WRITING IN RHYME

Have you ever thought of writing a children’s picture book in rhyme? There are so many of them out there but how do you write them? Do you just write a poem? I’ve been looking into this and found some information on writing in rhyme for children.

 

First have a children’s story idea. It can be what a child is thinking about when he’s supposed to be doing his homework, the vacation he took last year, sled riding or any other thought that a child would think. You might want to write a child’s mystery or maybe a fantasy with unicorns, evil witches and good wizards. Where do you go from here? Take a sheet of paper from your notebook. Write down words that have something to do with your idea. Leave space under these words. You’re going to need it. Next, write down words that rhyme with the words you’ve already written down. It doesn’t matter if they stay with the subject at all. You might not use them all. Now, what?

 

Start with a good hook. That’s right. Just like in any good story written in prose, you have to have a good hook at the beginning. The subject of your rhyming story should be memorable and one your reader will want to revisit. Who doesn’t remember Mary and her lamb? There’s a whole story in that nursery rhyme. Just like a story in prose, use strong adjectives and verbs so your reader can visualize what’s happening. Kids like repetition. Use a meter in your rhyming story. What’s meter?

 

Meter is the rhythm that’s in every good poem or rhyming story. For more information on meter, please watch this video:

 

Here’s a poem that my friend, wrote. Note the way he handled the description and meter:

 

 

THE STAR TREKKING SHOOTING STAR

 

“Where do all the stars come from?”

Tracy asked her brother.

He is eight and knows so much

of one thing or another.

 

“I think they’re ‘specially made,” he said.

“Somewhere in the sky.

Where they’re brushed with silver paint

And spread around to dry.”

 

“And what about the shooting star,

With it’s fiery tail?”

“I’d say it’s carrying messages

or delivering the mail.”

 

“How is it the moon never keeps

 its’ smooth round face?”

“It probably bumps into stars

On its way through space.”

 

“And how is it the sun can stay

All day so nice and warm and bright?”

“That’s because it’s batteries

Get recharged at night.”

 

“You know a lot,” she said with pride.

“It’s true, you really do.

I hope when I’m eight years old,

I’ll know as much as you!”

 

Can’t you see in your minds’ eye, Tracy and her big brother having a conversation while they watch the stars? Notice the sing–song meter and the satisfying ending to the conversation? So, get your paper, pens out or boot up those computers and try your hand at this. Young children just love stories in rhyme!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORY IDEA?

Hi everyone. This week I'm going to write a different kind of article. Let's call this article interactive.

I've recently picked up my crochet hook recently, noticed how almost everyone has gotten into it, and that got me to thinking. Would crocheting be a good story idea for children? I remembered the news reports on TV about children crocheting for others. I've also seen videos about it on Facebook. I've even found three kids crochet groups on Facebook! I also wondered why a hobby that used to be known as a grandmother's hobby has suddenly made a comeback. It has really made a comeback too, thanks to Gen Z! Here's a YouTube video explaining why.

Here are three crochet groups that accept both beginner crochet kids or adults:

           1 Crocheting with White Owl

                2 Crochet for Beginners

           3 Crochet Beginners 101

So, now you see how the crochet hobby is picking up and it's no longer a 'grandma thing'. So, what do you think? Would it make a good story idea? Please let me know in the comments.

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WRITE?

Some people say that you should write seven days a week until you get to a certain word count. They also claim that writers should use a flexible schedule. Then again, others say that you should only write when the muse inspires you. Do I do any of these? Yes. Should you or I? Yes.

I’ve found that I do best when I use the flexible schedule. I may or may not get some writing done on Saturdays depending on what my health allows. By doing a process of elimination and listening to my body, I’ve found it pays off for me to take Sunday off. After all, it is the day of rest. I do have to admit that there are Sundays when I’m on the computer writing away. That’s when I’m under a deadline.

It's been proven that like other muscles in your body, your brain needs a rest too. Science has found that you’ll be more creative and productive. The trick here is---again---to listen to your body. Your body will tell you when to give your brain a rest. Giving your brain a rest is taking time away from your writing and do anything that doesn’t concern writing. Don’t forget exercising and meditation. This helps immensely and even helps you with if you have writer’s block! But how do you know when to give you brain a rest?

Do you know the feeling you get when you’re so sleepy that you can hardly hold your eyes open?  You’re getting a message here from the brain to take a break. When you keep right on writing and get exhausted, tired, I-can’t-move-another-finger-on-the-keyboard feeling? Your body is screaming at you to stop! So, how do you rest your brain?

I know that the first thing that’s comes to mind is taking a nap. Believe it or not, that is a way! So are needlework, woodworking, going to the gym, watching movies, reading, or listening to an audiobook, cooking, or any other hobby. When the weather is nice, I like to take a walk and visit friends. The key here is to do what you like where it doesn’t involve your writing words. Don’t forget daily exercise and meditation.

Try the meditation video below called, Meditation for Writers: Meet Your Muse. Just sit in your desk chair, close your eyes, and focus on the music. I guarantee that you’ll feel 100% better!

You Tube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqXl9W-F1jM

In short, how many days a week should you write? That’s completely up to your body. Try the different types of schedules above and your body will tell you!

Elves For A Day               

Where Can We Have The Party?