Calvino, a famous contemporary Italian writer, discussed the characteristics of future literature in his "Memorandum of Literature in the Next Millennium". Its key words are: portability, quickness, accuracy, visibility, complexity and coherence. If you put these words in picture books or other children's literature, you will find that they are very consistent. Children's literature works are often simple (light) but rich in life charm (complex), which attracts readers through a series of (coherent) stories with visual sense. Because readers are too young, the number of words will be relatively concise (fast) and the language requirements will be concise (accurate). The author Paul will tell you how to create such a story.
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You remember my creation of hair! Hair! A picture book story? There was no publicity at that time, but many readers reported that they liked it very much.
My beginning is like this:
I thought about it for a long time at the beginning, and the writing at the beginning came from the "six W" theory in this book. At the beginning of the story, it is best to have six W's on the horse, otherwise your manuscript will only be thrown into the wastebasket by the editor at the first time. Which six? Time (when), place (where), protagonist (who), story atmosphere (what tone), problem to be solved (what), attractive place (wow). Look at me in different colors. Do you think this opening meets the requirements?
This is one of the methods taught in this book. You can also learn other creative skills from this book.
Abrams, a literary theorist, pointed out after summarizing the history of western literature research: "Every work of art always involves four elements, and almost all theories that strive to be thorough always distinguish these four elements in general." According to this view, he put forward a coordinate for studying literature:
Based on this coordinate, I found that Paul's book is also applicable, so I drew the following mind map:
I am afraid that the painter will benefit most from drawing mind maps, because it can sort out ideas, but in fact, onlookers may not be able to find the connection from the criss-crossing branches. Let me give you a brief summary. Paul's book is mainly described from the perspective of the creator, so we can generally see that the author's branch is the most complicated. Of the four elements: author, works, readers and the world, I think the most important one is the relationship between works and authors. As for the interaction with readers and the world, I think you must first have the desire to create and the results of your creation.
Sandak, the author of "The Country of Beasts", JK Rowling, the author of "Harry Potter", or other children's literature writers have all mentioned that I am not writing for a specific reader, but only for myself. I have always kept vivid memories of my childhood, so I strongly want to express them. JK。 Rowling doesn't expect her books to sell well (interact with the world), but only expects one book in her life to be read.
Therefore, I think as a creator, we should look at ourselves and our works. Let me briefly talk about the contents of these two blocks. As for the works, please remember a few key words: two S's, conciseness, rhyme and number of words. Picture books are mainly aimed at children aged 2-8. With the growth of age, the number of words in picture books will continue to increase, but if it exceeds 700 words, it is necessary to consider whether it is suitable for children before the age of 6. In a limited number of words, to create a scene, show pictures instead of overview. Of course, the works are most like poems with musical sense, vivid rhetoric and concise words.
So as a creator, what good suggestions do you have? How to build a story frame? How to tell a story vividly? How to create a compelling role? How to write the beginning, middle and end? This book introduces a large number of examples, and each example is followed by homework suitable for your practice, which is very suitable for editors and creators to refer to.
No matter how much you say, you'd better read the book yourself. I believe you will find endless treasures here. Of course, don't forget that "theory is gray and the tree of life is evergreen", and more creation and more practice is the right way.