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 |
Found Poetry is the literary equivalent of collage. Much like the visual artist who combines multiple media (newspaper, feathers, coins, sheet music) into collage art, you can do the same with words, pulling concepts and phrases from various sources to create “found” poems.
by Marianne Richmond |
You’ve written a children’s book. Great work! Now, have you thought about marketing your children’s book? Do you wonder if this is even important, or how to do it?
One of the most important considerations you, as a children’s book author (or book author in general), need to address along with the creative side of things is: Who is your target reader? Or, who is your target market?
As a book writer, we like to imagine that everyone will love our book. But this is unrealistic, nonstrategic and a quick way to experience the disappointment of sluggish sales.
Truth: We don’t want to be all things to all people. We want to be the choice for specific, potential readers.
If we write a book without knowing exactly who we’re writing for, we end up writing for our own enjoyment. This is fine and good unless you wish to make money from your book writing efforts.
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 |
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!
