Adrienne Kress is the author of ALEX AND THE IRONIC GENTLEMAN, and her new book TIMOTHY AND THE DRAGON’S GATE is out this week!
As a writer of middle grade novels, I probably get this question most often: “Why do you write for children?” Actually that’s probably the second most common question I get. The first most common question is, “So are you the next JK Rowling?” which I could never find an appropriate answer to until I just started replying, “Yes.” At any rate. This second most common question of why I write for children has always been a very interesting one to me, and one which I would like to discuss now.
First I would like to discuss the nature of the question. Often it comes out of a genuine curiosity – why do I like that particular genre, kind of like “Why do you write mysteries, western, literary” etc. But it can also come from a place of total confusion where truly the question is, “Why do you write for children instead of adults?”
It is a question that supposes that in an ideal world, an author’s first choice would obviously be to write for adults, because those are the “real” books. I mean, let’s face it, there is a stigma attached with writing books that aren’t for adults. There is also a stigma attached to writing genre fiction (SF/Fantasy) or romance books. In general, it is widely known that there are certain genres out there that don’t, for whatever reason, earn the same respect as commercial or literary fiction. This can be best demonstrated, I think, in a recent round table for The New Yorker, where in their attempt to discuss and praise a YA novel, the members of the round table manage to insult an entire genre with sweeping generalizations and total misinformation, calling the genre “facile” and “boring”.
Why it is that otherwise seemingly intelligent people are so determined to put down entire genres altogether boggles my mind. I truly don’t know why anyone of reasonable intelligence would make such generalizations. The whole point in having a thoughtful mind is understanding that there are good and bad elements to most everything, that making generalizations is the complete opposite of thoughtful logical analysis.
At any rate, because of these prejudices, I often do get the question.
And this is my answer:
I don’t write for children.
Yes, I am incredibly fortunate that one of the side effects of my writing is that I get to meet with some of the most amazing kids out there. That I get to be a source of inspiration to children around the world (which is still a little overwhelming for me). No author could ask for more. But in all honesty, I write in a genre that I happen to really love.
So what I’m doing, actually, is not so much writing for children as writing what I enjoy.
The question then becomes: What do I enjoy about children’s books?
Well.
I have never once had to explain to a child why it is possible for my story to have tall ships and laptops in the same universe. Why there is an Extremely Ginormous Octopus having conversations with people in a world where the rest of the animals behave as typical animals and no one blinks an eye. But I have had adults balk at those elements. And I have explained these odd juxtapositions simply as typical elements of “Magical Realism” (because that is truly my genre). Children are so much more willing just to sit back and enjoy the story, instinctively understanding that not everything has to have an explanation and that, in fact, sometimes a lack of explanation makes the story that much more fun.
I love the whimsy in children’s books. I love the saturated emotions, the dealing with real issues without overcomplicating them and over thinking them. I love how dark children’s books can be, how the stakes can often be life and death. And yet despite these elements I love how unsentimental children’s books are (contrary to popular belief of some writers who think children’s books must be morality tales, all sugary sweet; kids for the most part don’t put up with that nonsense). Children’s books don’t have time to revel in their self-importance. Kids are a tough audience and they’ll turn their backs if the story is less than stellar.
I love the humour in many children’s books I’ve read, the originality, the freedom. And I love the writing. Yes, you read right. I love a well-written children’s book. Because the actual writing in a children’s book can – surprise! – actually be good. The fact that a phrase comes across as simple, or straightforward, does not mean it doesn’t take a great deal of effort and talent to turn that phrase. Some children’s book authors can capture an exact moment, an exact feeling, in such a lovely straightforward way – but in an entirely original way as well.
Children’s books are also some of the last instances of the survival of an oral tradition. We rarely read books aloud anymore, nor sit around the fire and have someone tell a good old yarn. We read to ourselves, isolated in our own little world. But children’s books get read aloud. Parents read them to their kids, teachers to their students. For this reason many children’s book authors have great fun playing with language, with interesting words that are fun to say. There is a real love of language in children’s books.
In general there is a certain level of passion and excitement in the world of children’s books. It is a world that is, above all, interested in entertaining. I am not saying that kidlit authors aren’t interested in educating as well, but if the book isn’t entertaining you are going to lose your audience really fast and so lose out on any educating opportunities. The focus is so clearly on the audience and not on the author.
