A guest post by Terri Kelly
Wait. Don’t
shut down your computer. You can
write for children.
I’ve
listened to writers’ excuses and watched them dash away after they learned I
represented the children’s market. Could their excuses be the same reasons you
aren’t writing for DevoKids, yet?
Reason
Number 1: You’ve
never heard of DevoKids.
In July of
2012, DevoKids.com will celebrate its third birthday as a children’s ministry.
DevoKids is a branch of our adult ministry, Christian Devotions.us. In addition
to a weekly devotion, we publish monthly posts on music, nature, food, history,
writing, science, crafts, book reviews, and author/occupational interviews.
Writing for
DevoKids is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Reason
Number 2: Kids make
your palms sweat.
An audience
four-feet tall and under (give or take a few inches), that demands concise and
creative text, sounds scary. You write strictly for adults—not . . . those . .
. little people.
How do you
relate to an audience of eight to twelve-year-olds? Even if it’s been a century
since you were a kid, sit down and retrieve your childhood memories. Delve deep
and write about what made you cry, wonder, get angry, or become ecstatic.
The
experience will help you write from your core.
Reason
Number 3: Writing
75-250 word count (300 at the most) is impossible.
Okay,
everything sounded better until I mentioned the word count. You write 100,000 word adult
fiction—sci-fi-fantasy-with-a-romantic-amish-twist-novels. Writing with a 300
word limit causes heart palpitations worse than when you read a Steven James
thriller.
Relax my
friend. My assistant editors and I don’t use knives to cut your words. As
you’ve heard before . . . make every word count.
The
experience will sharpen your write
tight muscles.
Reason
Number 4: You have
to earn a living.
True, our
ministry does not pay in green dollar bills but in God’s economy, your talent
will be a tithe of your time. If you write for DevoKids, we’ll link to your
website, blog, and published books.
The
experience will bulk your writing vitae.
Ready?
Writing for kids isn’t easier, but it is “specialer.”
Jesus wants us to
bring the children to Him . . . suffer
the little children. There’s
a crop of kids thirsty for truth.
Right now, I
am most in need of devotions and eager to read your submissions to DevoKids.
Why are you
waiting? Open your computer. You can
write for children.
Send your
submissions to: terri@devokids.com.
Terri Kelly is the Editor
of www.DevoKids.com,
and works with a staff of writers who keep DevoKids alive and well on the web.
She also serves as a staff writer for www.ChristianDevotions.us
and is a featured faculty member at conferences, teaching the art of writing
for children. She has a Masters Degree in
Education and is published in Spirit and Heart: A
Devotional Journey and Faith and Family: A Devotional Pathway for Families.
