It is disturbing to find, after many discussions with the wider public, that the demand for printed books is diminishing from the younger generations. In fact it’s not uncommon for middle-aged adults to admit to never having read a book! A confession I find astonishing. Back in the day, schools vigorously encouraged the reading of classic novels and offered classes for creative writing. A book became a friend, a two-dimensional asset that transported the reader into another world of knowledge and adventure, assisting in the life skills of grammar, spelling and pronunciation.
In response to the above, I decided my next writing project would be a series of Witty Gritty Rhyming Tales For Eager Beaver Readers. The first in the series titled, Joe And The Blind Goblin. This series of books would contain quirky, colourful illustrations with a slightly obscure ending, allowing me to invite the reader to add their personal additional verse. I remember when my children and grandchildren were small, they loved having rhyming tales read to them and within a short time could memorise the whole book. Often, whilst reading to them, they would interrupt me with a naughty word that did in fact rhyme but left us all in fits of laughter. Even the naughty word was proof that their brains were eager to process similar sounding words. Just the sort of thing to kick start their reading journey throughout life and becoming avid readers.
I had decided to aim the series for all ages from 7 to 70 yrs. Unfortunately, when it came time to registering its ISBN number, a necessity for selling your books, it wasn’t possible for me to submit such a wide age range. Instead, the category was changed to kids age 6 to 9 yrs. Ironically, these books are not only popular in libraries, schools and the kids section of Waterstones, but also retirees in community care homes are enjoying them. Enjoying the interaction which encourages the motivation to find the best final additional verse. So there is still hope for the printed book. And for the delightful pleasure that writing in rhyme can bring.