As writers, when we start out in drafting a book, we should have a clear idea of the age group and audience we are writing for, and tailor the language and content accordingly. Our marketing efforts are also targeted according to the ideal customer that we have in mind. However, I found that this can go completely awry when accepting invitations to read!
I was thrilled to be invited to do a reading at my local library during half term. It is close to Platt Fields park, where my character Mrs Mallard and her family live and I hoped therefore, that the audience would known and identify with many of the characters. I arrived early (only to find myself locked out along with the rest of the public, as it was lunchtime), armed with a box of autographed books and badges and bookmarks that I had made.
My story is aimed at a readership of 6-8 years old. Alas, the time came to do my reading and I was surrounded on the mat by a crowd of 3-5 year olds. The mothers all listened attentively with fixed smiles on their faces, cooing and ahhing at the pictures, whilst their youngsters wriggled and squirmed about on the mat, refusing to so much as look at me. And as for engaging them in conversation... forget it!
I was just starting to clear away to leave, when I was approached by another family with a couple of older children who asked if they were too late to hear the story. The mother told me that they breed ducks. Having little else to do on such a wet afternoon, I thought 'what the hell?' and sat down once more, the oldest daughter right beside me. For the next half hour, I told my story whilst the girl asked me numerous questions about ducks and other birds she sees in the park, and we both went away much richer for the experience.
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