Christmas WS's!In this week’s children’s author series, we’re introducing you to Ann Evans – author of nine children’s novels, a children’s non-fiction history book and thousands of magazine stories. She shares with us her wealth of writing knowledge and the lesson to persevere.
By Ann Evans
As a children's author I love going into schools to give talks or run workshops. When I do, there's one important thing that I always mention – and it applies to everything in life that's worth doing not just writing stories – and that is perseverance.
I tell the students about my first attempts at getting published. I'll usually show them what a manuscript looks like – a hundred or two hundred pages of typed words; I tell them how many months it took to write and re-write; and then I ask them if they think the publisher accepted it.
Generally they assume yes, and they're outraged when I tell them no, it was rejected.
We move on to book two. I ask for a show of hands – accepted or rejected? Most of them continue with the 'accepted' vote with rising amazement as we go through books three, four and five. By the time we get to book six the children are absolutely bursting to hear it was accepted.
Meanwhile, I'll have asked 'who would have given up by now?' But pointed out that my story writing was improving with every attempt and that I was learning all the while. Finally when the acceptance comes on book seven, I usually get a resounding cheer!
Perseverance! I remind them, whether it's in writing, or playing a sport, or learning a musical instrument – or anything. You have to practice and persevere if you want to succeed. Don't expect to be brilliant at something straight away.
Personally, I didn't set out to be a writer. It began as a hobby when my children were little. It was an enjoyable activity which I could do around the family. It was also something where I was constantly learning, whether that was from books or attending talks and seminars, or taking writing courses. And I wasn't just writing for children. I was (and still do) write non fiction, magazine articles, short stories, pantomimes, you name it, I'll write it! Getting published was the icing on the cake.
My first book published was Cry Danger, an exciting mystery story for 8-12 year olds. Since then there have been a further eight thriller/mystery books for this age group and an illustrated Children's History of Coventry – my home city. My latest children's novels are The Beast, The Reawakening and Rampage – thrillers set in the Highlands of Scotland. And recently, I've brought back four out of print whodunnits as ebooks. Fishing for Clues, Stealing the Show, Pushing his Luck and Pointing the Finger. I didn't know how to reformat my early books as ebooks at first, but with a bit of practice and perseverance I got there!
Ann Evans has nine children's novels published, two adult books, a children's non fiction history book and over 1,000 magazine articles published. Her website is: www.annevansbooks.co.uk
