In a world where storytelling is revered as a timeless art form, empowering young children to become published authors is a transformative and enriching experience with far-reaching benefits. From fostering creativity and confidence to instilling a lifelong love of learning, the journey of young authors offers a myriad of valuable lessons and opportunities for personal growth.
In today's age of information overload, preserving authentic learning experiences is crucial. Encouraging children of the age 10-15 years to articulate their perspectives can serve as a powerful tool to positively encourage social emotional learning, enhance empathy, nurture diversity, and instil self-belief. The nature of stories is such that it serves as a conduit for children to highlight the everyday challenges that they encounter, elucidating their emotional and psychological impact. Young authors often draw from their own experiences and perspectives to create stories that resonate with young readers. In the narrative crafted by a child, one often finds ingenious solutions to complex issues, offering a refreshing simplicity.
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Author In Me is one of the pioneers in recognising the importance of and power of publishing books by young authors. Having published thirty-five novellas and picture books under our imprint ‘Young Voices’, we have witnessed the positive impact it has in enhancing a child’s confidence, happiness, self-belief, and expression. From brainstorming and drafting to editing and revising, writing a book requires patience, perseverance, and critical thinking — skills that are essential for success in both academic and professional settings. Moreover, through the publishing process, children learn the value of hard work, resilience, and self-discipline, laying the foundation for future academic and career achievements.
With social media becoming a sought-after medium to express opinion, giving a child a space to participate in the world of books can open the doors for constructive creative expression. This is especially true for culturally diverse children who sometimes find it challenging to express and integrate. Having a young author as a role model can be a powerful catalyst, inspiring children to not only engage with literature but also get an understanding of the diverse world they live in.
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In the fast-changing dynamic publishing industry, maybe the now has come to take the young authors seriously and give their books a space in the aisles of bookshops. A small step in this direction may carve way of changing the tapestry of publishing industry. Every year the annual AIM Literary Festival by Author In Me provides a platform for young authors to showcase their books and interact with established authors and Children’s Laureate. In 2023, the festival introduced a prototype bookshelf, StoryGarden, which showcased books by diverse authors collated from publishers and authors from all over the globe. A major section of StoryGarden showcased books by young authors which were particularly popular with the young readers who found them both engaging and entertaining.
It’s imperative to note that encouraging children to publish books is not intended to compete with the established and vibrant children’s book publishing market. Some of the finest stories for children have been penned by adults, seamlessly resonating with young readers. Books authored by children will further enrich this market. Throughout history, books have shaped new perspectives and questioned norms. When women writers emerged, they became a powerful medium for expressing opinions and sharing their worldview with the world. Similarly, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and publishing their work can be a revolutionary step in the publishing world.
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Seeing their names in print and holding a tangible copy of their book instils a sense of pride and accomplishment, boosting a child’s self-confidence and belief in their abilities. At AIM, we have observed that the process of seeing an idea develop into a book gives children an insight about the behind-the scenes of the myriad skills involved in making a book. This experiential learning exercise opens a child’s mind to the career options available alongside developing a respect for the art of bookmaking. Additionally, this newfound confidence extends beyond the realm of writing, empowering children to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and take on new opportunities with courage and determination.
In conclusion I would like to reinforce that empowering young children to become published authors is a transformative and enriching experience with lasting benefits. From nurturing creativity and confidence to instilling important life skills and fostering empathy, the journey of young authors offers a wealth of valuable lessons and opportunities for personal growth. By encouraging children to share their stories with the world, we not only celebrate their creativity and imagination but also inspire future generations of writers and storytellers.
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Let's give them the platform they deserve and see what amazing stories they have to share with the world.
Ekta Bajaj is a writer, visual artist, motivational speaker and Co-Founder of the award-winning publishing company, Author In Me. She is also the author of the empowering book, ‘The Voice of Kali’, and co-author of ‘Book of Affirmations for Children’. Her deep passion for storytelling and positive thinking has inspired her to research the ancient knowledge of Vedanta that provides a holistic approach towards developing mental and emotional strength.