| 4RV ~ April - May 2008 Newsletter Page 2 |
| Writing for Young People (especially reluctant readers) by Vivian Zabel The major components of any writing that keeps the interest of readers of any age include a compelling story (plot), believable characters, action, and conflict. Young readers want and need the same components in what they read, only written on their level. Some children and teens don’t enjoy reading, even actively dislike reading. Several reasons exist for this problem, and it is a problem since the non- readers of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. What are some of the reasons, and what can help solve the problem? A child never learned to read, or learned just part of the process, doesn’t like to read. The struggle and failure causes him not to try. The child has a learning problem. Dyslexia is just one possible obstacle that keeps a child from being able to read. Books and other reading material wasn’t encouraged in the home. A child who reads observed parents and older siblings reading, and his parents read to him from the time he was an infant. When books and reading aren’t part of a child’s life at home, it isn’t a part of his life outside of home. The child isn’t a verbal learner. People learn in different ways, such as verbal (must see and/or read to learn), audio (must hear to understand), and/or kinetic (must do and experience to learn). A non-verbal learner has less interest in reading because he has trouble assimilating information through the written word. Helping a non-verbal learner read better is another topic to be covered another time. How to write for young people who are reluctant readers – add another component to the list of what’s needed for all young people: compelling story, believable characters, action, conflict, plus interesting format. Block after block of nothing but words frightens non-readers. Breaking up the many pages of words with a few illustrations helps make reading more interesting – to readers of all ages. Therefore, sprinkling a few illustrations throughout a book for young people helps make it more interesting for readers. The main ingredient for works young people will read and enjoy is good writing. Without the content well prepared, even the best format won’t help keep the interest of readers. However, with good content and interesting format (illustrations), even a reluctant reader’s interest can be captured and held. |
| OWFI Conference The Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Inc. yearly writing conference finished on a high note. So much happened: well known authors such as J.A. Jance and CJ Lyons; appointments and sessions with agents and editors; banquets and awards; visits with friends and meeting new ones; a long leisurely lunch with Holly Jahangiri before taking her to the air port. More information will follow in the next newsletter and more photos can be found on pages 3 and 4. |
| Team Trockle at the OWFI Autograph Party: Vivian Zabel, Holly Jahangiri, Jordan M. Vinyard, Jacque Graham |
| Midnight Hours -2nd Place in Mystery/Spense |
| Holly Jahangiri, Jordan Vinyard, Vivian Zabel, author CJ Lyons, and Jacque Graham |
As J. A. Jance
signed books,
she visited
with each
person. She's
friendly,
helpful, and an
interesting
person. She
was the
keynote
speaker at the
Friday night
banquet.
signed books,
she visited
with each
person. She's
friendly,
helpful, and an
interesting
person. She
was the
keynote
speaker at the
Friday night
banquet.
| Copyright by 4RV Publishing LLC |