As part of the #BlogchatterWritFest, Blogchatter hosted a discussion with Aditi Krishna Kumar on the topic of writing for children. Aditi, who works in the finance industry in Singapore, is a renowned author and winner of the prestigious  Award in 2016 for her book “Codex.” She has also been recognized for her debut book “A Whole Summer Long,” which was shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award in 2014. Her titles include “The Magician Murder in Melucha” and “Miracles for the Maharaja.”

Differentiating Books for Children and Adults

During the discussion, the question arose about how books for children differ from those written for adults, and what factors should be considered when crafting stories for children. Aditi emphasized that children’s books should not shy away from difficult subjects, as they serve as a means for children to explore the world and discover new things. She highlighted that children’s books often contain more joy and a sense of wonder, which is a unique aspect of writing for young readers.

Determining the Target Age Group for a Book

Regarding the process of determining the target age group for a book, Aditi mentioned that she usually writes the story first and then allows the editor and publishers to decide which age group the book will be aimed at. However, she emphasized that well-written children’s books can also be enjoyed by adults, and the distinction lies in ensuring the content is appropriate for children while still being engaging and relatable.

Creating Memorable and Relatable Characters for Children

When it comes to creating memorable characters that children can relate to, Aditi shared her approach of allowing the characters to have their own lives and imperfections. She acknowledged the importance of capturing the social awkwardness that children often experience when interacting with the adult world. By portraying characters who feel similar emotions and challenges as children, a deeper connection can be established. Aditi also revealed that she prefers to provide minimal physical descriptions of characters, allowing children to interpret and imagine them in their own unique way.

“You should let characters have flaws… letting them know that the characters also feel the things they feel.”

Addressing Sensitive Social Issues in Children’s Books

Addressing sensitive social issues in children’s books, Aditi emphasized the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the subject matter to avoid misinformation. She encouraged writers not to shy away from tackling controversial topics, acknowledging that controversy may arise but emphasizing the need to stand by one’s beliefs. Aditi advised writers to choose a specific social issue to address in their book rather than trying to cover all issues at once, allowing for a more focused and impactful approach.

Nurturing Writing Habits in Children Through Role Modeling

When it comes to nurturing writing habits in children, Aditi emphasized the role of role modeling. Children tend to imitate what they see their parents or guardians doing, so actively engaging in writing and reading can inspire children to develop similar habits. By demonstrating a genuine enjoyment of these activities, parents can encourage their children to be a part of the writing and reading world.

“Children’s writing is also getting more recognition, which is also great.”

In conclusion, Aditi expressed her excitement about the evolving landscape of children’s writing in India. She highlighted the increasing diversity and recognition of children’s literature, as well as the availability of better platforms for showcasing these works. Aditi also addressed the notion that writing for children is considered typical and stressed the appeal of fantasy elements in children’s stories, allowing them to explore philosophical questions in a more accessible manner. She shared insights into her book “Manikoil,” explaining how she created a fictional setting based on real-life experiences to provide both freedom in storytelling and a connection to reality.

The discussion with Aditi Krishna Kumar shed light on the nuances of writing for children and offered valuable insights for both aspiring and established writers in the genre.