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Guest Post
Guest Post by Carole P. Roman for J.R.’s Book Reviews
The benefits of writing a children’s book versus writing for adults or teens.
Thirty-eight years ago I went to a party that had a renowned fortuneteller. My greatest ambition was to be an author. I wanted to write the great American novel. It was my dream. I imagined myself being interviewed, signing my thick book with its ragged edged paper. I had the whole thing envisioned. It was going to be everybody’s beach read. The most talked about book of the year. I had written a romance novel and was trying to get it published. I remember the seer stroked my palm and said to ask her the question. I asked if I was going to get published. She looked at me thoughtfully, then after a long pause, said yes, but not now and not the way you are thinking.
I was crushed. I left sad, but it didn’t’ last. I got busy with other things and forgot about this incident. I never really thought about it until a short time ago, when I counted all forty-seven of my books on Amazon. I sat back with a surprised huff. I did get published. I went the nontraditional route and was able to put out four diverse series on what I like, for an audience that seems to be really enjoying it.
Many people feel that if it’s not a novel with a lovesick vampire or a precocious wizard it doesn’t count. Well, I’m here to say, it does. Children let me know what they like and don’t like. Their honesty, hearing that they love the books, particularly the non-fiction, that it opened new vistas and ideas for them is the most rewarding feeling in the world. Many don’t even realize that they are learning something. Parents say they not only enjoyed the content but discovered something new as well, and that is icing on the cake for me.
I am proud of the work I’ve put out. Teachers, children, and parents are opening discussions about culture and customs. Books I’ve written about Mars, or pirates, and trips into space awakens young imaginations, maybe even inspiring a future explorer or scientist. Some of my books teach coping skills, or touch on hot subjects like learning disabilities, bullying, peer pressure, and stranger danger. I’ve done a series on history as well as a book insuring girls can understand how empowered they are and the sky’s the limit.
Writing for children is a responsibility that I take seriously. I’m hoping to leave a mark on these young minds that will help shape the future in a positive way. Would I trade it for that NY Times Bestseller that everybody will carry to the beach or train? Nope, I don’t think so. I think I hit the sweet spot and don’t plan to ever leave.
Giveaway
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A copy of If You Were Me and Lived On … Mars, autographed by Carole P. Roman
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A Stomp Rocket: Ultra LED set
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A bonus autographed picture book selected from one of the 35+ books written by Carole P. Roman
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A copy of If You Were Me and Lived On … Mars, autographed by Carole P. Roman
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A bonus autographed picture book selected from one of the 35+ books written by Carole P. Roman
J.R.'s Book Reviews 