Attention Writers: Wassy Needs YOU

Hey writing-types, I need a little help if you're interested. I'm taking a Children's Book Illustration course at college this semester, and the semester-long project is creating a 32-page dummy children's book (like one would submit to a publisher). So... I need some text! We're allowed to use classic fairy tales or non-fiction subjects, but that's a little dull. We're also allowed to use original work with permission, and that's way more fun!

Would anyone care to write a short story for use in this project? I want to do a book for early readers, ages about 6-8, so at the most a paragraph or two of large print text per page (or even no text on a couple pages). Most of the book is black and white comps, but at least 2 pages need to be fully illustrated, and I thought that might be interesting for someone.

Subject is flexible, just keep the age group in mind. Unfortunately, I would need this by Monday, Feb. 1st at the latest. So if nobody is up for it, no hard feelings. Just thought someone might be interested. Thaaaaaaaaaaaanks

I don't think I've ever written anything that would be appropriate for that age group

I think we all appreciate you bringing this offer here first but if you don't get any takers I'd suggest you try the roleplay forum (if you haven't already) - probably already thought of that but with a deadline I wouldn't wait too too long to see if a regular here had anything before moving on...

I R cant write... *shame*

Nope, I have not thought of the RP forum. I don't really go outside this forum *xenophobe*

Hmm, I could maybe write a children's story..be a nice change from RP. Just hope you don't mind no blood or guts.... Should I send it to you when done or should I just post it to my DA?

Would it be wrong to repurpose something like the marxist revolution into a 'little engine that could' story? You could sell to evil dictators around the world! I got nothing, at least not in that time line.

If it were my project I would rip a story like Wall-e, Banking on most childrens stories having a pretty similar story line. Just change up the settings and names. instead of little robot crosses space and things don't go as planned, big robot crosses the ocean in a little boat, things don't go as planned. I'm gonna be busy this weekend and again out of internet service so I really can't help.

Wassy, I can try my best. Short stories are naturally what I do but they're usually for slightly older audiences, but I can give it a shot. How would you feel about one about superheroes? This is City of Heroes after all.

I can totally do this. Just tell me what kind of story you'd like to draw.

No Marxist revolutions! And yes, total lack of blood and guts would be exactly what I'm going for =)

For this project, one of the big parts of the grade is if you effectively spoke to your target age group, so I can't be illustrating overly complex subject matter (since I want to do this for the little ones). I also want to keep it simple, since people will be volunteering their own valuable time. A pretty short and simple children's story will do.

I would LOVE to see someone be able to pull this off with a CoH theme. How cute would that be?

Got one typed up for you Wassy if you want it. It's about a superhero named Mr. Awesome stopping a bank robbery by Boris McNasty. Very short. If you want to see it or like it let me know.

Though it might be a little weird, I could come up with a story about a... wait for it... Burnt Matchstick. Seriously though, I could totally work it. It's a matchbook with a bunch of friends, one gets picked out and lit up and wows everyone. But then he's burnt out and no one likes him, except for one that makes him feel accepted again. I think the biggest problem is the best art might be awfully simple. But let me know and I can write it up in a couple days.

!!!!

I actually rather like that matchstick idea. Change and acceptance would be a good theme for a young audience.

And don't worry about the art part... that's my job ^.^

Something tells me Smokey the Bear will NOT endorse this childrens book...

If your grade is all on the art, this should be fine... But if you think age appropriateness of content will come into play you may want to reconsider encouraging that age group to play with matches...

I mean I want to see this personally! I think it could be amusing as hell... But while the writing, message and meaning may be age appropriate, the characters are not - making matches and matchbooks nice, friendly and inviting to kids?

But really, if that won't diminish the grade or anything, I seriously want to see this!!!

I'll ask my teacher about it tomorrow. I see your point, Caemgen. But illustrating fire and glowing stuff is fun!

So is corrupting the innocent just not usually going to get you an A+ or gold star for some reason. Hopefully the teach is down with it though...

I was going to do a piece about the joys of seeking revenge on your accursed nemesis, Reed Richards.

BUBBAWHEAT!!! I'm gonna send you a PM, but my teacher loved your concept! He said as long as no children are using the matches and that the matches are all characters, its fine.

He suggested that I can keep the same low amount of text, but with the subject matter and illustrations, gear it for more like 8-12 year olds.

Do it all on flash paper so if kiddies try anything, WHOOSH!

I'm really surprised my parents let me around me, I'm a terrible influence!

8-12 is 2nd to 6th grade, ish. which could actually be some decent reading harry potter, earthsea may be pushing it a bit...Xanth

Yay for cool teachers!!

also liking the idea of publishing on flash paper... Ok, so it's not really practicle but would be hilarious if every time a kid opened this book there was a nice little puff of fire launched from the pages

I don't know how well flash paper will accept watercolors =P

you know pyromania can develop into a nice fulfilling life.

like this guy with the hand flamethrowers...rummages around for link...

Found it!

http://www.youtube.com/user/everettbradford

Ok, I was going to wait, but I'm just really pleased with the way it turned out and wanted to share with those who are interested. A Burnt Match. It's a complete first draft, though I think it could use a little bit of editing work (I think I changed tense a little too often), but I mostly like how it turned out.