Finally there is also one rather grown-up pleasure for me as a kidlit writer: in the children’s book community, the authors, publishers etc, are just so wonderfully supportive of each other, so excited about what they do. It’s a community of warmth and generosity where, for once, the word “community” doesn’t have to stretch itself out of shape to be an apt description.
All of this is why I love children’s books.
Except that the books I read aren’t “children’s books”; they are “Adrienne likes this stuff books”. They are books meant for whoever enjoys them. I so often also get emails from adults who tell me they enjoy my work “even though they are meant for children”. Well, no. You enjoyed it, it diverted you, it was therefore meant for you.
The same can be said of any genre that one unexpectedly enjoys. We have to categorise things for practicality’s sake, but truly, every book is unique, every book has its own pros and cons. And that’s a wonderful thing. It might make life easier to put everything in its place, less messy, but, to me at least, doing so makes things a lot less interesting.
And a lot less fun.
Allison says
I also write for children and sometimes get that look that says, “Well that’s not so hard. Anyone can write a children’s book. Why don’t you write something real?”
You expressed my sentiments exactly when you said you liked the genre. I also enjoy reading and writing children’s books.
Thank you for your comments.
other lisa says
Very enjoyable post and if you need more incentive to check out Adrienne’s books, go read the glowing reviews posted on Amazon – wow!
Marilyn Peake says
Hi, Adrienne,
Your books sound wonderful, and I enjoyed your post.
I know exactly what you mean about reading your books to an audience of children. I write both children’s and adult literature. I found reading my children’s novels in schools an absolutely awesome experience. The first time I was asked to do that, I was very nervous, but soon discovered that children become quickly engaged in hearing stories. They love hearing about both real-world animals and dragons, and absolutely love to discover them side-by-side in the same book. They also ask wonderful questions!
R. Daley says
Thanks Nathan, for affording Adrienne the opportunity to share her thoughts with us, that was a great read!
Genre bashing is too easy. For every genre there is the good, the bad, and the ugly (do you hear that odd whistling?)
We find these preconceived prejudices all over, not just in writing. It’s pervasive in race, religion, and music.
Generally speaking, I don’t like rap…but there are some artists and songs that blow me away. Same goes for country music. Have I ever totally dismissed a musical genre, in spite of this?
To quote Sarah Palin*, “You betcha!”
Why? Don’t know. Sometimes it’s just the path of least resistance.
*NOTE: This is the first, and presumably only, time that I have quoted Sarah Palin. Although I have quoted Michael Palin countless times.
Dara says
It seems to me that children’s book authors tend to not get the praise they deserve. I’ve tried my hand at writing a short story for children as part of a weekly writing challenge on another site, and it’s incredibly difficult.
The most important thing is that you are writing what you love 🙂
Kristan says
Granted, this is kind of along post, but MAN she makes me want to change my story, lol!
“Children are so much more willing just to sit back and enjoy the story, instinctively understanding that not everything has to have an explanation and that, in fact, sometimes a lack of explanation makes the story that much more fun.”
True that.
Overall what a wonderful perspective, thank you for sharing!
Kristan says
*a long
Scott says
Thanks, Adrienne. Very nice post.
I must admit that I regard the huge influx of middle grade authors with a lot of cynicism. Most, I figured, were in it to cash in on the Harry Potter books, and others, I thought, were coming off as hobbyists. But I share your view that any book can be well written and enjoyable for all ages.
I also hear you loud and clear about the industry being dismissive of genre fiction. I write horror and dark–by way of literary–fiction, and almost don’t want to admit it. Heck, it’s barely included in agents’ lists, as I guess most think “splatterpunk” when they think “horror”, or maybe “Stephen King wannabe”. I think “Ira Levin”, “Mary Shelley”, and even “Wilkie Collins” and “Donna Tartt”.
Thanks again, and here’s to your continued success.
Devon Ellington says
I completely agree, Adrienne. I’m not one who enjoys things neatly boxed up and labelled. I like surprises, and that’s one reason enjoy a lot of the fiction found under the “children’s” and “YA” tags — as you said, they still contain whimsy. And we certainly need more of that in the world!
I wish you continued success and happiness.
MzMannerz says
What an excellent post – thank you for writing it.
