** Jumpstart Your Career by Asking "Why?" ** by Laura Backes,

Publisher of Childrens Book Insider, the Newsletter for
Childrens Writers

When developing a story or article, writers learn to incorporate
the "who," "when," "where," and "how." But what almost always gets
overlooked is the "why." Without examining why a story takes
place, or why an article would be of interest to the readers , the
entire writing experience might be a fruitless exercise.

Why this character?

At a writing conference I once critiqued a manuscript featuring a
character in a situation where you wouldnt normally expect to
find him. When I wondered why he was there, the author answered,
"He just is." "But how did he get there?" I asked. "One of the
other characters put him there," the author stated. "Why?" I
pushed. The author didnt have an answer.

If you arbitrarily think it would be cute to have a monkey, a
doll, or a policeman as your storys protagonist, the readers
not going to care unless it makes sense to have that character
inhabit your particular plot. And if a monkey shows up where he
shouldnt be--at school, for instance--why hes there has to be
an integral part of the story. But more than that, the reader has
to understand why this monkey is suddenly sitting in a first grade
classroom. Whats unique about the character that makes him the
only monkey who could possibly appear in this book?

Why this story?

Just as important as knowing why your character inhabits your
book is data why this character experiences the conflict
or problem that fuels the plot. Your readers have to believe this
protagonist would encounter these obstacles, and not be able to
resolve the problem in a few lines of text. Not every child is
afraid of the dark, so if your character hides under the covers
when the lights are out, plant something in her personality that
causes this behavior.

How the plot conflict is resolved also harks back to "why." Why
does your character take these particular steps, instead of an
easier or more understandible route, to reach his target ? What fears,
hang-ups or quirks does the character have to overcome to get
what he desire? Would a child understand and care about these
traits? Have you laid the groundwork in the start of the
story so the reader believes the character could not possibly act
any other way, thus never forcing the readers to question you in
the first place?

Why this article?

Virtually any nonfiction topic can hold a childs interest if
its presented in the right way. But first inquire of yourself why
youre writing this article or book. Does it have a direct
application to the experiences of your readers? Can it tie in
with what theyre learning in school? Will it enrich their lives
in some way? If your motivations are clear, then take a hard look
at your audience. Why would kids this age be interested in this
topic? How may you present the material in a distingguished way thats
entertaining as well as informative? If you find youre working
hard to shape the understanding to fit a defined audience or
format, perhaps you positive need to rethink your approach. Maybe youre
trying to write too young, and the subject really requires an
older readers . Or perhaps you assume middle graders will be
fascinated with an animal alphabet book, but after researching
other ABC books on the sell , you learn theyre really distinctive
to much younger children.