Write Like a Dinosaur
While doing research for my latest children’s devotional book, “Dinosaur Devotions: 75 Dino Discoveries, Bible Truths, Fun Facts, and More!” (Tommy Nelson), I realized that children’s writers can learn a lot from our dinosaur friends, so here are a few of my “Dino Do’s” for my fellow children’s writers.
Do be like a Compsognathus (comp-sog-NAYTH-us)—This little dinosaur, about the size of a chicken, didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Though he chased after and munched on small prey, he sometimes watched and waited and let the more powerful predators kill unsuspecting dinos, and then the Compsognathus would sneak in and snack on the dead animals. It’s not that this dino was lazy; it was just smart.
What does this mean to you?
- Find a mentor text. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Learn from those who have already written an amazing book on the topic (in the genre) that you are desiring to write.
- Be inspired by those who’ve gone before you. Don’t copy but imitate greatness.
Do be like a Corythosaurus (ko-RITH-o-SORE-us)—The Corythosaurus had exceptional eyesight and hearing.
And you’ll have to as well if you’re going to keep children entertained, engaged, and reading.
- Listen to how children talk.
- Watch how they move and interact with the world around them.
- Make sure you use all of your senses when sharing your stories.
Do be an Amargasaurus (ah-MARG-uh-SORE-us)—The Amargasaurs lived in a dry, hot environment, and scientists believe it might have used its sails to cool off when it became overheated.
When you see books in the marketplace that don’t reflect your values and that makes you angry, cool off like the Amargasaurus and…write something just as cute that showcases your beliefs.
Do be like a Edmontonia (ED-mon-TONE-ee-ah)—This dinosaur was a bulky, armored, tank-like dinosaur. It was covered in bony plates, and along its sides were large spikes. You might say he was heavily armored and protected.
The Edmontonia had very thick skin. You’ll have to guard your heart and feelings if you are in this publishing world very long.
- Rejection letters pave the road to publication.
- Remember why you’re writing. Remember that if God called you, He will equip you. And, remember that a bad review isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, controversy often brings publicity which almost always increases sales.
Do be like a Utahraptor (Yoo-tah-RAP-tor)—Not much was known about the Utahraptor because so few bones of the large raptor had ever been found. But, that all changed in 2014 when the bones of six Utahraptors were found together on a mountain in the State of Utah. Finding so many Utahraptor skeletons together made experts believe these dinosaurs stayed together and probably hunted in packs.
Like the Utahraptors needed each other to survive and thrive, so do we.
- Join a critique group—but not just any critique group. If you mostly write picture books, then join a critique group with other picture book writers because someone who specializes in YA probably won’t provide as much helpful feedback.
- Network with anyone and everyone you encounter because you never know who might be a source for your next story or a future publishing contact.
- Connect with other children’s writers on social media and exchange ideas. Share each other’s blogs. Promote each other’s work. Celebrate each other’s awards. Engage with your online communities and grow that platform together.
Do be like a Shantungosaurus (shan-TUNG-oh-SORE-us)—While it seemed physically impossible due to this dino’s size, the Shantungosaurus was able to stand on its back legs and actually run.
How does this apply to you? You’ll have to do what might seem like “the impossible” to get published in the children’s market, but you can do it!
- Just don’t give up.
- Create habits that breed success.
- Hang out with people who are better than you.
- Attend writers conferences.
- Take online classes and keep learning the craft.
So, be like a dinosaur and grow your writing career as big as a Patagotitan.
Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author of over 90 books with close to 4 million sold. Her many journalism and book awards include top honors from the Associated Press, AWSA’s Golden Scroll for Best Children’s Book, and the Selah Award for Best Children’s Book. Michelle currently serves as President of Platinum Literary Services, a premier full-service literary firm; Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Serious Writer, Inc.; and a much sought-after speaker at writers conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States.
When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing and cheering on the Indiana University Basketball team, the Chicago Cubbies, and the LA Kings.
Michelle is celebrating the recent release of her books, Get Your Spirit On!, Fabulous & Focused, Dinosaur Devotions, and C Is for Christmas, and she’s anticipating the upcoming release of What Is America? (Worthy Kids) and They Call Me Mom (Kregel), a devotional book she co-authored with Bethany Jett.