I particularly enjoyed this bit:
“Children are so much more willing just to sit back and enjoy the story, instinctively understanding that not everything has to have an explanation and that, in fact, sometimes a lack of explanation makes the story that much more fun.”
Ugly Deaf Muslim Punk Gurl! says
I love reading children’s books but I can’t write one. I don’t like to limit myself to writing PC, friendly books for kids… I don’t like being limited, if that makes any sense.
Dan says
Now I must check out Adrienne’s books, because if her blog post is this eloquent, the books must be pretty good as well.
colleen4 says
Brilliant post.
Absolutely brilliant.
Sarah says
Adrienne, I so enjoyed this post! Thank you.
I once told someone who wrote screenplays that I was revising, for the umpteenth time, a picture book manuscript. He nodded and asked how hard it could be to pound out less than 1,000 words? (How hard could it be to establish story, characters, and setting in a few pages?)
I didn’t hit him. It is one of the biggest regrets of my life.
As far as children’s books being sweet? Far from it. We have an audience that still believed in monsters a few years ago.
:)Ash says
Great post, Adrienne! People don’t harass me so much about writing MG or YA, but I get bugged a lot about READING children’s books.
“Geez, Ash, you have a law degree! Why are you reading that?!”
“Yeah, well, you know I failed the bar exam…”
Seriously, though, I love children’s books. That’s why I write for children.
(Of course, I do hope to pass the bar the next time around… gotta have a day job!).
Anonymous says
Ugly Deaf Muslim Punk Gurl —
Maybe you’re reading the wrong books? There’s plenty of edgy stuff out there.
*”Cracked up to Be,” by Courtney Summers.
* “I Know it’s Over,” by C.K. Kelly Martin.
* Looking for Alaska”, by John Green.
All yummy, and not limited in use of language, feelings, or content.
Stephanie says
Very well put!
For a while, in the 90s, I tried my hand at category romance novels. I was drawn to the genre because there was a brief trend of romantic comedies being the “in” thing. What they were publishing at that time was FUN to me…now it’s all vampires and cowboys. But, I’ll say this… The reaction to me writing young adult novels now is FARRRRRRRR better than the reaction I got when I was writing romance. People pretty much assume if you write romance you’re writing porn. I have no idea why. Most of my books didn’t even have sex scenes. But people who don’t read them make that broad generalization.
I’m PROUD to say I’m trying to get a young adult novel published and if ever I am published, and someone dares to say to me, “Why don’t you write a real book?” I’m sure I’ll have a really snippy answer to give them. Something about how touching the lives of our youth is probably the most important thing I could do with my writing talent. I’m hoping someday to get to the point where I’m laughing all the way to the bank.
No matter what you write, someone’s going to have something nasty to say about it. That’s just life in a world full of people who are jealous that you’re published and they’re not.
Robin L says
This is such a terrific explanation of why to write for children, Adrienne!
And I’ve heard great things about Alex and the Ironic Gentlemen. Here’s wishing you equal success for the sequel!
Alessa Ellefson says
Thank you for letting us know why you love writing for children. I know some of my favorite stories belong to that particular category and I will always cherish them!
Michael Reynolds says
I’ve mostly written kid books (partnered with my wife, KA Applegate and on my own as Michael Grant,) but I’ve also been a restaurant reviewer, had a political media company for a while, written political and non-political blogs, free-lanced feature pieces, worked on documentary scripts and various other things.
It’s ridiculous to value or devalue a book by genre. Jane Eyre is a romance novel, its better than some literary novels I could mention (but won’t.) Dennis Lehane is a genre writer and he’s better than those same literary writers. Walter Mosely and Dan Simmons and Kate DiCamillo are all genre writers who could be stacked up against any number of literary authors.
It’s not te genre, it’s how you pull it off.
C.D. Reimer says
I live in Silicon Valley. When people find out I’m a writer, they usually want to know if I’m writing screenplays and are puzzled when I tell them no. Too often they think writing a screenplay is an easy path to making $50,000+ per year for little work.
I’ll be more content to write my fiction, published what I can get published, and let Hollywood find someone else to write the screenplay.
R.J. Anderson says
A terrific article which echoes my own sentiments perfectly. I’m embarrassed to admit that I spent a lot of years denying that my novel could possibly be a “children’s book” since I’d written it for myself and other readers like me, not for some hypothetical group of kids. Sure, I had fond memories of the books I’d read as a child, but surely if I wanted to be taken SERIOUSLY as an author I had to insist on my work being marketed for adults?
