how to write a good childrens book
HOW TO WRITE A GOOD CHILDREN’S BOOK
Theme:
The theme is like a point of view, it shows how you see the story from beginning to end. You should never tell your theme automatically, give your readers a chance to understand the story and plot before letting your theme show through. Avoid preaching, because children don’t like stories that are teaching them a lesson. You usually want your theme to be a positive point of view. Issues that aren’t usually “positive” or too “deep” wouldnt be a good thing to include in your book.
Plot:
Build your plot around the main character and its interactions with the people around it and the conflicts he/she is facing. You can write stories with conflicts, however you must keep the audiences attention. The conflict should be something that your main character can solve. Conflicts should build dramatic tension, so as you get to the climax, you show the steps from the conflict to when it will be resolved. Your short story should only have one conflict.
Story Structure:
Start with action, and end promptly. Keep your short story’s structure as simple as possible. Make sure the order of events makes sense and you are very clear as to what is going on. Choose between first and third person for whose voice you will use to narrate your book. First person tells the story as who its happening to, and third person is the viewpoint of someone watching the situation. If you wish to switch to third person from first, start a new chapter.
Characters:
Before you start writing, make sure you know who your characters are. The main character should be someone that everyone can relate to. Try and have the main character be around the same age as your audience. Each character should be easily identified with a certin detail or unique thing about them.
Setting:
Your story should be set in a familiar place.
Style & Tone:
Use short sentences and words, so that your book is simple and direct. Dialouge should make up about one-third of your story, and use. Avoid too much narration. The language in your story should make a tone friendly to your story. For younger audiences, use poetic “devices” such as, rhythm, alliteration, rhyme, etc. Avoid being cutesy or condescending.
Filed by two19 at October 16th, 2007 under Uncategorized
