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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Children's Books - How to Keep Children Turning Those Pages

How should a children's book be constructed?

A very important element in the construction of a piece of creative writing is a strong beginning. If the opening is not catchy, then readers will fairly rapidly lose interest.

Children tend to have a short attention span and want to be quickly engrossed in a story.

This can be difficult for the author when they are introducing characters and storyline.

One option for a catchy opening could be a flash back paragraph which promises more exciting things to come.

I also find that opening with a conversation is quite a good maneuver.

You want to get the children turning pages. You do not want to lose them on the first page!

The body of the creative writing piece should intrigue and excite the reader.

Every chance to create drama should be seized. In fact, once you have written about an incident, go back over it several times, each time adding extra drama. If you are writing a fantasy children's book for example, anything goes, so dig deep into your imagination and bring out the most fantastic thing you can think of. The idea is to excite and intrigue. Drama involves conflict to make people care about your characters and your story.

Lead up to dramatic and suspenseful situations with care. The right mood has to be created and the timing has to be spot on. The reader wants to be tantalized, but not bored. The priming of the reader for the dramatic event makes the event even more exciting. Afterwards there should be a lull in the pace as the story moves towards the next dramatic development. All the time there should be a promise of more exciting things to come.

For more exciting creative writing, put in a variety of moods.

Children respond very well to humor. Humor in the right place can relieve tension and make a character more likeable. Of course, care should be taken with the use of humor (unless you are actually wanting to confront the reader) to ensure it is not inappropriate.

Sad situations have their place in a children's book too. However, sadness should be followed by something positive and optimistic - a lesson has been learnt and/or the characters have had some sort of spiritual awakening. Both the characters in the story and the reader can smile once again.

Your children's book concludes when all the loose ends have been tied up. Read the story through several times to make sure that nothing remains that is unexplained.

The ending should be strong and leave the reader satisfied. The reader should be wondering about the lives of the characters and hopefully wanting to meet them again. That of course, gives you the opportunity for the sequel!

Roslyn J. Motter is a Sydney, Australia based author. She is also a registered acupuncturist and CPA (Certified Public Accountant). She commenced writing her Doofuzz Dudes series late in life at the age of fifty. Now, three years later, she has already written eighteen books. She has recently published the first three books, The Doofuzz Dudes Rescue Moondar; The Doofuzz Dudes and the Princess Detector; and the Doofuzz Dudes and the Babbling Bottles. The series are fantasy adventure stories and are most suitable for children aged 7 - 12 years. Woven into the adventures is a subtle theme of caring for the environment. The books can be purchased at http://www.doodlesbookshop.com.au and excerpts and illustrations from the books are available for viewing on http://www.childrens-books.com.au and children can play games and win prizes on http://www.doofuzzdudesclub.com

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