Do They Really Want to Hear My Voice?

Whose voice is heard by middle grade readers in their choice of fiction? Again,the problem of colliding generations surfaces. As a classroom teacher, I was always on the lookout for fiction that would engage preteen readers immediately, but would offer opportunities for meaningful discussion: the kinds of literature that, when selected by young people for their own personal reading, would have an enduring message subtly forged by action and realistic dialogue.

So, how does an occasionally croaky-voiced grandmother write fiction like that? Personally, I have found a satisfactory solution by breaking one of the cardinal rules of writing; I ask my son to read the work and "today it up." It's interesting that the very contrast in lifestyles that polarized us during his teen years, now brings our worlds together. He teaches me words like blogosphere and legit. In return, I teach him that age has nothing at all to do with chasing dreams.

Baby Boomers and Blogs

Can (or should) a retired teacher and juvenile fiction author seek entry to the blogging world? At a writing conference last spring, presenter Tom Britt assured me that, indeed, I would be welcomed in this arena. So here we are at the meeting of two diverse worlds. I'm reminded of the commercial for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that aired several years ago: chocolate and peanut butter, two separate tastes coming together in an accidental meeting that opened the door to unexplored opportunities.

We'll see what comes of this new meeting. Some of you will find courage to jump in. You'll be challenged to top this early effort in your own inaugural blog thinking, "Surely I can do better than that!" Others of you will be confirmed in your resolve to stay out of places you don't belong.

If nothing else, I hope you'll visit A Summoning Stone's website. That one is a little more sophisticated and offers classroom teachers, as well as juvenile fiction readers some free downloads and great information!