Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer
So many things inspire me; the most recent is a video I saw on LinkedIn.
It’s about chain reactions, and I immediately thought of writing.
I found the original video on YouTube and have it here. It’s only 2 ½ minutes and super-inspiring.
The demonstrator (Stephen Morris) mentioned this video uses 13 dominoes; if he had 29 dominoes, the last one would be as tall as the Empire State Building!
WOW! It’s minding-boggling to think about the actual size of the initial domino that caused such a powerful chain reaction.
So how does this relate to writing?
As writers, what we write matters. Words matter.
You trigger the initial event by writing your story. Once it’s released into the world, it creates energy, and each time a reader reads it, more and more energy is released. The domino chain reaction is underway.
This is the superpower writers have.
As a children’s writer, you never know how your story will spark something in a child.
It could spark an interest in the environment, history, astronomy, kindness, or even peace. It’s that initial event or trigger that can lead the reader on to greater things. Or, it may be a nonfiction book on creating a better life, or a better world.
Again, your words can become the trigger that sparks better things. That’s the power of a story. The possibilities are limitless, so use your superpower wisely!
Want to be that spark in a child’s imagination or life?
Become the author of your own children’s book. Be the trigger in a writing-reading domino chain reaction.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
You can check out Karen’s books HERE.
You can connect with Karen at HERE.
6 comments:
Wow! I have been thinking about the power we writers have and talking more about it in my next column here on #WritersontheMove that I posted last night to appear on Jan 5! I appreciate this image, @KarenCioffi! Thanks!
Karen, this is a great article. To spark an interest in a child is certainly the most rewarding part of writing and teaching. I purposely try to spark children's interest in writing in journals as well as reading when customers stop by my sales table. I sell journals (resold from purchases I make on Prime) and fluffy pens and talk about writing. Also, I encourage customers about my books taking place out of doors.
Great article! Just as what we write can influence others, an idea for a story can also have a domino reaction, in leading to other ideas.
Carolyn, the power of words always amazes me. They can soothe a soul... they can spark anger... I'm so glad the article resonated with you.
Linda, I'm so glad you found the article interesting. I know you, too, are always thinking of how spark a child's imagination and teach through your books. I've never done an in-person event, but I have been thinking about contacting my local library to see if I can read my books to kids or even teach a writing class for them.
Dawn, thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! And thanks for that excellent point about how an idea for a story can also have a domino effect. It can ignite other ideas or evolve into a story that goes out into the world, sparking more ideas and inspiration in others.
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