Am the I only one seriously disturbed by these

[Holly Peterson]

I am a young writer who is currently writing a chapter book, not to be published, about the sinking. I would gladly accept any help of yours, Kyrila! In fact, I would gladly appreciate it, as long as it's merely constructive criticism, that is, and not just an attack on the overall theme or plot of the story. Do you have any pointers or tips for a story by a teen for teens regarding the Titanic? My main worries are about how likeable the main character will be without making her into a Mary Sue type, and making the story realistic but engaging as well. The story does deal with death - her 2 family members on board with her survive, but all 8 members of the Goodwin family are lost, and her sister had died previous to the story.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

>>Children are very much aware of what goes on in the world, and they need correct information presented in a way they can process. <<

I think that sums it up nicely. Children don't need to be coddled in the name of "protecting them."

Really, protect them from what?

They are a lot more attuned and aware of some of the uglier realities of life then we give them credit for and so long as they can tune into CNN, they'll stay attuned and aware.

What they need is not protection but a sense of preportion. That way, they know that hundreds of planes are not doing Kamikaze dives into skyscrapers, but they understand about the three that did.

 

[Kyrila Scully]

Holly, I think it would be best if I answered your questions in a personal message rather than on this forum.

 

[Frances Martin]

About two years ago, I wrote a story about seven little girls in third class aboard the Titanic. The story started a bit before the girls left for Southampton, and they met eachother on the Titanic so you get to know them very well. They all died, along with their entire families.
I showed that story to a friend of mine, who was 7 at the time. She was, I must say, a bit traumatised. At least she knew the truth about the sinking though, because until then her knowledge of the Titanic was "badly-written" books where everyone survives.
Sorry if this is off-topic. Just to say that there is indeed no need to protect children from all those "dramatic, sad stories that might terrify them"...