Meaning: Mark Haddon, the renowned English novelist, once made a fascinating comparison between his writing for children and the creation of a good chair. In this quote, Haddon elucidates that his approach to writing for children was akin to crafting a well-structured piece of genre fiction, which he likened to the process of making a good chair. This analogy provides a unique insight into Haddon's perspective on writing for children and sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that he applies to his work.

Haddon's mention of "writing genre fiction" in relation to his children's literature is significant. Genre fiction encompasses various categories such as mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and adventure, and it often follows specific conventions and structures. By likening his writing for children to genre fiction, Haddon suggests that he approached his children's literature with a focus on the essential elements that make for a compelling and well-crafted story. This approach reflects his understanding of the importance of structure and coherence in engaging young readers.

Furthermore, Haddon's analogy of writing for children to "making a good chair" conveys the idea of creating something that is not only structurally sound but also comfortable and suitable for its intended purpose. Just as a chair needs to have four legs of the same length and be the right height to serve its function effectively, Haddon implies that his writing for children required similar attention to detail and precision. This comparison underscores his commitment to ensuring that his children's literature is not only entertaining but also well-constructed and tailored to the needs and sensibilities of young audiences.

It is worth noting that Haddon's perspective on writing for children reflects a deep respect for the genre and an understanding of the importance of meeting the specific requirements of his audience. By drawing parallels between the creative process of writing and the craftsmanship of making furniture, Haddon offers a glimpse into the conscientious approach he takes towards his work, regardless of the target audience.

Overall, Haddon's analogy of writing for children to making a good chair provides valuable insight into his approach to crafting children's literature. By emphasizing the importance of structure, coherence, and comfort in his writing process, Haddon underscores his dedication to creating stories that are not only captivating but also meticulously constructed to meet the needs of young readers. This thoughtful comparison offers a fresh perspective on the art of writing for children and highlights the careful attention to detail that Haddon brings to his work in this genre.