| Many people who are considering writing a | | | | discussions and get feedback from experienced |
| children's book have the mistaken belief that you | | | | writers or tutors which will provide you with |
| need a piece of paper or to have formal writing | | | | priceless information you will have for a lifetime. |
| experience to write a book for children! This is the | | | | Take the opportunity when it is presented, this is |
| #1 misconception of writing a children's book or | | | | the best way to gain knowledge for your writing |
| any book for that matter. The truth is you don't! | | | | career. You can get started writing your children's |
| What publishers are wanting to see in your writing | | | | story straight away and seek help and support as |
| is that you are interested in and have a passion | | | | you go along. |
| for a good story. Formal qualifications can be | | | | The best way to get the help and support you |
| expensive and time consuming and in the end | | | | need is from successful authors who have been |
| they are not a guarantee for your success. | | | | there and done that and made the mistakes. |
| Formal training can also be very broad; covering all | | | | They will be willing to share these with you. |
| aspects of writing in general. This is not always a | | | | Generally, they would have produced well written |
| bad thing as you will need to develop a strong | | | | and published books in more than one genre of |
| foundation for your writing career. But overall, | | | | children's writing. These are the folks you want to |
| formal training is not necessary. If you are | | | | learn from. They will give you all the elements for |
| interested in gaining formal qualifications the best | | | | writing a children's book and pointers for dealing |
| thing to look for is a more in-depth focus on | | | | with publishers. What publishers want to see and |
| children's writing not all other genres of writing. | | | | what they don't! Again this is priceless feedback |
| Writers of children's books will recommend | | | | that only those who have been there can give |
| attending short courses designed specifically for | | | | you. |
| children's writing. You can sometimes find free | | | | If you believe writing a children's book is where |
| short courses through the community, library, | | | | your talents lye, that's awesome! There is always |
| internet or there could be a small fee. Either way, | | | | a need for more well written children's books filled |
| it is beneficial to you to attend one or two of | | | | with passion and interest. Remember this is the |
| these. This will improve your knowledge and skills | | | | #1 misconception of writing a children's book. You |
| when writing for children. The more knowledge | | | | do not need to have formal qualifications, just the |
| you seek in this area of writing will help you | | | | will to learn how to write well for children, one |
| beyond belief. While attending courses, you will | | | | way or another. |
| have the opportunity to ask question, have | | | | |