When I tell people that I am a writer, they usually ask what I write, and eventually, the fact comes out that my target audience is younger readers. People ask, "Why kids?" Or "When are you going to write something for adults?" I get the feeling, generally speaking, that children's books are not esteemed as worthwhile literary works.

Why do I write for kids? Three reasons: kids' books are usually clean, extremely well-written and, well, I love kids' literature!

I had misconceptions myself about kids' literature before I started writing it. After I had my first baby, I quit my job to stay at home and soon found a need for intellectual stimulation. I checked out books at the library from the adult fiction section, and many times, since I live in the Midwest and there aren't very many LDS titles available, I would have to return the books unfinished because of content. The last thing I want to read is what other people do in their bedrooms, or pages strewn with profanity.

It never crossed my mind to check out the kids' section until I saw a book called The Midwife's Apprentice, by Karen Cushman, on a display table. There was something about that book that screamed, "Read me!" It probably had to do with the fact that I had recently gone through the birthing process.

Whatever the reason, I checked it out and devoured it the next day. It was a beautiful book about a heart-winning character with an inspiring message, uncluttered by uppity philosophical pontification, smutty narrative, or bad writing. I adored it. And I read it in one afternoon, happily able to get on with my life after experiencing that intellectual catharsis that bookworms like me crave.

The next kids' novel I read was Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo. Again, I had the same wonderful experience. I was falling in love. I began reading as many novels for young readers as I could get my hands on. Then a little voice inside me whispered, "You could do this."

So I began writing—for kids. Not because I thought it would be easy, or a quick way to get published, or great practice before writing "real" books. Anyone who writes for kids knows those are myths anyway. I want to create in other people, children of all ages, the same sweet feelings I felt from reading The Midwife's Apprentice and Because of Winn-Dixie. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to do it!