The Guardian is running a week-long series of how-to guides to writing, and today’s theme is writing for kids.

Dodging the larger question of whether or not writing can even be taught at all, a handful of articles tackle the nuts-and-bolts issues, such as writing catchy openings, developing character and viewpoint, and avoiding getting lost in the slush pile. Less pedantic essays explore the themes of childhood and memory and why writing for kids can be a satisfying pursuit.

But lest you think that writing, for kids or otherwise, is easy, author and tutor Linda Newbery lays down the law like a strict English schoolmarm:

I’ve written this short story and my friends say I should get it published. But why? You may be able to cook a reasonable pasta dish, but you don’t therefore see yourself as rival to Gordon Ramsay or Nigella Lawson. Yet, for some reason, it’s a common belief that any coherent piece of writing deserves publication.