You cannot write for children... They're much too complicated. You can only write books that are of interest to them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Writing for children requires acknowledging their complexity rather than simplifying content to adult assumptions. Interest drives engagement more than intended audience labels.
- In plain terms
- Kids are complex; write what interests them, not what you think they should read.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect children's depth instead of reducing it to simplicity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you assume children understand?
- Who are you writing for really?
Another view
Some children benefit from simplified texts depending on developmental stage.
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