I Ponder... Wednesdays: Should Age Really Matter?

As I have been cruising along in this year of writing and meeting writers, I have discovered something that is definitely NOT talked about within the writing community...

Now, of course I realize we discuss age when it comes to who our intended target is for our books. But we never really discuss how old we, the writers, are. Maybe it's not a politically correct question to ask, but I have been noticing a couple issues regarding it, and I feel it's a topic worthy of a blog post.

I was reading an interesting blog (which will remain anonymous), and the author happened to be talking about the writers of a very popular children's television program. She was saying that the direction in which this iconic series was going was awful, and that it was simply not worth her grandchildren's time; It wouldn't teach them the things that it taught her daughter. The conclusion that she came to was that it was the "young writers of today" who simply "didn't possess the knowledge and maturity that the older generations have".  I was SHOCKED to say the least.

Her followers? Yikes. I've never seen sooo many comments on one post, both good and bad.

The arguments that ensued were ones you can clearly think of yourself. There are great points on both sides! But to me, I don't see why it should matter. Aren't we all part of the same goal? Don't we want kids to learn, read, and feel emotions from books that help them develop well over time?

I, personally, do not share my age with other writers. I have been told MANY a time that I am too young for this business... That I have "plenty of time" to get my writer life in order.

Honestly?


Okay, I'll admit, there ARE some younger writers who might be, shall we say, a tad arrogant. They don't represent all younger writers, but they tend to make those who are- ahem- younger than 30 look like they have a chip on their shoulder. Then again, I look at amazing k-i-d, (yes, kid, as in, CHILD!) writers who have huge followings and fabulous supporters. One specific 10 year-old I know, Erik, has a fantastic blog where he reviews books. He also is participating in 12x12 in 2012, which means he is writing. Awesome, right? He's got a great talent, and no one is giving him guff. I love that!

I'm just curious if the bias for writers to be taken seriously lies in the hands of those who have maybe "lived more life" and might be a teensy bit more experienced.  I don't want to feel that way, but it makes me wonder... Am I crazy?

I can guarantee it works the other way around, too. I'm sure that there are a lot of writers who feel that they are "too old" and that they cannot compete, because new/younger writers are popping up all over the place. They bow out far too soon, instead of sharing what needs to be shared. How sad is that? The truth is, it shouldn't matter if you're 100 years old- if you have a story to tell, by all means!! TELL YOUR STORY! No younger writer should ever, and I mean ever, "take your place".

I understand that on both sides of the debate, there is one word that plays the largest role... EXPERIENCE. Younger writers may not have as much of it (life-wise) as older writers, but older writers might not be able to relate to the things that younger writers see and experience now. I believe that both can create (and should create) wonderful tales to tell.

So, here's my question for you to really sit and chew on, for this week:

When it comes to writing for children, should age really matter?

I am wondering if I am the only one who sees the stigma every once in a while... I absolutely do NOT see it daily, or even monthly! But I have been on one end or another of this issue a time or two, and it always throws me for a loop. To me? Age simply doesn't matter. You're writing to enrich the minds of countless children. In my opinion, I don't care if you're 11 or 121... 

KEEP. WRITING.