LITERATURE VS. FICTION:Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters Writers often use the words literature and fiction interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you develop a clearer sense of purpose in your writing, especially if you’re crafting stories for children or young adults. While both literature and fiction…
Author: Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author and children's ghostwriter. She loves to help those who want to be the author of a children's book fulfill their dream. Contact Karen today to get your story started!
Tips on Creating Composite Characters
Contributed by Linda Wilson, Children’s Author Beware the “wooden” character. I created one of those once. My character was the villain in my story. Stiff as cardboard, poor soul. He appeared on the scene angry. He stayed angry during the entire story. You can imagine how boring his personality was. There was no compelling reason…
Early Readers and Streamlined Illustrations
Most of us know what early readers are. They’re short books designed for children just beginning to read independently. They bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books, typically focusing on readers aged 4–8. These books use simple words, sentences, and stories to help young readers develop their reading skills. The accompanying illustrations should…
Talking Points and Writers on the Move Self-Publishing Service
This article is doing double-duty. It will discuss what talking points are and use Writers on the Move Self-Publishing Service as an example of it in action. Talking points are key messages or facts that you can use to discuss a topic, support an argument, stay on topic, or persuade an audience. Authors often use…
Put Your Characters Behind the Wheel: Character Agency
Character agency is a character’s ability to drive the story.Katia Raina states, “Agency is a fuel that drives your character, which in turn drives your story. Agency is your character’s power. It is their passion, their movement, it is how active they are.” (1)This is what character agency is, and the plot is driven through…
Writing for Children: The Power of Patterns
Have you ever noticed that most children’s books written for young readers follow specific patterns? Patterns are everywhere in children’s lives, from the rhythm of nursery rhymes to the sequence of bedtime routines. Because children thrive on predictability and repetition, patterns are one of the most powerful tools a children’s writer can use. When carefully…
Children’s Book Illustrations: Styles, Sizes, and AI
Children’s books are as much about what we see as what we read. The illustrations not only capture a child’s imagination but also help them interpret the story, emotions, and tone. From soft watercolor spreads to bold digital cartoons, the art style and book layout play a vital role in shaping how a child experiences…
Are Limiting Beliefs Keeping You from Writing Your Book?
Contributed by Suzanne Lieurance, Writing Coach Do you want to write a book, yet you just can’t seem to sit down and do it? Well, most likely, you have some limiting beliefs that are getting in your way. Limiting beliefs can significantly hinder you from reaching your goal to write a book in several ways….
Self-Published Books and Bookstores
I just read an article that emphatically said that self-published books cannot get into bookstores. It was written by a traditionally published author and someone in the publishing business.Although I didn’t have proof, I disagreed with this statement and did some research. Self-published books can get into bookstores.To prove this, I came upon an article…
Book Formatting vs. Book Design
Book formatting and book design are both crucial elements in preparing a book for publication, but they focus on different aspects. A book designer focuses on the overall appeal and visual impact of the book. A book formatter focuses on the technical aspects of preparing the manuscript for printing or digital publication. They are like…