Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults
On the surface a how-to seems almost
self-explanatory but it’s amazing how easy it is to forget a key detail. This
is rich territory for any age but especially for ages five and up as these
subjects combine details and information with curiosity and possible future inspiration.
How-to pieces go beyond arts and craft
projects to exercise, finances, organization skills, doing chores, and sharing
talents.
Keep it truthful. Keep it simple. Keep it
accurate. Keep it doable.
Truthful. Make a connection with your reader.
Are you sharing from a love of your information? Did you totally mess up the
first time you tried to make this topic yourself and have a funny story to
tell? Is it something important to know how to do but can also be dangerous if
done incorrectly—like a teenager learning to change a tire? Don’t make light of
any complications, but be sure to give solutions. Share=Connection.
Simple. Precise. Concise. Step-by-step
instructions. Take time to explain a word that might be unfamiliar or
confusing. Don’t make assumptions. Give a detailed list of requirements both in
material and time and potential cost.
Share=Understanding
Accurate. Point out the potential glitches.
Is there stage where they will need help? For the very young enable them to
understand waiting time. Are there any potential dangers that older teens or
adults need to be aware of? Food allergies or something can become slippery.
Protect eyes or need gloves?
Doable. Personalize again. How much fun? How
many more times? What possible projects can come next or expand or new ideas to
follow up on. Make other possible connections.
Share=Accomplishment
How to Build a Kite can connect to arts and
crafts, a family outing, a party, building skills, types of tools, and
supplies.
How to Fly a Kite can connect to skills
needed and festivals and history and types.
How to Know Where to Fly a Kite can lead to a
study of wind and environment.
How-to can also be woven into narrative
stories either from the viewpoint of a fictional character, a personal memory
of your first time trying it out, or as an interview.
The goal is for readers to be excited to try
it for themselves and not just see a list that they hold and say, “Do I have
to?”
Action Steps:
1.
Make
a list of any how-to side subjects that might connect with your article from
last week.
2.
Then
choose one and see how many parts or angles you could develop.
3.
Choose
two and write them up: one as a brief sidebar, and one as a whole article
itself.
4.
Look
up some possible magazine markets to submit to. Remember that magazines
sometimes work a year ahead, so submitting an article in the fall for the
following summer, or vice versa, is not unusual.
Share: The title of your article.
Read deep, marcy
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