A bedtime story is a traditional form of storytelling. It’s more than just a tale—it’s used to bring a child on a gentle journey that engages while soothing the child into a peaceful sleep. Crafting an effective bedtime story requires a balance of imagination, simplicity, and comfort. Although the primary goal of a bedtime story…
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!
Authors and Writing Scams
The landscape of literature is ever-evolving, and now authors not only have to deal with the challenges of creativity but also the treacherous waters of theft by deception. Reports of another sophisticated scam targeting authors surface every year, possibly several times a year if not more. These scammers prey on writers’ aspirations, vulnerabilities, and fears.I’ve…
Transitional Words: How to Use Them and Examples
Transitional words are the glue that holds a story together. They guide readers smoothly from one idea to the next, maintaining clarity, pacing, and emotional impact. In fiction writing, transitional words and phrases help convey shifts in time, space, mood, and logic. Whether writing a novel or a picture book, mastering transitions boosts readability and…
Using Big Words in MG and YA: Good Idea?
Writers often fall into the trap of thinking that using big, complex words will make their writing sound more sophisticated. Or the author may be highly intelligent, say a professor of political science or road scholar, and using big words comes naturally.However, when it comes to middle grade (MG) and young adult (YA) stories, this…
Crafting Scenes: 7 Must-Know Elements
Many elements are needed to craft a compelling story scene. There is a clearly defined purpose, specific setting, conflict introduction, and character development. And like the story arc, each scene must move forward with a clear beginning, middle, and end.SCENE ELEMENTS BREAKDOWN1. The scene’s purpose:Whether you’re an outliner or a pantser, you must know what…
Turn That Idea Into a Children’s Story
So, you have an idea for a children’s story. You’ve been mulling it over for a long while, and now it’s time to do something about it.But what do you do?How can you take an idea, or even a spark of an idea, and create a children’s story?To start, writing a full-fledged story from an…
Get to Know Your Children’s Story Characters
Creating memorable characters that help immerse the reader into the story is the heart of a great children’s story. Whether it’s a mischievous rabbit, a curious child, or a brave middle-grader, understanding your characters and knowing them inside and out will make them relatable and engaging. Here are six tips to help you get to…
Writing Fiction: Focus on the Details
When it comes to storytelling, the big picture often gets all the attention—impressive plots, sweeping character arcs, and monumental stakes. While these elements are crucial, the little details are what breathe life into your story, turning a decent narrative into a drawing experience. Details anchor your readers in the world you’ve created, making it vivid,…
Type A Workaholic? What Can You Do About It?
The term “type A personality” was introduced in the 1950s by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman. As they studied heart disease, they categorized patients into three types: A, B, and AB. The A personality type refers to a set of traits that include being driven, competitive, and goal-oriented, sometimes to a fault.These people are:Hard-working:…
What is Subtext in Your Writing and How to Use It Effectively
Subtext is one of the most potent tools in a writer’s arsenal. It refers to the underlying meaning or message that exists beneath the surface of the words on the page. It’s what characters mean, think, or feel without explicitly stating it. Subtext adds depth, emotional connection, and complexity to a story. It invites readers…