How to Write a Short Story for Children

Children's magazine editors are always looking for great short stories for their readers. But writing for children is not as easy as it looks. There are guidelines to follow when creating a story for children. Read on before you start writing your story.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• idea for a story
• paper
• pen or computer

1. Once you have a plan, idea, or outline for your story, there are a few simple guidelines to follow for a successful children's story. Your main character should be the same age or older than your audience. If you are writing a story for 9- to 12-year-old children, then your main character should be 12 or 13.

2. Before you start writing, check out the guidelines for magazines you want to send the story to, and see what their word count is. Children's stories usually range from 500 to 2,000 words. It helps to know the word count before you start writing.

3. Children's stories often follow the rule of three. The rule of three means three events occur before a problem in the story is solved. If your character wants a new dog, he could try three things: ask his mom but she says no, have a lemonade stand but it rains that day, and start a dog walking business that is successful. Think of fairy tales such as The Three Little Pigs or The Three Bears as well as tales where a character gets three wishes. The rule of three is often used in children's literature.

4. Make sure your story is not preachy. If your story has a lesson or moral, do not hit your reader over the head with it. Make it subtle.

5. The problem in your story should be solved by your main character, who is a child or teenager. Adults in children's stories should be minor characters or play a minor role when solving the problem. The children need to solve the problem themselves.

6. Once you have thought about each of these steps, now you are ready to write a great children's story. Have fun, be creative, and get writing!

Tips & Warnings

• When you name your characters, start their names with different letters. Readers often confuse characters' names if they start with the same letter.

Resources

• Margo Dill's Web site

[luvboxers]

on 11/4/2009 It sounds like a really cute idea. I think it might be more like a picture book idea than a short story. Whenever you have a story idea, you should always go for it! http://margodill.com/blog/

[twolfe24]

on 11/3/2009 My boyfriend has stuffed monkeys that he uses to entertain his daughter. He has them coloring in her coloring books, playing with her toys and causing all kinds of trouble around the house. His daughter cannot wait to see what the crazy monkeys have done each time she visits, so I wanted to write a story about her adventures with the monkeys and the things they do together. I would appreciate your input on this idea.
tricia

[ashleey]

on 10/26/2009 Thank u soo much Margo,i really appreciate your quick reply and your advice really gave me a boost thanks again!
Cheers :D

[luvboxers]

on 10/26/2009 Ashleey,
I think princes and princesses will be back in high demand with Disney releasing their new version of The Frog Prince soon. But no matter what, you should tell the story that is near and dear to your heart--regardless of trends. Trends come and go, but good stories last. So write your prince and princess story. Thanks for leaving a comment. Margo

[ashleey]

on 10/25/2009 Hi!

I found your article very informative,thanks for sharing all the rules.

I was hoping you cud answer my queston
q)Are stories about prince and princes out of date or are they still very much in demand?

Hoping for a quick reply,thanking you in anticipation
-Ashley-