(from Wendy, age 12)
Dear Wendy,
You’ve asked very thoughtful questions and perhaps you’re facing the same ones. I started to write after putting together a little book for my first grandchild’s fourth birthday. It consisted of a poem I wrote and illustrated with drawings I’d admired for a long time. I had never done anything like this before and fell in love with the process. A friend told me to take a class at UCLA in writing for children. I did and started my first book, “Dar and the Spear-Thrower,” in my first class. I had no idea of whether or not I could actually write, but I loved trying and have never stopped. Writing involves so many things: finding a subject you love (important!), learning to accept comments from people you trust, listening to your own reactions to your work and changing things if it doesn’t seem right to you. It sounds like you’re beginning to move into a long and satisfying activity. Have courage!
Sincerely,
Marjorie Cowley
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