Good day
I am told that I am a good writer and that I should write children books, but I have no Idea how to start. Any tips or advice or links to sites where I can learn how to write a children's book. I would like to try.
Good day
I am told that I am a good writer and that I should write children books, but I have no Idea how to start. Any tips or advice or links to sites where I can learn how to write a children's book. I would like to try.
I think Jimmy and Lorraine have pointed out three important legs to writing for children of that age group; illustrations, voice and nurturing language (& hopefully a love of books!). I think the fourth leg, but not necessarily the last, is how it sounds when read aloud by an adult. I read a lot to my kids and they (we) get a great deal of pleasure from the overall feel and expressiveness of the words and phrases. Linley Dodd, in my humble opinion, is a master of the rounded, expressive phrase which doesn't just describe or tell; it's a joy to read and say for its own sake.
Why write children's books? Do you like children? Do you have any of your own? It's important to understand what writing for the young entails, because more than being just a story, it should be in some way nurturing and helpful and educational as well as fun to read.
In many ways it is much harder than writing for adults, and you have to understand the market well. My advice? Read as many books as you can for your intended market and work out how they do what they do.
Hi, Wilien!
I write (and also publish) stories for children. I don't know about web-sites on learning how to do it, but I can give you this advice:
Spend a lot of time with children and LISTEN to them. Once you have a feeling for THEIR voice, try telling them stories and pay attention to their reaction. I can't guarantee that your stories will get published, because 2-4-year-olds don't buy books: their parents/family/parents' friends/kindergartens buy books for them... and some of those have NO idea. But at least you'll stand a chance of writing books that CHILDREN like.
Why limit yourself to 2-4s? Do you work with them or have some of your own? Do you illustrate as well? Because for young children, illustrations are of paramount importance.