When I was a kid, my favorite authors were the likes of Tamora Pierce, Sarah Dessen, and Randi Reisfield. That is to say, I read books written by women with girl main characters. I reveled in the woman-ness of it all. Part of the reason it took young me so long to read Harry Potter was because I judged the series by its name and was bored with the first few chapters that just talked about Harry.
Was this the best (read: most enlightening) way to think about books? Maybe not. But, my adventures with strong, problematic, and otherwise “real” (ish) girls invigorated me. I wanted to read about girls, watch shows about girls, and write about girls. Seeing the influence of woman writers made me directly interested in writing.
For a couple years in a row at school, we had a visiting poet. I don’t remember her name, though I wish I did, but I remember her influence on me. In third grade, she had us making “I Am” poems. Through writing and literature I found who I was. Little me claimed she was a lion, a soccer player, a star. She was larger-than-life and a part of life. The poet taught me about sestinas and haikus–she showed me the freedom and limitations of poetry. How, sometimes, emotions need a limit to let lose. I was allowed to write about my life. I was allowed to be nonsensical and “bad.” Her lessons gave me the freedom to try. And, her school talks gave me something to try towards. I wanted to be like her–a writer–but I wanted to be me. And she encouraged that.
Now that I am a published poet, I find myself accidentally in that same woman’s position. I speak with young readers/writers, particularly young women, at my events, and I’m enthralled. I love seeing the next generation of writers. I love hearing what books they’re reading (currently, the most-gushed-about-series is The Land of Stories). I’m in a position where I can be a role model, where I can encourage young people to read and write and go after their dreams. For that, I am incredibly thankful.
The connection between female writers is amazing, and I can’t wait for more chances to welcome more young writers into our community.
***
Qotd: How do you feel about young readers? Have any favorite books to recommend them? Comment below!
