Probably one of the most difficult aspects of writing is providing content that your reader can turn into pictures or imagery. You may know exactly what you’re trying to convey, the image you want your reader to see, but does your content translate into effective imagery for your reader? Stephen King discusses this topic in…
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Theme and Your Story
Your story is like a puzzle. It takes a number of elements working together to make a memorable story. One of those elements is the ‘theme.’ Theme can be a frightening topic. Do you have a theme in mind before striking the first key? Do you write your first draft and then decide what the…
10 Rules for Writing Children’s Stories
Before I became a children’s writer, I wrote marketing and health articles. Writing in multiple genres, I can tell you that writing for children can be much more challenging. When writing for children, there are guidelines to keep in mind to help your story avoid the editor’s trash pile. And if you’re self-publishing, the children’s…
Know Your Reader – Writing for Children
Guest post by Charles Suddeth I am primarily a children’s writer. I belong to SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators). The rule of thumb is that children like to read books with the main character their age or slightly older. Recommended ages for readers and main characters vary from publisher to publisher, so…
Tips for Marketing Your Children’s Book
Guest post by Fiona Ingram When marketing your children’s book, a better result comes from a finely-tuned approach. Simply honing in on your target market the right way will reap great benefits. Here are my tips. 1. Have a top quality product. Your book must be entertaining or educational, well written with age appropriate language,…
Learning to Write for Children – It’s More Than Just A,B,C
I’ve written poems, short stories, and even songs from childhood through my twenties. Although, I had never thought of publishing my work or making it a career until around 2007. Not knowing any better, I thought it would be a breeze – easy peasy. How difficult could it be to write simple children’s stories? Since…
Writing a Fiction Story – Walking Through Walls Backstory
By Karen Cioffi It’s always interesting how writers find ideas when writing a fiction story. Some may simply come up with an idea, others may see something that triggers a story, and sometimes a story is handed to a writer. I had never thought of rewriting a folktale until being given a rough outline of…
Using The Boy Who Ran as a Teaching Tool
Today, I’m pleased to be hosting children’s author Michael Selden for Day 3 of his virtual book tour through the National Writing for Children Center. Using “The Boy Who Ran” as a Teaching Tool If I were using THE BOY WHO RAN as a teaching tool, I might link the story of the boy having…
Trade book Tips for Teachers from Children’s Author Susanna Leonard Hill
Today, I’m pleased to be hosting children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill. This is Day 3 of her virtual book tour through the National Writing for Children Center. Susanna will be talking about how her books can be used in a classroom setting. Trade book Tips for Teachers from Children’s Author Susanna Leonard Hill I am…
Tradebook Tips for Teachers from Children’s Author Sally O. Lee
Today, I’m hosting Day 3 of a 5-day virtual tour (sponsored by the National Writing for Children Center) for Sally O. Lee’s new book, Pop! Pop! Bam! Bam! Sally offers some tips that teachers can use to create a discussion after a classroom read-aloud. Sally’s Tips for Teachers I think my books are very good…