Mary Kole’s WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT

While reading WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT by Mary Kole, I noticed the advice was similar to other advice that I’ve read or heard at writing conferences. But this time it was different. It was as if someone had rolled up the shade and I was blinded by enlightenment. (Please indulge me in my hyperbolic analogy.)

The same words had new meaning. There were several “aha” moments. I can only explain it by saying after years of working on my craft, attending writing conferences and intensive writing workshops, that the information gelled between knowing what one should do and knowing how to execute it. 

My word choice in that last sentence sounds like I’m killing something. A good example of voice. Or a good example of how a better chosen word would have made my point clearer and given a positive impression, such as using the word “implement.” But I don’t like the sound of implement and decided not to use it. 

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the author’s “From the Shelves sections.” For example, after reading about Show Don’t Tell, the author used several examples from published works to illustrate her points. Granted, this is a common subject in writing books and the other ones I’ve read also used examples, but these examples were longer with more explanations.  

If you’re in the market for a book on improving your craft, I would suggest adding this one to your personal library.

What writing books have you found helpful?