Writers on Writing is our regular conversation with a writer or industry professional about the writing craft, industry insights, and their own practice. This week, we spoke to Aleesah Darlison about using literary devices in writing for children and the opportunity to explore wonderment and magic in children’s books.
Do children’s writers need to have children in their lives in order to write convincingly and engagingly for this market?
It’s definitely not a prerequisite, but sometimes it can help when getting character and dialogue spot on for modern readers. The other alternative is to dig deep into your own memories and experiences as a child and go from there. We’ve all been children and a writer’s own childhood can be a rich source of inspiration.
From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, beloved children’s books often feature ‘ordinary’ children in extraordinary circumstances. How important is a sense of wonderment and possibility in children’s writing?
I think it’s essential. Children still believe in so many wonderful and magical things and in stories writers can make anything happen. Why wouldn’t you want to explore the remarkable when you have such freedom to bring whatever your heart desires to life for others to share and enjoy with you? Children are on the cusp of their lives, they’re only just setting out on their own grand adventures. To offer possibility and hope in our stories can inspire and empower children for the rest of their lives. What an honour for a writer to have this chance.
What should writers of children’s fiction be aware of when considering sharing and discussing their work?
At first, be satisfied to work on the story by yourself and only share it or the concept behind it with a few trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors who will support and guide you if and when necessary. Only share the story with a wider group once it’s fully developed, when you feel it’s the best it can be and when it’s truly ready to go out into the world.
Never rush a story or a submission! Likely, you’ll receive varied feedback and it’s impossible to implement all that varied feedback, so trust your own instincts (which can take a while to develop) and those who have experience with writing and publishing.
How can an understanding of literary techniques elevate the work of a children’s book writer?
The way we put words together on a page – the way we ‘weave’ a story – can influence and delight our readers. It’s our job as authors to ensure that we use every word, every technique at our disposal to tell our story in the most skilful, entertaining way. If we pull it off, our story inevitably becomes that much more enjoyable, impactful, and memorable. Using literary devices in our writing takes it to THE NEXT LEVEL.
What literary devices do you turn to in your own practice to make your writing stand out from the crowd?
Oh, there are so many to choose from! Alliteration. Onomatopoeia. Characterisation. Juxtaposition. Rhyme. Repetition… The trick is knowing which technique to use at the right time. To write with skill, yet to also show restraint. When I’m writing for children, I love using hyperbole to add a dash of humour and to get a giggle out of my readers. Oh, and … suspense … that’s also a fabulous technique to draw a reader in too. Like I said, there are so many literary devices to choose from and it’s always a good idea to try different ones one with different pieces of writing. Practice does make perfect.
Aleesah Darlison is an internationally published, award-winning Australian author of over 65 books for children. She is known for her books that champion the cause of animals and the environment and for her stories that empower children.
Aleesah has won or been shortlisted for many awards including the Book Excellence Awards, the Environment Award for Children’s Literature, the CBCA Awards, and the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards. In 2021, she was awarded an Australia Day honour from the Sunshine Coast Council.
Aleesah has previously served as Panel Chair and Judge for three years for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards (Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature) and as a Director of the Writing NSW Kids & YA Festival. Aleesah’s titles include the League of Llamas series, the Super Sloth series, the Space Kids series, the Endangered Animal Tales series, Puggle’s Problem, Warambi, The Dream Bird, Little Good Wolf, and Running from the Tiger.
When Aleesah isn’t writing or dreaming up ideas for new stories, she can usually be found speaking at schools, libraries, and literary festivals promoting literacy and inspiring children to read. More details at: www.aleesahdarlison.com.
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