This week, I’m vacationing at the beach. All around me, all the time, I see kids. What a great opportunity!

The thing is, for those of us who write for children, it’s important to every once in a while, get out among children. Listen to their funny, little speech patterns. Watch how they play.  Just take in the whole experience.

And the next time you sit down to write, call upon those memories of unexpected moments to give your work authenticity.

Oh, and here’s one more tip: write a few things down. It gets harder and harder to remember those unexpected moments the older you get!