Inspired by We Are Definitely Human
A writing exercise...
Once a month, we study a picture book and write together. This month we’re looking at We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang, one of the most celebrated books of the year.
Similar to Leo and the Pink Marker, the book explores what it would look like to live in a world that reflects the author’s values, a world that’s more welcoming than xenophobic. When aliens land on Earth in We Are Definitely Human, they’re calmly welcomed into the community. No one threatens them with a laser gun. There are no protests or scientific studies. No one makes fun of their English. People understandably find the aliens odd, but they do their best to help the visitors.
Any picture book with aliens is probably going to feel a little high concept, and the themes of this book are definitely more sophisticated than some. But the language is straightforward, the humor is accessible, and the story is easy to follow. One of the things I often tell my writing students is, “Imagine what a book would be like if one element was changed.” This book is a gem. I don’t want the author to make any changes! But these “What if” questions can help you understand the choices the writer made and get you thinking about how you can bring the same intention and vision to your own work. With We Are Definitely Human you might ask:
What if this book was wordier?
What if there wasn’t a long pause at the beginning?
What if the author used the word “aliens” instead of “strangers”?
What if she never used the word “human”?
What would happen if the aliens never left?
Would the book be funny if there were no illustrations?
What if the aliens never spoke?
Check a copy out from your library and then let me know your answers in the comments. I would love to hear what effect you think these changes might have on the reader’s experience.
Try This…
“We Are Definitely Human” is both the title of the book and a refrain the aliens say throughout the book. It’s not suspicious at all. Not one bit. 😂
This month’s writing exercise is to play around with a phrase that is blatantly untrue and think about how you might weave it into your work in progress. How can you use a lie to tell a story that feels true?
Need more personal help with this exercise?
Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌
✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏
