This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Raven Howell will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Words are the windows through which children view the world. Familiar, uncommon, short and sweet, long and quirky; words make all the difference.
In Word Up, discover how a word packs a punch and possesses the power to heal, hurt, help, and humble. Watch children learn how to choose words wisely, and to recognize that sometimes, the simplicity of kindness itself is expressed in gentle silence.
Read an Excerpt
Words are mighty!
Words are strong!
We write them,
Speak them,
Sing our song.
I hope you learn new words today,
And think about the ones you say.
Guest Post
Finding Fulfillment
Writing Children’s Fiction
By Raven Howell
Book authors write for various reasons. Having been active in the children’s lit community for several decades, I’ve befriended many authors, and have had the opportunity as a journalist to interview a variety of talented, innovative writers.
Some authors find writing for children a conducive way to impart life lessons to the youngest, some express and share their humor through story writing, while others remain devoted and passionate to their muse and find teaching through picture books their top priority.
My own reason for writing children’s fiction has evolved over the years. I’ve always written. Before I knew how to hold a pencil and write, I was reciting little poems and stories to my grandmother, who would try to keep up with my imagination, jotting down my words as fast as she could. So, when I switched gears early in my career from songwriting to children’s writing, it was a natural metamorphosis, and I didn’t question it. It was fun to stretch further into my imaginative world, and I found success. But more importantly, I discovered how incredibly rewarding it was to make a difference in a child’s life, if even on a small scale.
These days, after having published over thirty children’s books, regardless of the theme I’m tackling, I write to let kids know they are ok just the way they are, that things may be crazy around them, but their hearts are good, and their paths are sure. It’s gratifying to inspire a child, offer whimsical, enchanting landscapes, instill a lifelong love of reading, or simply instigate a smile.
When I look at the top selling books from 20 years ago, they were adult books with themes of escapism and romantic fantasy. Top sellers from 10 years ago, again, were adult fiction, mostly suspense and thrillers. Romance writers have it good – this genre has been a dominant worldwide reading trend for a long time. Despite these facts, the nature of the children’s market remains fairly stable, considered “essential” reading.
In the business of children’s books, to garner extra income besides royalty payments from publishers, it’s often up to the author to get a little creative: planning children’s events, booking author visits at schools, and working outside of the box using social media can all be helpful.
But the pros far outweigh the cons with children’s writing. Think of the kids’ books that have endured decades and are passed on for generations. We can all name a few classics, shared over and over again until the cover is worn thin and the pages, frail. Someone has to write those stories that bring children joy, magic, wonder...and hope.
My picture book, WORD UP! summons, “Words are mighty, words are strong. We write them, speak them, sing our song!” Your own unique voice is essential in the world’s choir, and we all bring joy to the table, each in our distinctive way.
Raven Howell is the author of over 25 picture books for children. She’s a writer for several children’s magazines. Raven contributes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine, is the Arts & Crafts Director of Kids Corner, and Publishing & Creative Director with Red Clover Reader. She is a contributing author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal and I Am a Promise Books, and a story book writer for world-wide educational programs.
Website: https://www.ravenhowell.com
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Up-Raven-Howell/dp/B0F46RF32V/ref=sr_1_1
POSSESSIVE ENEMY BY MICHELLE HEARD
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