Jane Yolen: Take Joy (a Book for Writers)

The Writer Books (Trade Paperback), 0-87116-194-X

Former children’s book editor and award-winning children’s writer Jane Yolen shares her literary pleasures and publishing pains in Take Joy (a Book for Writers). This slender volume of 172 pages provides a quick, but memorable foray into this writer’s world. A master of stories with over 200 books to her credit, Yolen unravels the mystery that is writing, gives advice on the craft, compares writing to building a house, defines a poem, relates many voices, examines beginnings and endings, dives into the mindset of the writer, plots the death of a king, ousts outlines and recites the alphabet in her own special way.

Unlike other instructional books, this one focuses on Yolen’s personal process while suggesting that each writer find his or her own way, whatever it may be. Rather than lecture the reader, Take Joy plays out like a casual conversation in which the speaker proves so engaging and prolific, that the listener remains mute. Those familiar with Yolen’s works, as well as Armageddon Summer, a book she authored with the inimitable Bruce Coville, will enjoy snapshots of their collaboration.

The many who revere Yolen but lack the opportunity to meet her will consider this book a must. For those starting out or trying to survive the business, Yolen provides inspirational quotes and advises the writer to pick one that works and tape it near his or her computer. Most importantly, Yolen gives in-depth explanations to voice and plot, two of the most difficult story components to master. Only an invitation to the author’s New England and/or Scottish home could top reading this private, insightful unveiling of children’s writing goddess Jane Yolen.

Take Joy offers lots of good advice and gives you a friend you pick up and take to tea when your muse is away.

Lynne Remick

Lynne Marie Pisano is a freelance writer, poet, book reviewer, SCBWI Metro New York LI Critique Group Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators. She lives in New York with her husband Michael, her son Kevin and a daughter named Kayla, and Dante, a Schipperke.