It is always amazing to me how kids can understand and articulate things about books that some adult writers NEVER GET. Tink has started a new series, called "Writers And How They Write." Here's the first installment:
Yup. Conflict and character motivation summed up in 34 words by a second grader.
Tink would like me to point out that she knows how to spell all those words, but "it's not really that important to get everything perfect in a first draft." Which is, of course, lesson number 2.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Writing truths by Tink
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15 comments:
1st of all, the penmanship is amazing. 2nd of all, most college students haven't grasped that concept. Wow! Tink is a genius! Luv it!
Perfect!
Ever worry that your kid is actually the genius writer, not you? I watch my 15-year-old sitting down and writing a novel (something I only thought about at his age) and see that as my future. ;)
That is fantastic -- and better than a lot of my students' stuff (and they're an average of 15 years older).
My kids frequently talk about plot holes, suspension of disbelief, unsympathetic protagonists, and unlikeable characters. Writers' kids have a definite advantage here!
Can she edit, too?
Diane T, every single day. Also, she tells me things like, last night, when I was complaining my book isn't working, "Well, you write it. And then when I am older I will write it better."
Update for everyone: this morning, I told Tink I had published this here (I asked permission yesterday). She said, "Are you good at remembering those things?" I was forced to admit that while I am good about conflict, the lesson about the first draft not having to be perfect is very hard for me. "Well, Mama," she said. "You are not so good at plot either."
She went on to clarify that she said this because I am always complaining I don't know what should happen. But still. Sigh.
Wow! Tink is one incredible girl.
That is absolutely PRECIOUS!!!
Love this.
You should frame it and put it in your writing cubby! :)
What was it I said on Facebook? Jim Thorp sometimes reads things that makes him doubt his writing prowess.
Um, yeah.
How come a second-grader gets it, but it can be so hard for the rest of us? :-)
Vivian & Larissa, thanks. I think so :)
WordWrangler, I am thinking of having it tattooed on my forehead for when I'm muddling through a plot problem.
Thorp, remember what I said back...
Anna, I know. She makes it seem so easy.
holy moses, that kid just cracked me open like an eg! so THAT"S how it's done!
and speaking of first drafts, i do know how to spell egg. thank you very much.
Tink is a genius.
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