The Foundation of Every Children's Story | Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi

While every story starts with a good idea, that’s not enough to create a good story.

Your idea, while possibly the cornerstone of the creation, is only one part of the foundation. There are other elements needed to make a fully developed story.

To give you an example of this, a protagonist wants to take guitar lessons. He does and becomes a good guitar player. You want to show that children can do the same.

But why would someone want to read about a character taking lessons to learn to play the guitar or any other instrument? The learning process is a series of events, not a story.

But suppose something stops the protagonist or gets in the way of him learning to play.

This gives the story idea substance.

Below are the basic elements that create a story foundation.

1. The idea

As a children’s ghostwriter, clients come to me with a number of ideas. But they’re just ideas. They’re not stories.

An idea could be a child who wants to become an astronaut.

Again, this isn’t a story. But it is a key part of the foundation of a good story. You need to take this idea and craft a story.

2. The protagonist.

Your children’s story must have a child protagonist. And there should be only one protagonist in children’s stories up to simple middle grade.

The point of view ( POV) of the story is that of the protagonist. Nothing can happen in the story without the protagonist being privy to it.

Children want to read about a children around their age, a little older is even better. It’s having a commonality that prompts a connection between the reader and protagonist. It’s this connection that will motivate the young reader to want to know what happens to the protagonist.

3. The problem, the conflict.

Every children’s fiction story must have a problem or obstacle that the protagonist must overcome.

The conflict drives the story.

According to Now Novel, “conflict is at the heart of all stories.”

Going back to the guitar scenario, suppose the protagonist has started and stopped a number of hobbies or sporting activities. Now, his parents refuse to invest in a guitar and lessons.

This creates another element to the protagonist’s problem: How is he going to get a guitar and afford to pay for lessons? Or, if he’s a younger protagonist, how will he convince his parents that this activity will be different? He’ll follow through with it.

4. The struggle.

There needs to be a struggle. The protagonist needs to attempt and fail a number of times before reaching his goal.

In children’s writing, three is the general rule for attempts. On the third try at achieving his goal, the protagonist finally gets it. He’s triumphant.

If the protagonist gets what he wants in one try, it doesn’t drive the stakes up. It’s too easy.

A reader turns the pages to follow along with the struggles. It’s the struggles that strengthen the connection between the protagonist and the reader. This makes the reader feel like the final victory is his too.

5. Growth.

The story has to be about more than just the initial idea. It has to be about more than just incidents or events. There needs to be a character arc.

Suzanne Lieurance notes, “An incident is simply a series of actions and occurrences in a character’s life. But these things don’t change the character.”

Example of a series of events: Raj meets his friend at the park. They play basketball. They have fun. Raj goes home.

By the end of the story and in order to have a character arc, the protagonist needs to have developed or grown in some way.

Maybe he becomes wiser.
Maybe he learns to stand on his own two feet and overcomes what he must to accomplish what he wants.
Maybe he learns it’s okay to be different.
Maybe he learns there’s more to him than he thought.
Maybe he figures out there are things more important than riches and power.
Maybe he learns the importance of friendship.
Maybe he learns the importance of being honest or kind.

This list could go on and on.

Character growth is essential to a good story.

6. The story arc.

A story needs a beginning, middle, and end, and there are five basic elements to this arc.

Introduction: This is the beginning of the story. It’s where the reader learns of the conflict.

Rising action: The protagonist struggles to overcome the problem.

Climax: The struggles come to a peak. It’s do or die time and the protagonist must make a decision.

Falling action: This is result of the protagonist’s decision. The actions that take place are leading to a resolution.

Resolution: This is the end of the story. In children’s writing, especially for the picture book through simple middle grade, there is a happy ending. The protagonist wins, reaches the goal, overcomes the obstacle. And all loose ends are tied up.

7. Be subtle.

Your story should be written so that the readers will see for themselves the message you want to convey.

I’ve seen many story endings where the reader is hit over the head with the message.

Weave the message subtly throughout the story. And know that the reader is savvy enough to understand it.

These seven steps are the foundation of a children’s story.

Keep them in mind when writing yours.

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
Four to ten-week coaching programs.

WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.

You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)