How to Find an Idea for a Children's Story

Many people would like to write stories for children, but they're unsure where to begin. They struggle for story ideas and think they'll never be able to write a captivating story that will delight young readers. Beginning writers for children should realize that ideas for a children's story are all around them. They're in childhood memories, newspaper articles, books they have read and straight from the imagination. In many cases, writers can get a kernel of an idea for a story just by asking themselves "What if?" Read on for some basic ideas on how to harvest ideas for a children's story.

Instructions

1. Keep a small notepad with you at all times. You never know when a great idea for a children's story will come to you. Whether you're at at restaurant, at work, walking in the park, or doing the dishes, you need to be able to scribble down any story ideas that flutter into your head.

2. Clip interesting newspaper articles and start a story idea file. When you are hunting for a story idea, refer to your newspaper file. Whether it's an article about a boy who saves his family during a house fire or a girl who wins the state spelling bee, clip articles that capture your imagination and file them away to use at a later date.

3. Use your childhood memories to find ideas for stories. Think back to the time when you were a child and the problems, joys and fears you experienced. You can use these remembered feelings and events to create a story that resonates with today's children.

4. Create an interesting character and think of a problem she needs to solve or overcome. Often a story plot will come to a writer through the creation of a main character.

5. Take a well-known fairytale or fable and change it to modern times. You can also tell the story from a different point of view or give it some other type of twist to make it completely new.

6. Brainstorm ideas on a piece of paper. Write down any and all thoughts that come to your mind. No idea is a bad idea. Many times, if you just keep scribbling ideas, your subconscious takes over and unique story plots will formulate on your paper.

7. Volunteer at a school to learn how children talk to one another, and get ideas for stories by observing them during a typical school day. Eavesdrop on children's conversations with one another to get an idea of how kids speak.

8. Subscribe to current children's magazines to get an idea of the types of short fiction being published in kids' magazines. Maybe something you read will spark ideas for your own stories.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to revise your story. Never be satisfied with a first draft. You can always improve it.

• Form a critique group comprised of people who are also interested in writing short stories for kids. You can give each other support and honest criticism about your stories.