Fortunately a smart editor knocked that snobbery out of me and now I’m back to reading — and writing — the kind of books I love best: that they also seem to be the kind of books that kids and teens love is just a bonus, as far as I’m concerned.
Anonymous says
BUT, lots of kidlit writers do this same sort of diservice to themselves, too.
A well-known male YA author claims he writes for “smart teenagers,” sort of implying that 1) the teens that don’t like his books must not be smart, and 2) at least he’s not writing chick-lit, pink, teen books.
It makes me wonder if he’s somehow embarassed by the YA he writes?
All writers need to stop dissing what other writers write. It’s all difficult, it’s all a lot of work, and every category has its rewards and drawbacks.
Anita says
One of the many reasons I love having children of my own is the BOOKS.
YA rocks these days (Spinelli and Green are two of my writing heros).
And, heck, even picture books are getting better…fresher, funnier, etc.
Janet says
You go, Adrienne. I like good children’s books and good children’s movies, just on their own merits. And I’m now in the middle of reading a story about a certain Alex. I didn’t have any available young relatives to buy it for, but I just said “What the heck” and bought it for me. I’ll read it to my grandchildren when they get around to being born. In the meanwhile, it’s mine, all mine.
liquidambar says
“… contrary to popular belief of some writers who think children’s books must be morality tales, all sugary sweet; kids for the most part don’t put up with that nonsense …”
Exactly.
M Clement Hall says
When we were children, didn’t we read “children’s” books?
And how many of these same children’s books have we read to our own children?
Aren’t these same books more likely to be the ones that last generation after generation?
It takes a particular talent, a particular empathy with children, to write them, and it’s beyond me to think anybody would consider the successful author of this genre as any less worthwhile than any other.
What has changed over the generations is the technical ability to illustrate — some of them are quite beautiful as well as intriguing.
An interesting blog — thank you Adrienne.
Lea Schizas - Author/Editor says
I thoroughly enjoy writing for children or the young adult market because a writer gets an opportunity to offer a message without preaching.
Also, I find it challenging, not writing for children, but knowing you need first to please the parent, teacher, librarian, grandparent who is going to buy the book for the child. When you get past these obstacles, then wow, you’ve done your job.
GeekyQuill says
Great post. I love kids lit. and YA lit. I agree with Anita- one of the perks of having kids are the books you get an excuse to read.
Marjorie says
It is interesting to me that you write children’s books. There is a huge market for this now. I was an elementary school teacher in NYC for 34 years and I am now retired. The classrooms no longer use a basal reader for reading instruction. The classrooms have leveled libaries with books grouped by genre. Students select “just right” books and discuss the books in literature circles. I do not think this “whole language” approach is the best because it lacks a phonics component, but it is the direction in which education is moving.
Rachel says
What a lovely post. It gave me warm fuzzies. Thanks, Adrienne!
Deborah Blake says
Adrienne,
Great post. I love reading YA books (and some books that are shelved with the “kid’s” books)because many times they have better plots and the characters are more fun.
You go, girl!
Sally says
Wonderful thoughts! I’ve not read your novels, but I will pick one up posthaste.
I also love the language in children’s books–from PB’s to YA’s. Lovely, lovely language.
sally apokedak says
Oh wow, I’m hyped. I just clicked on your website and recognized your book covers. I just bought the Alex book a couple of days ago. Loved the cover and the first couple of pages. My son swiped it and is reading it so I’m waiting for my turn. I’m looking forward to it!
Freya Croft says
brilliant post! Sums it up perfectly, Adrienne.
Deniz Bevan says
Yay! That’s it exactly! I just had to link to this from my blog 🙂
rls says
I was at a fancy party a while back when the conversation turned to everyone’s recently read favorites. I am the mother of four, and had just completed Barbara Park’s canon- a.k.a. the Junie B Jones series. Junie is a spunky heroine and Park’s plots are exciting and touching. Not to mention, the dialogue and internal narrative is a pleasure to read aloud. When I spoke my truth to the NYC intellectuals, they joked that I needed to get out more. Next time, I’ll just quote you.
