Kathleen Connell
asked
James R. Hannibal:
Is it easy to go from writing books such as the Nick Baron series to your new middle school/young reader story of The Lost Property Office? How do you help transition yourself? Are there different things you do when writing different genres?
James R. Hannibal
Hi Kathleen,
Great questions. The answer to the first is both "yes" and "no."
In one regard, it was easy for me to transition from black ops thrillers to children's literature because I have always written with my sons in mind. My books for adults have no sex or foul language in them, partly because it's not in me to write that way, and partly because I knew my boys would eventually pick them up. So during the transition to an action/adventure/mystery for kids, I didn't have to worry about that part of my voice. I also managed a middle grade boys book club for the last two years, so that really helped.
Of course, there are other considerations. My wife did her undergrad work in early childhood development, so I have a great advisor. Adults have their experience to lean on as well as fully developed abstract thinking. They fill in details automatically that kids won't. In whatever genre I'm writing, I want to make sure my target audience will be able to see the picture I'm painting, without getting bogged down in too many details. It's a fine line, and the line is in a different place for kids vs. adults.
How do I transition myself? I go for VERY long walks. I will walk 6 to 10 miles each day for several days in a row, up to a week, while I reset my brain. I use the same technique from chapter to chapter on a smaller scale.
Thanks again for asking. I really appreciate the interest.
Great questions. The answer to the first is both "yes" and "no."
In one regard, it was easy for me to transition from black ops thrillers to children's literature because I have always written with my sons in mind. My books for adults have no sex or foul language in them, partly because it's not in me to write that way, and partly because I knew my boys would eventually pick them up. So during the transition to an action/adventure/mystery for kids, I didn't have to worry about that part of my voice. I also managed a middle grade boys book club for the last two years, so that really helped.
Of course, there are other considerations. My wife did her undergrad work in early childhood development, so I have a great advisor. Adults have their experience to lean on as well as fully developed abstract thinking. They fill in details automatically that kids won't. In whatever genre I'm writing, I want to make sure my target audience will be able to see the picture I'm painting, without getting bogged down in too many details. It's a fine line, and the line is in a different place for kids vs. adults.
How do I transition myself? I go for VERY long walks. I will walk 6 to 10 miles each day for several days in a row, up to a week, while I reset my brain. I use the same technique from chapter to chapter on a smaller scale.
Thanks again for asking. I really appreciate the interest.
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