How I Taught My Granddaughter To Be A Writer

By Barbara Hansen

My granddaughter  was six-years-old when she began writing her stories.  We sat at a table in a restaurant, I with pen and paper and she nibbling on her grilled cheese and french fries, over lunch.  Each time we met, I  began, “Sweetie, would you like to write a story today?”  With absolute joy,  she answered, “That would be really fun, Grandy,  let’s do it.” 

I would begin our writing session with, “Once upon a time, there was a little girl named___?“  Without missing a beat  or bite she answered, “Jane,”  next time and next story  it was  “Suzy.”   Interesting, she never faltered, never had a moments of, “I DON’T LIKE THAT NAME, CAN WE CHANGE IT?”  I was reminded,  small children are blessed not to have an inner powerful  censor   guiding their writing.  They simply  create, feel free to express  themselves.  They are blessed and  free of the sometimes annoying inner editor, we adults have.

I admit to never having a plan for each storyline, it simply evolved.  When I asked one day, did she have a favorite friend, her face changed, and with a tear in her eye, she answered, “it was Joanie and she moved away.”  It was that easy to add a new  chapter in her story.  We of course followed that lead to  the end.   When I asked “What is the name of your book?,” she answered,  “I miss my bestest friend.”

As the story progressed, I responsively wrote each sentence in my notebook.  Shortly before dessert,  I read her story back to her, praising her for writing so well.   After lunch we were off to Office Depot where for not, more than a dollar, two at the  most, a printed version of “My Bestest  Friend,”  became her book, with of course, her name as the author.

Writing a new book became our bonding rite, during each visit.   The years passed and each year when we arrived, after a kiss hello, my granddaughter would say,  “Grandy, are you ready for me to write another story? “  Walking to the dining table I secretly smiled, noting the table was set, with pad and pencil awaiting my arrival and the beginning of a new writing session.

Imagine my elation when my Granddaughter at age 12 answered her Grandfather’s   question, “Sweetie, what do you think you might like  to do or be someday? ”    Without a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “I am going to be an Author and go to Harvard.”

As a grandparent, there is no greater joy than knowing I have shared my love of writing with my granddaughter, and to recognize her goals at 13 are simply amazing.  I share this story with all grandparents because, not only is it a joyful experience for you,  but,  It’s a “cool thing”  to do and share with your grandchildren.

About Barbara Hansen

From 1995-2004 Barbara wrote a monthly column for the Englewood Sun Herald, in Englewood Fl.Her column, A “Write” Thought, is a graceful blend of thought provoking and humorous snapshots of life,In 2006-2007 Barbara served as President of the Sarasota Branch of American Pen Women.  This organization, of artists, writers and musicians, is headquartered in Washington D.C.  In May of 2014 Barbara will begin serving a term as 2nd VP of the State of Florida for the American Pen Women Organization.  Barbara considers it an honor to serve an organization whose honorary members include, Columnist Erma Bombeck, writer Taylor Caldwell,artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and Helen Keller.