A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Hi, my name is Maria Slaby. Since 2008, my family and I have been publishing The Bunk Room, a magazine written entirely by kids from all over the world. We are seen in print in communities in the US and online worldwide. Every issue we filter through hundreds of articles submitted by kids eager to be published. And as much as we can, we strive to publish most.

This morning, I was asked to complete a publishing industry survey. The question was, “What is the most important new thing you wish to accomplish with your publication this year?”

That’s simple. And it isn’t new. It’s the same every year.

Our goal is to inspire kids to love and embrace reading and writing; to deliver content that inspires them to want to create stunning articles that people enjoy reading.

Our readers run the age spectrum; from young readers to great, great grandparents. That means we need a consistent flow of varied and stellar content.

In all the years we’ve been publishing The Bunk Room we’ve seen kids not only embrace the process but prevail. Our low-tech analog print magazine has been inspiring for years.

We just need more kids to sharpen their pencils and take the plunge!

As a homeschooling mom of four, along with six years of receiving hundreds and hundreds of articles from kids throughout the land, I know the platform of The Bunk Room inspires kids and families to dig deep and make it happen.

Writing has its moments of bliss, but like any creative pursuit, the honeymoon can fade quickly. That’s when we face our own demons of fear and frustration and really discover who we are.

But like an endorphin rush, once kids see their words published, and even before as they give their piece the final read-through, pride in accomplishment adds a priceless level of confidence to their being. No one can take that away.

Suddenly it clicks. Their work is relevant. It’s writing with a purpose.

Guest post by Maria Slaby, publisher of The Bunk Room, a magazine written entirely by kids.

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