I appear to have developed two quite different styles of children's writing so far (I haven't published yet, but thinking about trying), and wonder if this is a problem. Can I have 2 styles? Is that practical? Do people do it (under the same name or with a pseudonym for the other style)? I need some advice, please, as I love writing both funny and more poetic/lyrical material. Do I have to choose?! (Thanks!)
Ann Brown - I am afraid I cannot respond to your request when I do not know you. I would never agree to meet a stranger from the Internet. If you are genuine and this is important, then perhaps you can just tell me here. Thank you.
Jackie
Thank you so much for your comments!
I love writing in different styles and it is true that it does depend on my mood. This is very typical of me: I can be deeply emotional at times, but I am also prone to being very silly indeed (ask my kids!) and love playing around with words and creating daft characters and storylines. To give up one style in favour of another would not only be hard but also I would feel I was betraying my true self if I did not continue to write according to these different facets of my personality. After all, none of us is a 2D entity with only one way of looking at the world. I think perhaps the main reason why many writers appear to have become 'typecast', so to speak, is that they have turned out to be pretty bloomin' good within a particular genre, and so why fix it if it aint broken (and it makes decent money into the bargain!!)? I guess you just have to write what you write and see what sticks!
So, on that jolly note - and with your apparent permission! - I will just continue to enjoy writing whatever I fancy and just see where the wind takes me - as me!
Happier now! Thank you!
Jackie
Some writers use pseudonyms for different styles. Iain Banks used the name Iain M. Banks for his science fiction books. (Curiously, the star now named after him [or is it some other heavenly body? I forget] doesn't include the M.) Other "serious", "highbrow" authors have disguised themselves completely to sell slick romances (and/or pornography). If you're proud of both (SO FAR) of your styles, why disguise your versatility? Many agents and publishers would be [more] interested in an unknown writer if they new that there were more books ready for consideration, not just a one-idea writer.
If you write children's book, have a look at http://la-granota.com/crazy.htm
Best of luck!