Guest Author - Lucinda Moriarty

There is no doubt that writing for today’s children is challenging. A constant stream of information bombards them every day through television, cell phones, websites and iPods. There are DVD’s that teach infants about music and math. It doesn’t help that most five-year-olds have at least a couple of years of computer experience under their belts before they walk into kindergarten.

You might be wondering if there is any future in writing for children in this tech-savvy world. Do children still read books like they used to? After all, how can mere words compete with digital pets and gun-toting video goons?

First of all, take a deep breath and relax. It is true the world we live in today is very different than when you were a child, but let me assure you that a good plot and clearly understood characters can still thrill readers of any age. If you want to be successful writing for children today, the key is to acknowledge that technology is here to stay and continue to write.

But how does one write for an audience that is becoming more and more sophisticated?

Make your writing worth the read. This seems like an obvious point, but when you are putting your words up against digital entertainment it can’t be stated too often. When you are writing your story, ask yourself if the story is compelling. Is it written in such a way to capture your reader’s attention? Can a reader see himself in your story? Can he identify with the hero?

Sometimes it is easy to forget that the nine-year-old who is programming your cell phone for you is still a child. Although she may know more about texting than you do, a well written piece about a girl’s adventurous life on a tropical island may be a concept that is brand new to her and therefore very exciting. Understand where your reader spends her day, and take her places where she has never been.

Face the digital beast head on. Learn about the newest technological developments. Incorporate technology into your plot lines if appropriate. Understand the elements that make the digital world so attractive and use it to your advantage.

For example, take a simple video game. Why does a child play it over and over again? The short list of reasons are, first, he feels a sense of accomplishment; second, he is engaged in the action; third, he has obstacles to overcome and when he overcomes them he experiences victory. And the most obvious reason of all is that it is fun. Aren’t those the same elements that exist in a well written children’s story?

Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Nothing can substitute for a strong imagination combined with good writing skills. All of the technological advances in the world cannot compete with the wonders of the world you can create. And it is your imagination that will fuel your story and bring readers back time and time again.