My five-year-old granddaughter wrote and published her first two books last week: Spring is Here and The Chick Finally Hatched. After some discussion, she dictated her story as I typed, and once it was printed her sisters helped her color and illustrate, and voilà! She is a published author, so proud of her work. Going through this process with her, I thought, boy, if only it were this easy!
After working on my second novel for more than three years, I have lost count of the number of drafts I have completed so far. There was a time about a year ago I thought I was close to finished, that the story was just about as complete and true as I could get it. How wrong I was.
Throughout this process, I have been fortunate to receive a great deal of feedback—from family, friends, and my weekly writers’ group. How enlightening it has been to see my writing through fresh eyes. I am so grateful for their insights, their perceptions of my characters and their actions, and their tough questions. This close analysis, of course, is something you can’t do with a five-year-old, especially with her first foray into writing.
While my granddaughter didn’t have the benefit of too much feedback and too many questions about her story, as her editor and publisher, I believe it was just enough. Her process seemed so simple and straightforward compared to my process, but I believe that will develop in time. For now, these are her stories, and they are the very best she could tell them.
My goal is to publish my novel this summer. The more I work on it, the closer I get to the truth and the heart of it. And there’s the polishing, the language, all the nuances of storytelling. So much. It’s not meant to be easy, but I am grateful for the joy and sense of accomplishment writing brings.
This Writer's Journey 
I cannot wait to read your book. You are amazing. I would also love to get a copy of your granddaughter’s book. If it is available for purchase. Thanks Norma😍!!
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Kim, thanks so much for your kind words. I’m afraid there is only the one copy of my granddaughter’s books, but hopefully my budding author will be writing books for purchase in the future.
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This is an interesting story, Norma. Based on the titles, I’m assuming the genre of your granddaughter’s writing is creative non-fiction but, of course, I don’t know that for sure.
I write in various genres, but day-in and day-out I have non-fiction and creative non-fiction projects going, including my own book. I’m both touched and inspired by your approach to helping your granddaughter with her “process.” It makes me drift back to my own childhood. I was sensitive and creative and it would have been wonderful to have someone in my life who could help nurture the conjurations of my imagination. That part of me was tolerated but not encouraged in those days.
Nevertheless, I must say I did have a close relationship with my own maternal grandmother which I treasure to this day. And she did nurture some key interests I did have back then and we spent a lot of time together one-on-one. Thank you for reminding me and bringing my gram back into my minds eye. My memories of her are so precious.
But again, your granddaughter is lucky to have you as a grandmother who can let her be who she is so that she can let her thoughts and feelings just flow out from her nascent soul into the ether of this life. The experience is so valuable for her.
I imagine I can relate to her approach as one who writes every day just for the sake of writing. I love it so much.
I wish you the best with your upcoming novel, Norma. It sounds like quite a journey so far and, perhaps, a story in and of itself!
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Hi George. I appreciate your taking the time to comment on my post and to share your memories. I am very fortunate to be able to spend precious time with my grandchildren, who are growing up so fast. Our writing experiences, of course, are very meaningful to me, and to her. I hope we are creating solid memories such as yours. Good luck with all your writing endeavors!
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Sounds like you’re on the right track Norma! So lovely to hear from you about where you are in your process. Looking forward to a great read 🥰👍🏼
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Eileen, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It means a lot!
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I would love a copy of her books!
And looking forward to your new book!
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Hi Joan. Thanks so much for taking the time to write a comment. I’m afraid there is only one copy of her books or I would be happy to send you one. Writing and “publishing” books is something I have done with my all my grandchildren, hopefully instilling a love for writing!
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