Every writer has their own process and method of writing, whether it’s a novel, a short story, or even an article. But, whatever process you use, there are at least 10 elements needed to craft an engaging children’s story.
Here are 10 Elements to Building a Children’s Fiction Story
1. The idea.
The very first step to writing a story is having an idea.
Ideas are all around you. They can come from conversations, news articles, books, blog posts, videos, TV, and the list goes on and on.
For lots of writers, anything can spark an idea.
Once you have an idea for a fiction story, it’s on to the next steps, the process.
2. To outline or not.
Okay, you have an idea, now it’s time to decide if you want to create an outline or do the pantser thing.
Most authors have a preference. I usually fly by the seat of my pants, but I have used outlines.
While I do tend to be a pantser, there can be a security in having an outline. It’s like a roadmap. Go straight for a while, then make a left, then go right, then it’s straight again, and so on.
3. The setting.
If you have an idea, you’ll need to decide where the story will take place.
The setting plays an essential part in your story. Imagine your idea set in the 18th-century American South or 14th-century Europe. What about Ireland or in Africa? What about present-day New Zealand or another world?
Depending on your setting, the character will exhibit varying attitudes, characteristics, traits, obstacles, and so on.
I’ve written a fiction fantasy chapter book, “Walking Through Walls,” set in 16th-century China.
Keep in mind that with some settings, you will have to do research. I did lots of research on ancient China to give the story an authentic feel.
4. The characters.
Now, it’s time to create your characters.
Take note, though, some authors will start the story first and then get to know their characters as they go along. This can be considered a pantser method. The characters help create the story as they unexpectedly do this or that.
In an article in The Writer, Terry McMillan, author of “Waiting to Exhale,” said, “Sometimes I’ll have an opening for a story—something that intrigued me, or a voice—and I just write it. Then I start thinking about this character.” (1)
But, for this article, it’s about creating character biographies.
Think of what you want your character to be like. Some personality and traits aspects include:
- Will the protagonist be a girl or a boy?
- Will she be smart?
- Will he be good-looking?
- What grade is he in?
- Is she athletic?
- Does he have a disability?
- Where does she live?
- What’s his family life like?
- Does she have siblings?
- Does she have a best friend?
- Is he kindhearted?
- Is she honest?
- Is she courageous?
To get all the characteristics and background of your character, it’s a good idea to create a character biography. All pertinent and extraneous information should be included.
Some authors use character sheets for this.
5. The plot.
If you have an outline, you’ll know where your story is going – what its point is, and possibly what its takeaway value is to be. You’ll know the majority, if not all, of the events that will make up your story.
If you don’t have an outline, your idea may be your key to the plot. Or you may create the plot as you go along.
6. Subplots.
Unless you’re writing for very young children, most stories starting at middle grade will have at least one subplot.
Subplots are secondary stories within your primary story.
As an example, in “Walking Through Walls,” the protagonist, Wang, made friends with another boy, Chen. Neighboring warriors abducted Chen’s sister, and he hoped Wang would help him get his sister back.
This is a subplot to Wang wanting to be rich and powerful.
7. Obstacles (conflict).
Every story, even for children, needs obstacles or conflicts.
For young children’s writing, there’s the Rule of Three. There should be three obstacles that the protagonist strives to overcome. Or, it can be one obstacle that the protagonist tries to overcome three times before finally reaching his goal.
Obviously, the obstacles will be appropriate to the protagonist’s and reader’s ages.
For a great article on the rule of threes, check out:
The Rule of Threes in Picture Books
8. The resolution.
In keeping with the Rule of Three, the third obstacle will be the climax of the story, the do-or-die time.
Then comes the resolution. The protagonist will usually prevail.
9. The Words
Yes, words, when writing for young children, are an important element of children’s books.
You need to use age-appropriate language for young readers.
For example, “Children’s Writer’s Word Book” by Alijandra and Tayopa Mogilner was written to help ensure writers use age-appropriate words for their young readers.
Take the word “safe,” it’s appropriate for kindergarten. You can use “guarded” for first grade, and “secure” for third grade.
The word “anger” is appropriate for first grade. You can use “bother” for second grade, “agitate” for fifth grade, and “irk” for sixth grade.
If you were to use “irk” with first graders, they wouldn’t know what you were talking about.
Writing, especially for children, is all about engagement and clarity.
For more on age-appropriate words, check out:
Finding Age-Appropriate Words When Writing For Children
10. The reader takeaway.
First, what is the takeaway?
Well, put simply, it’s what the reader takes from the story. More specifically, it’s what you want the reader to take away from the story.
It could be an emotion, an appreciation for something, a memory, an awareness, or a life lesson.
In “Walking Through Walls,” I want the reader to take away a life lesson: hard work and honesty have great rewards.
Interestingly, some writers know what their takeaway is from the get-go. Some find out after the story is written. I tend to find out as I’m writing the story. I don’t usually set out with a great takeaway.
Summing It Up
While there are 10 elements to writing children’s fiction stories listed here, five of them are core elements: characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution.
Get your story started today.
Reference:
(1) The Writer, February 2012, “Writing Like No One is Looking.”
Your Children’s Book – What’s The Takeaway?
3 Absolute Must-Nots in Children’s Writing
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
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