Creating a Children's Story - The Process

I'm sure if you ask ten authors their process for writing a children's book they will give ten different answers. Writing is such a personal adventure I would find it hard to imagine two writers having an identical writing process. There are a number of formulas for the writing process and most of them include creating an outline first.

I have tried both the outline formula and the seat-of-your-pants formula. Comparing the two, I think the outline formula offers more support. With this method, you know where you're going and you know what's around the corner. This, to me, affords a sense of security that the seat-of-your-pants method doesn't. I have written two children's stories based on ancient Chinese tales. For these two particular stories, I had a co-author who provided a rough outline of each story. I used the outline to construct a story. With this process I know how to craft the beginning to meld into the middle, and the middle into the end because I have the stepping stones in place. Even when I change pertinent aspects in the story, such as adding a character, or even the basic structure somewhat, I still have a rough roadmap to help me get to my destination.

My other stories, including two picture books and a middle grade short story, have been created using the seat-of-the-pants method. While I find the outline method a little more comfortable and easier, there is a sense of the unknown and adventure in the seat-of-the-pants method. I have an idea and begin to type. It is amazing to be staring at a blank word processing screen and then have a sentence or two that automatically takes you into another sentence or two, and then another, and another. To witness the creation of characters, personalities and even worlds born from your imagination is thrilling.

Karen and Robyn - Writing for Children offers helpful tips about writing, marketing, self-publishing, and much more. We also offer children's health tips from Dr. Heny Lee (President of the American Acupuncturist Assn.) Karen is a freelance writer and co-author of the bedtime picture book, Day's End Lullaby. For more information visit: http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com

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