| "I'd like to write a children's story someday!" | | | | comfort level. |
| Ask just about any adult that likes children and | | | | 4. Think about if you'd like to write Fiction or |
| you'll find many of them saying those exact | | | | Non-Fiction. Some writers prefer fiction and think |
| words. | | | | that non-fiction is boring, but it is very possible to |
| If you happen to fall into the category described | | | | write non-fiction in a very intriguing manner. |
| above, you may find these tips helpful in getting | | | | Non-fiction does not equate 'boring' when you're |
| you moving in the direction to write that children's | | | | creative. |
| story. Whether your story is still sitting in your | | | | 5. Read Parenting Magazines: Parenting Magazines |
| notebook or is an inspirational thought still in your | | | | are loaded with information, reading trends, and |
| head, these starter tips may be just the ticket to | | | | what parents are buying and reading for their |
| get you motivated. | | | | children. You can get ideas for your own stories |
| Six Starter Tips for Writing Children's Stories: | | | | just by reading their articles. |
| 1. Spend a lot of time around children. You can | | | | 6. Take writing classes or join a children's writers |
| pick up a lot of information by just observing | | | | group. Learning writing styles for children's writing |
| children's mannerisms and how interact with other | | | | can be a real eye-opener. You'd be surprised to |
| children. Especially notice how they pick up objects | | | | find there is a lot of valuable information to learn |
| and how they hand toys, blocks, and dolls to | | | | at these places. Not to mention the friends you'll |
| others in the group. | | | | make. |
| 2. Visit the children's section at your local Library. | | | | These ideas are very basic, but they may be just |
| Spend some time perusing children's books by | | | | that little push you needed to get inspired to write |
| looking at their titles and book covers. Glance | | | | that children's book you've been meaning to write. |
| through a few pages and you'll chuckle and think, | | | | Here's an excellent resource; the link to the |
| "I can do that." You'll get inspired with ideas. | | | | Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators |
| 3. Choose an age range that you would like to | | | | to guide you on your writing path |
| write for. Generally speaking there are three age | | | | Then...Watch out, because if you thought you |
| ranges for children's books, the 3-7 listener | | | | didn't have the time to write that children's story, |
| reader, the 8-12 intermediate reader, and the | | | | you will be amazed that with inspiration, you will |
| 13-18 teenage reader. Experiment till you find your | | | | make the time! |