| Are you writing a children's book? Have you been | | | | every day or every second day. But set aside |
| writing a little here and a little there but can't | | | | the time where you are in the zone to write, |
| seem to see how your children's book will ever | | | | even if you spend this time thinking about the |
| get completed? Sometimes we can have the | | | | next twist in the tale. Writing a children's book will |
| misconception that it is easy to sit down and | | | | take some time, you won't be to disappointed if |
| write a children's book. Children's books are quite | | | | you have a plan. |
| short and not complicated right, so it mustn't be | | | | 4. How long will I write for? Of course it isn't |
| that hard? Well actually it's not as easy as you | | | | always easy to set a time limit on your writing, as |
| may think! Because children's books are shorter, | | | | long as you give yourself enough time to get in |
| there are certain restrictions you encounter which | | | | the zone. When you're on a role you're on a role |
| can make it difficult. Mainly because of the choice | | | | and you probably shouldn't stop when you are but |
| of words you use. The best way to get to the | | | | there are the times when you get stuck. It is |
| end result of a well written and thought out | | | | crucial to allow yourself time to sit, think and |
| children's book is to plan how you will get there. | | | | write. Take time out for your writing. Even half an |
| Once you have that idea, its time to start writing | | | | hour is better than nothing. Don't forget you have |
| a children's book. Set yourself some goals. Ask | | | | to edit your work in the end anyway so just |
| yourself the following questions: | | | | write, write and write some more. |
| 1. When do I want my book finished? Set | | | | 5. Do I need help? If you are having difficulties |
| yourself a time-frame for writing a children's book. | | | | with certain parts of your story gaining the |
| Try to keep this realistic. There is no need to try | | | | necessary help and support of those who have |
| and complete your manuscript in a short period of | | | | been there and done that will benefit you in the |
| time, causing it stressful for you and your family | | | | long run. Successful authors of children's books will |
| and putting the quality of your story at risk. | | | | generally be willing to show you the way to |
| 2. Who am I writing for? Are you planning to | | | | achieving your goals and to becoming a published |
| write for babies and toddlers, early readers or | | | | author in your own right. |
| advanced readers like teenagers? This has to be | | | | A children's book or any book for that matter can |
| one of the most important questions to ask. The | | | | take awhile to put together. Don't put too much |
| genre you are writing for will determine the style | | | | pressure on yourself. Once you have your first |
| of writing to use and every genre has different | | | | draft, you'll be ready to edit. Then you'll have a |
| criteria. It's always best to find out what | | | | professional manuscript to submit to publishers. |
| publishers of your chosen genre are looking for. | | | | Think about these guidelines as your writing a |
| 3. When will I write? Are you an early morning | | | | children's book and you will be setting yourself to |
| person or a night owl? You know yourself better | | | | succeed from the beginning. Remember how |
| than anyone. Plan to use the time that best suits | | | | important it is to set goals so you stay on track |
| you as effectively as possible. Maybe you'll write | | | | and get your book completed when you want to. |