Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults
Cultural observations provide a third strong category when appropriate to
your overall story. Meals, holidays, dress, attitudes and language can
highlight themes and communication, interactions and confusion, and build
bridges of understanding.
Many years ago an associate and I decided to
make our weekly lunch meetings an adventure by trying out a different ethnic
restaurant each week. We took turns choosing and we focused on local small
family run establishments. One time we tried a place that served buffet style.
Unfortunately their words for each dish were in their own language, and the dishes
were such that they were almost impossible to identify. And there was no one to
translate. We started out with tiny tablespoons of several options and then,
when we thought we had some identification we went back for a regular serving.
The food was delicious and it became one of
our favorite spots.
Sharing stories across cultures helps to
strengthen empathy and expand our horizons.
Reading and studying stories across cultures
also help develop solid foundations for historical settings and characters as
well. Remember too that each culture has socio-economic diversity as well that
needs to be recognized, and also regional and geographic diversity.
Another way to incorporate culture honestly
is to follow a particular theme. “what
have you lost?” by Naomi Shihab Nye is a compilation of YA poems written
about losses. It is a wonderful introduction to different voices across
cultures and ages that all begin with a common thread.
Action Steps:
1.
Character. Take a teen-ager from
one ethnic background and send her to dinner at a friend’s of a different
ethnic background for a holiday celebration.
2.
Describe everything in detail.
Overwrite specifics.
3.
Which concepts can be applied to
your story?
Share: Which parts were the most fun?
Which were difficult?
Read deep, marcy
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