We all judge, and we should be able to. Judging is just an opinion based off observed behaviour. Children, are great judges- especially when it comes to character. The ‘mean author’ most likely is just lacking skills when it comes to teaching children- and children pick up on this.
I’ve seen a contingent of the Kids Lit community - and I’m referring to those who label themselves as ‘aspiring Author’ & ‘soon to be published Author’ etc- who mistakenly think this industry is about them. It’s not, it’s about kids.
Some of these creators have large online followings - but it doesn’t translate to real life on the ground. Some are all about ‘The Instagram Book Launch’ etc- but they’re not prepared to work in schools.
This is the industry we work in- you have to be able to connect with children, to engage them, to teach them. We are actually part of the Education system, and more broadly- the Communication industry. And when you study how to ACTUALLY communicate effectively- you improve the quality of what you deliver to children. A good story is not enough. You have to be able to speak in front of children & make them feel valued. Your books are a GIFT to them- as are any appearances you do at a school etc. It must be this way. If you can’t be bothered to remember your characters or engage meaningfully with kids, you’re in the wrong business. A strong online presence does not equate to this-just because you can speak well to camera, doesn’t mean you speak well publicly. And you can’t edit when you’re live- and in most cases, the opposite is true- take Andy Griffiths for eg. He is a certified ROCKSTAR live but he has a small amount of followers on Instagram ( under 8000 last time I checked.)
New Creators need to realise that a) you need to speak in schools & b) you need to be able to communicate effectively
I realised early on that I needed to upskill- I was a shy person when I started out- but I knew I had to learn how to speak publicly, and to connect with kids. Every school visit is an opportunity to practice those learned skills and to connect with your audience.
We all judge, and we should be able to- so as to hold each other accountable so that the quality of books for children, and how they are shared with children-improves.
We just need to do it in a respectful, constructive way airing on the professional over the personal. Dub Leffler
I reeled at the story of the 'mean' author and then as i read on, i could see that i, too, was judging, and the story was further on than even second-hand! But, still, it had left an awful impression with young children and for that I'm sad. How do we know it didn't turn one child off reading?? I have a toe in both eras of the publishing game and I think having books in bookshops for a lengthier time rather than the dizzying whirl-about as it is now, was a huge advantage. However, due to social media, i've attended/presented at many interstate festivals, received requests from publishers, some ongoing commissions etc. and it certainly has helped in developing friendships and networking and a greater awareness of the publishing industry.
Ooh this resonates! Thanks for your honesty. 80s author life does sound like a halcyon time in some ways and I’m forever grateful I didn’t come of age in a time of social media (and it still causes me angst and grief on the daily, don’t get me wrong) but social media has also given me so much of my nascent career - the competitions (including the one that got me my first deal), the events and speaking opportunities and most rewardingly the friendships with other creators I may never cross paths with in person. Also when I worked at a big 5 publisher and heard the higher ups wax lyrical about the 80s it sounded like it was mainly a halcyon time for white men - so all those glorious things you described would only be available to a handful. Still, a large print run an in person awards ceremony sounds nice!
I'm grateful that in 2024 children's books are still being published and read! I vividly remember a seminar I attended in 2000 that argued that
'The book is dead!' It was a frightening prophecy of the decline of the print medium.
I am self publishing my picture book this year and this process although challenging and very exciting at the same time is much more possible in 2024. So I think there is plenty to celebrate in the world of children's books.
'There is plenty to celebrate.' I love that. Thanks, Carolyn. I remember all the doom and gloom about children's books when e-books were new and you're right, they're standing strong.
Can't wait to hear about your book as it all comes together xxx
We all judge, and we should be able to. Judging is just an opinion based off observed behaviour. Children, are great judges- especially when it comes to character. The ‘mean author’ most likely is just lacking skills when it comes to teaching children- and children pick up on this.
I’ve seen a contingent of the Kids Lit community - and I’m referring to those who label themselves as ‘aspiring Author’ & ‘soon to be published Author’ etc- who mistakenly think this industry is about them. It’s not, it’s about kids.
Some of these creators have large online followings - but it doesn’t translate to real life on the ground. Some are all about ‘The Instagram Book Launch’ etc- but they’re not prepared to work in schools.
This is the industry we work in- you have to be able to connect with children, to engage them, to teach them. We are actually part of the Education system, and more broadly- the Communication industry. And when you study how to ACTUALLY communicate effectively- you improve the quality of what you deliver to children. A good story is not enough. You have to be able to speak in front of children & make them feel valued. Your books are a GIFT to them- as are any appearances you do at a school etc. It must be this way. If you can’t be bothered to remember your characters or engage meaningfully with kids, you’re in the wrong business. A strong online presence does not equate to this-just because you can speak well to camera, doesn’t mean you speak well publicly. And you can’t edit when you’re live- and in most cases, the opposite is true- take Andy Griffiths for eg. He is a certified ROCKSTAR live but he has a small amount of followers on Instagram ( under 8000 last time I checked.)
New Creators need to realise that a) you need to speak in schools & b) you need to be able to communicate effectively
I realised early on that I needed to upskill- I was a shy person when I started out- but I knew I had to learn how to speak publicly, and to connect with kids. Every school visit is an opportunity to practice those learned skills and to connect with your audience.
We all judge, and we should be able to- so as to hold each other accountable so that the quality of books for children, and how they are shared with children-improves.
We just need to do it in a respectful, constructive way airing on the professional over the personal. Dub Leffler
I reeled at the story of the 'mean' author and then as i read on, i could see that i, too, was judging, and the story was further on than even second-hand! But, still, it had left an awful impression with young children and for that I'm sad. How do we know it didn't turn one child off reading?? I have a toe in both eras of the publishing game and I think having books in bookshops for a lengthier time rather than the dizzying whirl-about as it is now, was a huge advantage. However, due to social media, i've attended/presented at many interstate festivals, received requests from publishers, some ongoing commissions etc. and it certainly has helped in developing friendships and networking and a greater awareness of the publishing industry.
Ooh this resonates! Thanks for your honesty. 80s author life does sound like a halcyon time in some ways and I’m forever grateful I didn’t come of age in a time of social media (and it still causes me angst and grief on the daily, don’t get me wrong) but social media has also given me so much of my nascent career - the competitions (including the one that got me my first deal), the events and speaking opportunities and most rewardingly the friendships with other creators I may never cross paths with in person. Also when I worked at a big 5 publisher and heard the higher ups wax lyrical about the 80s it sounded like it was mainly a halcyon time for white men - so all those glorious things you described would only be available to a handful. Still, a large print run an in person awards ceremony sounds nice!
I'm grateful that in 2024 children's books are still being published and read! I vividly remember a seminar I attended in 2000 that argued that
'The book is dead!' It was a frightening prophecy of the decline of the print medium.
I am self publishing my picture book this year and this process although challenging and very exciting at the same time is much more possible in 2024. So I think there is plenty to celebrate in the world of children's books.
'There is plenty to celebrate.' I love that. Thanks, Carolyn. I remember all the doom and gloom about children's books when e-books were new and you're right, they're standing strong.
Can't wait to hear about your book as it all comes together xxx