ReFoReMo Mini-Monthly Writing Challenge: How to be a Ninja Writer

By Janie Reinart

If we ever needed to be a ninja writer--the time is now in the new year because ninjas have courage and overcome obstacles. This challenge is from a few years ago. A ninja writer is highly skilled. They are silent and strong in mind. A true ninja writer can overcome all obstacles. Have courage ninja writer. Against all odds and form rejections, a ninja writer must believe in their ability and rebound fast on the keyboard. A ninja writer must master the element of surprise on the mission to be published. I was enlightened and selected my words for this intro by sneaking into this master storyteller's book--NINJA by Arree Chung.

A ninja writer is one who endures many years of practicing their art. They exaggerate setting and characters in their story like NINJA BABY by David Zeltser. “When Nina was born, the doctor gently thumped her bottom to make sure she was breathing. Nina karate chopped her right back.” My favorite line is when the parents bring home a baby brother aka Kung Fu Master. "What's your secret?" she asked him. He just looked at her. It was like listening to the wind in the bamboo.

Kiya! Get ready for a chance to get empowered not devoured by reading HENSEL AND GRETEL NINJA CHICKS by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez. This punny story is a fractured fairy tale. My favorite line: The fox said, " Surrender? No way, chicken tender! Your cheep little threats are absurd!" From then on the chicks made it their mission to rescue, protect, and defend.

Now you are ready ninja writer. Use your mystical powers, follow a strict diet (of chocolate and perhaps wine) and go to work in your dojo. 1. Select a character type or combine two: eg. ninja, ballerina, pirate, baby. 2. Read picture books about your character type. 3. Make a word bank of terms from the picture books you read. 4. Brainstorm story ideas. Don't forget to karate kick in a surprise ending. 5. Play and practice your ninja writing skills. What obstacles are you overcoming in your writing? Sayonara!