[Manorama Jafa is author of over 100 children’s books, and over 600, stories, articles and research papers on children’s literature. Some of her books have also been published in Japan, Singapore, Holland and Italy. She has served as Consultant to the Children’s Book Trust, New Delhi for about 20 years. From 1976 she has continued to direct Writers’ Workshops on writing, for different age groups and for children with special needs, in English and Hindi, in New Delhi and several other cities in India. A large number of present day writers have benefited from her workshops. She has also written a book titled Writing for Children and pioneered a movement for better books for children in India. She has also directed writers’ workshops in Singapore, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Republic of Korea. In 2014 she was awarded Padma Shri by the President of India for her contribution to children’s literature. In 2016, Imperial Majesty of Japan conferred the highest civilian award of Japan : “Order of the Rising Sun”. Author Kartikeya Ghimire had a talk with author Jafa. The edited except of the talk is presented herewith.]
In your opinion, how can one become a successful children’s literature writer?
For a writer to write good stories, he/she has to learn the art of writing stories. I suggest he/she may benefit from my book on writing for children. Aim to write for a particular age group, say 8 to 12. Later, with experience one can write for other age groups. Read stories written by successful writers, and do it with a critical eye Keep note of interesting events you come across in daily life – for example from newspaper. Thus you get ideas which can be developed into a story. Form a small group of persons who are interested in writing for children. You can meet, let us say once in ten days, and discuss each-others stories. Don’t be afraid of criticism. Infact everyone can make suggestion to others for improving the story. Find magazines or newspapers where your story can be published. Don’t be afraid of getting rejection slips. In fact, I myself got many rejections slips in the beginning.
Are you satisfied being a children’s literature writer?
I take pride as author of stories and books for children. I am also very happy that I have been able to guide so many writers in India and many other countries to write for children. As you may be aware I have organized Writers’ workshops in New Delhi since 1976, and have done so in many other cities in India and also in Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Republic of Korea.
In earlier years, children’s stories were mostly drawn from old classics and mythological stories. My effort has been to encourage writers to take up themes based on modern setting so that children can relate to these stories.
When you are writing a children’s literature, which of these three do you prefer: moral message, education or entertainment?
My stories have a message, of hope, of compassion, of helping others. But these stories are not didactic and do not preach to children. The stories can contain information and these can also entertain.
In your opinion, why are there so few young writers in children’s literature?
There is lack of guidance. A young writer needs some help. For this reason I wrote the book “Writing for Children”. There are also fewer opportunities for publishing their work.
Writing children’s literature does not tell the life story of all kinds of children in the country. Only confused in this formula. It seems to be accused of losing the momentum of a poor child’s life. What do you think about this?
I think many stories exist about children who are from poor background, or those who have disability.