Book Review: Master the Art of Writing
How to Master the Art of Writing Children’s Books
Written by: Bobbie Hinman
Publication: Best Fairy Books 2021
Bonnie Hinman has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Children’s Literature. She is the author of a fairy series which includes 5 picture books that have garnered a total 28 awards.
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Author Bonnie Hinman begins her book How to Master the Art of Writing Children’s Books by saying this:
“Yes, writing is an art, and as with any other art, hard work and determination are required if you wish to achieve success.”
I feel like this quote sets the tone for this book which looks at the hard work involved along the entire process involved in writing kidlit. Bonnie Hinman starts with the necessary basics of writing for children. In fact, the book starts with such basic information, that I, mistakenly, thought at first that this book was intended only for very beginning writers. However, the author goes in-depth on topics at every stage of the book writing process. She takes you from story conception through revision and includes many important reminders along the way.
Hinman spends the first few chapters of her book going through the very beginning of the writing process — knowing your audience. How do you determine what audience you should write for? First, analyze your purpose for writing for children. Next, gain a true understanding of the different levels of children’s books. Once you figure out your target age range, research that group and find out what (and how) they like to read. The author offers insight into each of the age groups.
Once you’ve become an expert on your target audience, it’s time to come up with a story they want to read. Not all story ideas make good books. Hinman suggests ways for us to test our ideas.
Hinman continues her look at the foundations of good writing by defining the basics of story structure. She includes many examples and useful tips.
“The reader needs to feel the tension mounting and anxiously anticipate what will happen next.”
Hinman spends several chapters reminding us to choose our words carefully when crafting our stories. She cautions about vocabulary level, the use of figures of speech, and word choice in general.
Hinman includes other helpful chapters on things like character development, present tense vs. past tense, and point of view.
The part of Hinman’s book that most excited me was her section on rhyme. We all know that children love books told in rhyme. Those of us who have been to at least one writing seminar also know that editors HATE bad rhyme. So we are always cautioned to not write in rhyme unless we really know what we’re doing.
Of all the books I’ve read on the craft of writing, this is the only one I’ve seen that actually teaches how to create good rhyme. Hinman spends several chapters explaining different kinds of rhyme and meter that are common in children’s books. I learned lots of new words like “anapestic dimeter.”
After her deep dive on rhyme and rhythm, the author continues outlining the important steps of the writing process. She discusses revision, beta readers, and the editing.
In my opinion, Hinman’s book would prove useful both to beginning kidlit writers as well as seasoned pros who are looking for fresh reminders and more instruction on rhyme and meter.
I’ll close with some of Hinman’s final thoughts.
“Find joy in being creative…Always write from your heart.”
Update: I have since read the revised edition of Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul which does contain a chapter on creating rhyme.
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Happy Writing!
