by Chrysa Smith
After all of these years writing children’s books, it just struck me the other day—tonight, some children, somewhere, might be falling asleep to one of my stories. Wow! That amazes and humbles me. And it got me to thinking about the very best things that come with this sometimes strange career path I’ve chosen.
- Honesty. As many elementary teachers can tell you, the honesty is priceless. Kids will tell you what they think; both good and bad–even how much older you look in person—or many times, how much they love your book! That kind of honesty is good for the soul.
- Reach. Like I said above, my work touches young minds and souls. The positive lessons contained in my books might just reinforce some of the things taught by parents: sharing, caring, adapting, trying new things…
- Inspiration. In one of my other posts, I mentioned how I had been frozen in my newest manuscript. Complete and total writer’s block. Then it struck me. With the pandemic, I haven’t been around kids—and the things you hear from kids are very inspiring, keeping me flooded with new ideas for new stories
- Youth. Writing for children never allows me to forget the joy in being one–allowing me to return to my own childhood, if just for a few pages; a few moments spent speaking with them.
- Play. As many young children, I was greatly influenced by my elementary teachers. In fact, I played teacher early on, and then later in life, on an assessment test, teaching came up as a possible career, based on my personality, interests, etc. So now, I get to play teacher during my presentations–taking the good, and saying goodbye just as a little one is fussing, others are fighting or someone simply isn’t feeling well.
This entire experience has been one crooked journey—and looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way.