NEGATIVE SPACE by Jane Kelley

As I create my stories, I try to make sure there's darkness and light. A dark silhouette can only be revealed by a light.

In this photograph (taken by our friend Julie Coash), my husband Lee and I were in Rajasthan, India. Its contrasts make me think about this Mahatma Gandhi quote.

Seven blunders of the world that lead to violence: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, politics without principle. 

Gandhi doesn't mention art. Is it gratuitous to think of art when these blunders are causing actual violence?

I don't think so. As a writer, I must consider work, conscience, character, morality, humanity, sacrifice, and principle. I take the responsibility of writing for children very seriously. 

Gandhi doesn't say that there shouldn't be wealth, pleasure, knowledge, commerce, science, worship, or politics. He says that these things are dangerous without something to deepen them. To balance them. To ground them. 

But there shouldn't be work without wealth either. We deserve to get paid. We should be learning. We need science and politics and commerce to get things done. And we especially need pleasure, a hope of reward. Why not call it fun!

That's another responsibility for a children's book author. Inspiring laughter and awe and love for whoever or whatever -- including chocolate-chip cookies.

Jane Kelley is the author of many FUN and thought-provoking children's books--including Nature Girl. Megan has been hiking the Appalachian Trail now for 15 years!!!