Most of you know I left a journalism career after nearly 20 years to do something different. I became a speech therapist. I began working in various school systems and one thing I fell in love with was equipping students to tell their own stories, either by helping them learn how to articulate certain sounds or helping them understand questions, the mechanics of language and how to convey their message.
Wait, being a speech teacher isn’t your only job?
When my students find out that I’m an author, some get really excited. Several expressed their own desire to write a book. Speech therapy can use writing to teach, but I resist the temptation to over use it. Part of this is because I’m hyper aware that I may not be able to encourage them if I actually read what they wrote (I am encouraging when I read their work, but I don’t want to risk slipping into editor mode!).
So, I tell them I believe they can do it. Sometimes they ask hard questions, hard as in how do I balance truth with the firm belief their goals are realistic? I’ve been asked how hard it is to get published. I told them it there are several ways to get published, including pretty simple ways like KDP, and that getting a traditional publisher is much more difficult. They just have to decide which route they want to travel.
I also get asked if I’m rich. I laugh and tell them most people don’t actually make money from writing, but it’s fun.
Georgia Young Authors
One of the most memorable things I participated in was judging one school’s Georgia Young Author awards. Mind blown! The creative take, the delivery, and the maturity in their writing. Two stand out.
One was chaotic and all over the place about life with ADHD. The delivery, though a bit intense and confusing, was a clear picture of the ADHD mind and I loved it. I didn’t love it at first, but the more I studied it and the more I pondered on it, realized just how significant and beautiful it was.
The second froze me with the incredible detail to research. The story took place during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. I love research and can tell when someone has done their proverbial homework. The young author sprinkled descriptions through out the manuscript that were not overdone or “in your face” but highlighted that they knew the subject passionately. The student wrote with a maturity beyond their middle school years. I wish I knew who wrote it because we will see them on bookshelves in the future.
Judging the GAYA awards, even on a school level, reassured me that the writing craft is in good hands and I try to treat every young author like they will be the next J.K. Rowling or Suzanne Collins. I want to be their biggest cheerleader.
Why?
Because I did not receive that cheerleader support as a young author when my fifth grade teacher called me out. She criticized my entry for the Lt. Governor’s Award in Writing in front of the whole class. I loved this teacher (and continued to love her) so I hope she did this because she saw potential and understood my obstinate “I’ll show you” attitude. I rewrote the paper, developed the characters and plot more, used correct formatting (this was all hand written back in the day) and resubmitted.
I won.
But I’m not a fan of negative motivation. Kids today are dealing with too much stuff to be criticized publicly. Too many deal with adult issues and need honest, solid support outside of their home.
If there is a young author in your life, encourage them. Meet them where they are because the serious ones will ask for your honest feedback. Give it them with a ton of encouragement and watch what happens.