Ever wondered how the most successful children's book writers get their ideas? The answer may surprise you.
Most children's books are based on the same exact story - good versus evil.
Ex. Harry Potter vs Voldomort. Cinderella vs her wicked stepmother. Pinnochio's conscience vs. outside influences.
Next we add a protagonist and an antagonist.
Ex. Don't we love it when Harry Potter and Malfoy get into it? Or when Hansel and Gretel turn the tables on the witch?
Finally a best selling story needs conflict and a big problem that the main character needs to overcome.
Ex. If Harry lets Lord Voldemort come back without a fight, the fate of the magic world could be at risk.
Ex. If Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire don't outsmart Count Olaf then their fortunes and their lives might be at risk.
Most inexperienced writers spend so much time thinking about the setting, the scenery and the color of their characters hair that they forget that the plot is what editors and their audience is looking for.
Hogwarts is a wonderful school. But who would care about it without Harry Potter and his friends.
The castle in Sleeping Beauty would just be another castle in the middle of nowhere without the princess and her prince.
And the three little pigs houses could have been made of snow, cotton or peanuts for all we would care without three clever little pigs and a wolf.
Kids love it when good triumphs over evil. Give them a story they can cheer over.
Also spend time really getting to know your characters. Create a history for each character, even if most of their histories will never see the inside of your book.
Your characters must seem real. Your audience must be able to relate to them and really care about what happens to them.
That in a nutshell is how you write a best selling children's book. The editing, minor scenic details and hand wringing anxiety can come after you finish the book.
Caterina Christakos is a published author and children's book writer. Learn how to write a children's book in 30 days or less at: http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com
shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare1. What Is A Premise?A premise is the point you... Read More
If you either want to write a book to help... Read More
Mixing and mingling with industry professionals is an opportunity that... Read More
Writing is a muscle that needs exercise to stay in... Read More
When one population in one century survived five wars, two... Read More
Many writers write for the experience. Others dream of having... Read More
We've all seen those ads that grab our attention and... Read More
Simply put, it is the art of writing scripts for... Read More
As you set out to create your first niche non-fiction... Read More
You can create a great headline, a dynamic first sentence,... Read More
There is no doubt that a staff writer enjoys advantages... Read More
Productivity begins by recognizing and valuing your brilliance, time, and... Read More
Op-ed articles, also known as opinion/editorial articles, are a great... Read More
So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that... Read More
Want to write an article or book, but are stuck... Read More
What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a... Read More
People want information, they want it quick, frequently in short... Read More
'Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented... Read More
I have added a new word to my vocabulary. Logorrhea.... Read More
A frequent conversation I have with my writing clients is... Read More
If you're targeting an educated, more affluent audience with your... Read More
It was reported that the great American author Sinclair Lewis... Read More
In the current job market, many editorial freelancers have turned... Read More
Since the headline is the first contact your readers have... Read More
Writing technical articles is a challenge. There you sit, surrounded... Read More
Green Bay Hummer H2 SUV rentals ..Have you ever started a creative writing project with great... Read More
Some writers are just too kind.They hate to put their... Read More
The works you've written are numerous, ranging from short stories... Read More
You may wonder why I have chosen this title of... Read More
Just about everyone is familiar with this beginning: "In the... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
1) Can you summarize the story in about a sentence... Read More
Most people can easily identify with the dreaded "writer's block".... Read More
I just finished to read a book. A story for... Read More
Working on my first humorous novel, I started with a... Read More
On my first newspaper assignment as a critic, I was... Read More
So many clients come to me as a book or... Read More
It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More
So you want to learn to research well, and not... Read More
He ran up the steps and knocked on the door.... Read More
Write Right - You have an all important business letter... Read More
The big question. Do you submit directly to the publishers,... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?For a theme to work and the... Read More
If you're a writer, you're in business. It doesn't matter... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?We all tackle plotting differently. How you... Read More
Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional phrases -- allow readers... Read More
There are three ways to write a first draft. One... Read More
First drafts are for getting down the ideas. Anna Jacobs... Read More
Everybody knows writing a story is not easy. Like the... Read More
Having problems writing? I don't know why. San Francisco Chronicle... Read More
Writing |