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There have been numerous books published on the subject of rhyme. Even more books and online sites offer rhymes for words, just type in a word, and you will receive a list of matching words that rhyme. Software is also available that will provide you with that elusive rhyme you are in search of. Hundreds of references on the subject are just waiting to be accessed. So then, why is it such a difficult subject? Many times, it is simply because those wanting to write for children, and write in rhyme, do not follow some very basic rules of rhyme. They also do not ‘listen’ to their rhymes. After all the rules have been followed, all the dictionaries checked, read your rhymes out loud, or better yet, have someone read them to you, and ‘listen’ for subtle errors, listen for the phonetic sounds. Rhyme is above all else, sound. As in much of writing, the more you practice, the better it will be, and the easier it will become.
Sound not Sight
Many people wrongly assume that if a word is not spelled in a similar fashion to the word they are trying to rhyme it to, that it can not possible rhyme. Wrong! Parfait and café are two words that do not resemble each other in their spelling, but definitely rhyme. Some other examples would be the words honeydew and well-to-do, alibi and lullaby, abash and panache. Keep in mind that you are matching vowel and consonant ‘sounds’ not vowels and consonants.
Rhythm Rule
Rhythm is a part of good rhyme, but rhythm is possible without rhyme. What? You ask. When you make a rhyme, if the rhyme is not forced, rhythm is there, a part of the rhyme. However, many good writers also can write without ever rhyming a single word, yet the story will flow from beginning to end, solely on rhythm. We want to focus on the rhythm within the rhyme though.
No candy bars, no lollipops,
no cakes or pies, or tater tots.
This clearly does not rhyme, but there is a rhythm to it.
No candy bars, any lollipops,
No cakes, pies, or belly flops
This does rhyme, but the rhythm is not perfect. If we count out the sounds, you will see that the first line has nine sounds, but the second line only has eight.
No /can/ dy/bars/ an/ y/ loll/ i/ pops/
No/ cakes/ pies/ or/ bell/ y/ flops/
This is ok, but as you write the whole story or poem, keep in mind the rhythm you have created, of nine – eight, and try to follow this. More on this follows below, on the subject of syllables.
Syllables, or Rhythm Again
Words of course, often have different syllables. The word ‘stop’ has one syllable. The word ‘atop’ has two syllables. Do they rhyme? Yes! Here again, is where the rhythm comes in. As you write, keep the syllable count in mind. Get in the habit of counting out each lines syllable count. An even count, with proper rhymes, equals a step in the right direction.
Near Rhyme Not!
Stay away from near rhymes. For example, if you have striven to make your piece rhyme, and for one line, you can only come up with a near rhyme, seriously consider changing that line until you can come up with a perfect rhyme. What do I mean by near rhyme? The words kitten and kitchen may ‘sound’ like they rhyme, but you are wrong if you think they do. Kitten rhymes with words such as Britain, written, and smitten. Kitchen rhymes with pichon, or as in the ‘Mother Goose’ rhyme of ‘A Man and a Maid’, it is rhymed with the words ‘rich in’. However, the words do not rhyme with each other.
Ignore the Above Rule
When all else fails, and if the sound is right, and it ‘works’, a near rhyme may be the best thing to do. Many people will disagree with this, but as with all forms of writing, the writer knows best what will work in the piece they are writing, and what will not. Many popular songs have ‘near rhyme’ throughout. Some children’s books do also.
If you truly want to write for children, and write in rhyme, my best piece of advice is Practice, Practice, and Practice! Then, read it aloud, have someone read it to you, put your heart and time into it, and possibly the book you turn out will be on the next children’s bestsellers list!
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