Annalee says
On an answer to the “are you the next JK Rowling?” question:
“No way. Rowling is the previous me.” Then lean in and add, perhaps with a hint of conspiracy, “I’m kind of a big deal.”
StanManX says
I’m glad someone mentioned Jerry Spinelli. He had four novels go unpublished, and his fifth was headed that way as well until his agent said, “Why don’t you try marketing that as YA?”
Space Station Seventh Grade is fantastic! The age of the protagonist is what makes it YA. The characters, like actual seventh graders, are crass, insensitive, prone to making good and bad decisions… In short, it’s a story about real characters, just like “adult” fiction. Those characters just happen to be under 20.
Okie says
Awesome post with great insight.
I was writing some works a year or two ago and as I neared the end, I realized they would be most appropriate for older kids or younger teens. At first I was dismayed, having hoped to write a great work of “adult fiction.”
But as I stepped back, I realized that I felt freed by the fact that the words had just come and I hadn’t really set out trying to write a particular form (even though my mind was always focused on my age group).
Since then I’ve also found that it can be so much more fun to write youthful stories.
A Paperback Writer says
One of the few perks of being a junior high school English teacher is that I can read all the YA I want and no one questions me or puts me down for it. They likely assume I’m doing it for my job, which is partially true. However, to the snooty folks who think that the “only true” books are the likes of James Joyce or Doris Lessing, I don’t bother to tell them that YA is my favorite genre.
Lynn Reid Banks (author of the Indian in the Cupboard and numerous other children’s books) told the 20 or so of us attending a writing workshop where she was a guest speaker (Edinburgh, 2003) that she was disgusted by adults who read children’s literature. She claimed she wanted to snatch every copy of a Harry Potter books she saw in an adult’s hands and replace it with Anna Karenina. She was actually miffed at me when I told her I’d enjoyed reading her own Alice By Accident middle grade novel — until I told her I was a school teacher. Then it suddenly became acceptable in her eyes for me to read kids’ books.
Rupe-Boyd says
After reading Adrienne Kress’s post I can understand why she is a successful author. She expresses exactly how I feel as an author writing for middle school. There is one point that puzzles me. She mentions the wonderfully supportive community for our genre. Where is that community? Everyone who reads my work is writing for adults. I would love to communicate with other middle school writers.
D.A. Riser says
Wonderful post, Adrienne. We would all do well to leave room for the imagination and the fanciful in our novels.
Sarah says
rls,
Hurray for Junie B! You’re right, the series is great fun to read aloud. I didn’t pick one up till a few years ago, and I was amazed how well Park depicted a kindergartner. I wish folks realized how difficult that is. Most people trying to write a series like that would end up with a Shirley Temple on crack sort of character.
The Junie B. series is well-told because it’s written for little girls, not at them, as Editorial Annoymous would say.
(https://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-use-your-imagination.html)
Jo says
Great blog. Thanks Adrienne and I’m not just saying that because I write children’s books too. Roald Dahl once said the genre was the hardest to write and that many ‘adult’ fiction writers who tried their hands at it failed miserably. Don’t we as a society severely under-estimate kids anyway?
Erica says
This is most wonderful. Thanks.
Jenn Johansson says
Adrienne,
Thank you for such a poignant explanation of your passion for your audience. I whole-heartedly agree with your feelings about those who are not open minded enough to appreciate the good and bad in all things.
L.C. Gant says
Adrienne,
Thanks for a wonderful post. You described exactly the reason why I love writing YA fiction. I have often felt embarrassed that I enjoy children’s lit more than adult lit, but your words made me realize it wasn’t just me after all.
I actually think writing for children is more difficult than writing for adults. Children demand a good story above all else, whereas adults are content to read high-brow “literary” works where nothing happens. Can you imagine War and Peace being written for kids? Yikes!
I like the occasional Great American Novel as much as the next girl, but give me “Where the Wild Things Are” or “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” any day of the week!
Brigita says
Such a great post, thanks for this.
I agree, children’s or YA books don’t get nearly enough respect. When I tell people I’m working on a YA novel they give me the look – as in: Everyone could write for kids, that’s just so easy, you just come up with an incredible story and add some educational touches and you have the next Harry Potter. When in reality, in some respect, children are the most demanding readers because they know precisely what they want and if they’re not satisfied they won’t be afraid of saying that.
Richard Lewis says
Great post, Adrienne!