Children Stories by Alita

WHY DO I LOVE WRITING FOR CHILDREN

Stories and folklore have helped children, through the ages, overcome uncertainty and find the hope to chase their dreams.

I lost myself, and found myself, in childhood with my nose tucked in a book. It’s where I explored the world, learned to dream, and identified with characters that found their way through their troubles. They became my guides.

My approach to writing is..

I listen…to my forest garden as the chipmunks and bluejays confer on the quality of seed on offer in the bird feed; to the horses I work and partner with teaching and practicing equine-assisted psychotherapy; to my pushy, beloved cats who always have something to say, particularly around meal time, to my grandchildren who so graciously share the newness of the world with me, to the stories from my patients who trust me to listen and guide them.

I write…the stories that flow around me, whispering to me, calling me to remember.

I share…the wisdom imparted to me from those stories; each a gift from I know not where. They sit in my head, waiting their turn to be heard.

Each of my stories encompasses a journey of growth, whether it is about a baby mule accidently born in a plush stable in the country (“The Adventures of Jedediah the Mule” /”Las Adventuras de Jedediah El Mulo), or a timid Carousel horse that must risk leaving the safety of his home to rescue his best friend (“The Carousel Horse”), or a little girl who deals with the anger and fear that permeates her house by cloaking herself in protective armor only to realize that what she really needs is a hug (“Attila the Honey”).

I write a monthly blog on emotional issues that seem timely for my patients. In addition, my articles, addressing various psychological topics from incest to on-line dating, have been published on-line and in print in various papers and magazines. I authored a three-part audio tape series on issues of early recovery from addiction. After 9/11, I found my healing in writing and producing a small musical play about some of my surviving police patients. But…writing for children has been my most joyous creative experience! I am, by far, the oldest in all of thewriting classes and conferences I’ve attended.

Children Stories by Alita

Stories and folklore have helped children, through the ages, overcome uncertainty and find the hope to chase their dreams.

I lost myself, and found myself, in childhood with my nose tucked in a book. It’s where I explored the world, learned to dream, and identified with characters that found their way through their troubles. They became my guides.

My approach to writing is..

As long as my heart is young, I’m up for anything!