Finding Success by Tapping Into the Fun Zone

Recently, I went roller skating with my friend Tommy. We've known each other since we were kids, singing our hearts out in the children’s chorus of the Dicapo Opera Theater, and as it turned out, Tommy had never been roller skating before. Watching him take to the rink was both endearing and inspiring. There was a sense of terror as he clung to the rails for dear life, but there was also pure magic in the moments when he started to find his groove.

The roller rink was alive with energy, filled with people of all ages ready to have fun! Tommy noticed the fearless attitude of the kids on the floor. They zipped around without a care, their confidence building with every glide. “Who cares if I fall? I’m just gonna go for it!” That mindset seemed to be their secret weapon. With that sense of fearless fun, they spun faster dancing to ABBA, carving figure eights like tiny, disco-inspired Olympians. (And yes, they were wearing knee pads—safety first, my friends!)

This experience got me thinking about writing. When we write, we need that same fearless fun. That sense of “who cares—I’m just gonna go for it” unleashes creativity and lets ideas flow naturally. Writing becomes a joyful dance instead of a struggle.

It makes sense, especially when writing for kids. To connect with young readers, we need to tap into our own inner child—the part of us that’s brave, curious, and unafraid of falling down. Be a kid at the writing desk. Write with adventure, magic, and a touch of mischief. Let go of perfection, and let your imagination take the lead.

The next time you sit down to write, channel the child at heart. Have fun, take risks, and see where the ride takes you. Because when you’re in the fun zone, success isn’t far behind.

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Writing for kids 101