Oh, the joys of rhyme! When you want to learn to write, you will inevitably play around with this concept when it comes to children's books. Why is that? Simply put, rhyme is fun! Kids love it, and adults find it clever and enjoyable to read aloud to little ones. However, many an author has been kicked to the curb for submitting a manuscript that rhymes. In fact, some are even told that it was rejected merely because it rhymed. While that may be a bit off-putting, the fact is that rhyming text is released to the public every single day. There isn't a flaw in writing a rhyming children's book, if it's done properly- and that's the key word- properly. Pitfalls and Problems For those authors that have been told that rhyming is passé, it's likely because their text was either poorly rhymed, or the plot that was hidden in the text was weak. Rhyming can be very difficult, so many authors who compose rhyming text spend a lot of time focused on the details and organization of their rhyme patterns. This almost always leaves the story itself lacking, especially if you're just beginning to learn to write. A master at rhyme expertly manipulates words and structure so that every single line supports the essence of the story. The structure of your story is going to be very important as you learn to write. Before you even begin, you should have a clear plot in mind, along with a strong introductory area, with well developed characters. You can then begin to play with your word choices and build around that firm foundation. Never use words or lines that don't directly support that base just for the sake of forcing the rhyme. Why Rhyme? With so much struggle and heartache that accompanies the attempt to learn to write a rhyming book, many authors ask themselves why they even bother. Since when is something not worth it because it's difficult? In fact, just the opposite is usually the case: if you have to work at it, the end results are much more fulfilling. There are plenty of reasons to use rhyme in your children's books. Frankly, it's just plain fun; it's fun to write, and it's fun to read! A expertly composed rhyming book will always stand above the crowd. Even if the plot and characters are fairly average, a well presented rhyme gives the book a flavor and ambiance that creates a knock-your-socks-off effect. Another reason to utilize rhyme is that it makes you grow as an author. You may have gotten a bit stuck in your rut when it comes to writing. If that is the case, rhyme can serve as a catalyst for growth. Because it is so difficult to get right, new parts of your brain are activated and the efforts can lead to greater creativity and growth in your craft. Even if your initial attempts aren't that great, working with rhyme makes you hyper-aware of the nuances of writing, from rhythm to grammar. As with any initial attempt, it's a good idea to get feedback when you learn to write in rhyme. Your best bet is to get the reaction of children that belong to your targeted audience. Watch how they handle your manuscript and be aware of weak spots that may need adjusting. It's also a good idea to have an adult read aloud the text, recording the attempts. This is an easy way to determine where your flow is interrupted and what rhymes might need a bit of attention.
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