by Marianne Richmond |
Do you want to write a children’s book but struggle to come up with great children’s book ideas?
You’re not alone in this. All too often do budding writers (or seasoned ones!) sit down to write their book for kids and stare, glossy eyed, at a blank page—for hours.
Sometimes this discourages writers so much that they give up on their idea altogether. They assume an idea will come to them when the muse decides to speak up.
Writers don’t have to wait for the muse, though. This article shares strategies that can help you come up with your next great book idea—particularly if you want to write a book for children.
by Marianne Richmond |
Have you wondered how to write a children’s book? A lot of people do! The idea of crafting a sweet or silly tale that delights young minds and hearts is a compelling invitation.
Maybe you already have an idea about subject matter or a memorable character in mind.
Perhaps you are inspired by favorite books from long ago (Judy Blume, anyone?). Frequent guidelines suggest just 500-1000 words in the average picture book—and many people who are not children’s book writers wonder how difficult this could be.
Harder than you think.
Children’s author Margaret Meacham sums it up well. “Well-written picture books are works of art that demand an intuitive sense of child appeal, and like poetry, a firm command of language.”
In this article, you’ll learn all about how to write a children’s book with writing tips that will help you craft your writing for the littlest reader.
by Marianne Richmond |
Do you dream about becoming a children’s book writer? Are there any writing struggles holding you back?
You may have an amazing children’s book idea, but for some reason you can’t seem to actually write the book.
In today’s article, I’d like to hit pause on you writing process (briefly, I promise!) and dig deep into what unanswered questions and writing struggles have prevented you from starting, writing, or finishing and publishing your children’s book.
Ask me questions!
by Marianne Richmond |
Well, friends, we’ve come to end of our “How to Write a Children’s Book” series! Over the course of many posts, we’ve talked about defining your target market, creating a brand, the realities of making money and if self-publishing or traditional publishing is a better path for you.
My hope is this series has helped learn a bit more about the what to expect as a writer in this business, as well as clarify some of the more confusing aspects of the industry.
For my final post, I reached out to several of my friends and colleagues in the publishing industry to ask them what insider advice they’d give to our aspiring children’s book authors.
by Marianne Richmond |
Many aspiring writers believe that once they finish and publish the book, the money will just roll in without any further action or plan! In fact, every time I visit a school to share my books, I can count on one bright-eyed first grader raising their hand to ask, “Are you rich?” This question make makes me smile in an “if you only knew” kind of way, because this is the truth: Most financially best-selling and successful authors have multiple income streams across their author platform.
You are in a business—the book business. Let’s look at some of these income streams and how you might make money writing books as a full-time author.
by Marianne Richmond |
Think of one of your favorite authors, maybe a children’s book author, since that’s what I write. For little ones, it might be Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. And for for older kids, perhaps you like Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
When you purchase one of these books, you know what to expect. Eric Carle offers soothing rhymes and stories with bright and cheery collage artwork. Jeff Kinney, on the other hand, gives readers funny, endearing stories featuring his signature cartoon protagonist, Greg.
An author brand is what makes your work unique or distinctly you. It’s the collection of impressions you make across your interactions with readers, including your books, social media, and face-to-face meetings. Your brand tells readers what to expect from you as an author as well as what to expect from your books.
