Writing with Children: Hint #3

If you can't beat 'em...join 'em.

Only, today I suggest it's the children who need to be doing the joining...not you, the writer.  I mean if writing is so exciting, then why aren't we including the children in our activities???

Because we want quiet time. Time to think. Aloooooone time. Um, folks? You have children. Leave the fantasy world to your imagination and books and look at the real world for a moment. Yeah, I know...it's a little scary. But not so bad if you take a step back. *whoops, watch out for the--sorry, you okay?*

So, okay, sometimes it's a little noisy, but then I personally work better with a little noise.  Too little and my romance feels like a zombie apocalypse in waiting.

Seriously.

So how do I get them involved, You ask? They don't even WANT to write! Good grief, one of mine can't even hold their own pen. How do you suggest I get them to join me?

So. Glad. You. Asked.

• Coloring books
• Blank paper
• Have them make their own book! using a $4 combination writing/illustration journal just for kids. 
• Books on tape/cd. In fact, I've read some of my children's favorite books onto tape/cd so they could read along with MY voice (while I'm busy doing something else--like writing). 
• Record your children reading their favorite book, then play it back to them. They're a STAR!!!
• Teenagers can offer some remarkably good fodder. Especially if you're writing for them. It doesn't get any better than real life, folks. So, interview your teens.  You may be surprised by what you learn...and how eager they are to share (and not just because you may put it in your book). 

A little planning can go a long way into giving you the time you need to write. Plus we want our children to appreciate our talent, which means that we need to give them reminders of what it is we're doing and why (aside of being the awesome parent we are).

Books are awesome. Important. Just like our children. You CAN do both.

Happy Writing...with children.