Routledge Write for Children

Writing for children is not about writing little stories, it is about writing big stories, shorter. Children's literature is an art form in its own right, and this book is for everyone who wants not just to write for children, but to write well for them. This short guide to creative writing for children is based on the author's own successful MA course. Andrew Melrose provides guidance on every aspect of the process of writing for children. He stresses the importance of 'writing for' the child and not 'writing to or at' them. Literacy and learning depend on writing and reading and it is therefore the responsibility of the writer to understand who they are writing for. The book is divided into four sections which cover all aspects of the writing process. This book goes far beyond the 'how to' format to help writers learn the finely balanced craft of writing for children. It will be an indispensable handbook for aspiring and practising children's authors. Review 'This is a handbook for those who aspire to write for children, for experienced writers who wish to understand the different requirements of different readerships, and for those who simply wish to learn more about the books they, their chilren or young library members are reading ... This practical up-to-date guide for writing for children, illustrated by a wealth of published and tailor-made examples, should find a place on library shelves and those of many a writer and reader.' - Orana, Australian Library and Information Association 'The book is full of good advice ... Each topic is dealt with constructively and this leads to a very useful handbook for students of creative writing and for the student who wishes to pursue any topic in depth, a bibliography is provided at the end.' - Writing in Education About the Author Andrew Melrose is Senior Lecturer at King Alfred's College, Winchester, where he runs the MA course Writing for Children. He is also a successful children's author and well known for his animation and film work.