How to Write Children's Books

So you are inspired to write for the youngest readers. While it might seem writing for the simplest audience requires the least amount of effort, it's not so. Creating engaging characters, helping the reader identify with the main character and giving attention to plot details are all required elements for any book. Here's how to write an engaging children's book so generations may enjoy your story!

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Write what you know. While this may seem passé, if you know a subject and it is real to you, you can make it real to your child reader. Pick topics you feel led to write about instead of things that you think others want to read.

2. Identify with your main character. Take some time to get to know your main character through journaling or other creative means. This way you will know what your character would say or do when faced with a particular situation. For example, imagine the different reaction a floppy eared cocker spaniel puppy would have to the mailman than a full grown Doberman pincher!

3. Develop your plot. The book you write should have a rising action, climax and falling action, no matter what the structure. Even an ABC rhyming book can have a moving plot with each verse.

4. Write for your audience by getting to know some kids. Spend time playing with your own children or volunteer for your church's nursery if you have none of your own. Knowing how a particular age group reacts to everyday events can help you mold your work into something just for them.

5. Re-write it! Now that you've done all your research, developed your plot and written your basic ideas down, take a hard look at your work and edit it. By the third pass, you will be amazed at how different your manuscript is from the first version you scribbled down.

Tips & Warnings

• If your calling is to get your manuscript into the hands of many children, research publishers who deal with your particular subject and genre, or publish it yourself using a self-publishing company.