulders, working your way down. The bottom-up approach works in reverse, beginning with the feet. Either way, there are a few key areas to keep in mind as you warm up:

Head and neck. Try tilting the head side-to-side, and rolling the head in circles. Follow by rolling the shoulders in circles, forward and in reverse.

Arms. Circle the arms, and “fly” them up and down.

Side body. Stretch gently from side to side.

Hips. Shake them, roll them, and get them going.

Knees and thighs. Ballet dancers do plies, gently bending and straightening the legs.

Calves and feet. Rise up and down on the balls of the feet to bring warmth to the calves. Point and flex the feet.

Spine. Curl down in a cat-like motion, beginning with bringing the chin to the chest, then letting the head go heavy. The body will curve down towards the floor. Roll back up in reverse, with the head coming back up last.

Warming up is just as important as waking up, and starting slowly will keep your body happy. It’s the natural choice for beginning any exercise, and the perfect way to get moving.