When I teach writing, I have a mantra: 'Be a first-rate version of yourself, and not a second-rate version of another writer.'
David MorrellRead
You don't need to have kids to write a good book for kids. I don't want my kids to see themselves in my books. Their lives should be their lives.
Interpretation
What this quote means
You can create impactful children's literature without being a parent, allowing kids to maintain their own unique identities.
Kevin Henkes expresses the idea that authors are not required to be parents to write compelling children's books. He emphasizes the importance of individuality, suggesting that children should experience their own lives and identities rather than see themselves shaped by the narratives created by adults. This reflects a broader notion of creativity and representation in literature, highlighting that the value of storytelling lies in its ability to inspire without imposing predetermined identities.
Themes
ChildrenIdentityCreativityWritingLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
An author might use this quote in a workshop about writing children's literature.
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