The Local Yarn

How to be Permanently Beloved as an Artist

Produce writing, music, or artwork targeted at young children. Indulge in an atmosphere of optimism, playfulness and innocent wonder. Inject adult sensibilities where appropriate.

Be sure to make friends with children who enjoy your work. Respond to their letters, pose for their photographs, do them nice favours.

Spend an intermediate period of time out of the limelight while your original audience goes through adolescence. This is your “naptime,” the siesta of your career – enjoy it while it lasts.

Enjoy a new wave of attention as the kids who grew up with your work rediscover it as adults.

Enjoy making friends with more children, as parents begin introducing their little ones to your work, only partly as an excuse to vicariously re-experience it for themselves.

Always use your powers for niceness.