Writing for the Young and Young at Heart

I read this quote today on Twitter: No book is worth reading at the age of 10 which is not equally– & often far more worth reading at age 50 & beyond"— C.S. Lewis

It struck me for a couple of reasons. First, I started thinking about how we are trained as writers with regard to marketing. We are supposed to target a particular buying audience and I still believe that's a good thing and totally necessary. However, some books we treasure really are great for more than one age group. Think about your books for a moment, can a parent get as much joy out of reading as the child gets from hearing? Can kids and parents both read it and discuss it (I know it happened with Harry Potter and now Twilight). If not, it might be something to shoot for. If it does, make sure your blurbs, testimonials say so. It might be just the nudge you need to get a buyer to say yes.

Second, I have always loved really good children's books. You know the kind when you see the title or the picture on the cover at the store you just have to stop and check it out? Most are only 32 pages, but many spark more inspiration or provide more enjoyment than books 10x as long.

How about you, have you read anything lately just for the pure joy of the illustrations or the simple story, just like a child would? If not, I say do it on your next trip to the store. Your stressed out, super-stuffed, hectic adult life will thank you for it.

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett