Important Facts When Writing for Children
Do you want to write stories for children? Here is a checklist to look over.
Do you want to write stories for children? What age range do you have in mind? This thought has tempted me many times, and I have finished my first draft many years ago. My story sits collecting dust since I simply lost interest in editing. However, I still want to write for children in the future.
I read as many books as I can get my hands on about writing for children. Below is a collection of important facts to think about if you ever want to venture into this genre.
Who Are Your Readers?
You must define a specific group of your audience. Ask yourself plenty of questions. How old will your readers be? What gender are you aiming at? This is the first step to simmer in your thought. Picking out a defined group will help you gear toward that market, and know where to look for in publication.
What is Your Topic?
Throwing out questions will bring up some ideas for a topic. What is your story about? Is it interesting enough to capture the attention of your young readers? Can your readers relate themselves to this topic? Is the story exciting, adventurous, and/or imaginable?
After you find a topic, your concentration should place on the title. A great title can grab a passerby with a force.
Who is Telling the Story?
Decide who is telling the story, first or third person? This is your character. What is your character’s personality? What is he/she like? For each character in your story, you should list out his/her traits. Find unusual characteristics for your story teller. Your main character must stand out in your readers’ mind.
What is the Conflict?
In every story or movie that we see, there is always conflict. You have to create conflicts and show how it is solved in every chapter of your story. Without conflicts, your readers will be bored and find something else to do. To keep your readers mesmerize to the story, you must have the good, the bad, and the evil, in your fiction.
Research, Research, and More Research
After brainstorming your ideas, the fun part begins. Research, research, and research! You will have to find out where to market your story. Who are the publishers? Each company has its own requirements such as the numbers of words, or ages of readers that will be accepted, or story lines that they are looking for.
Writing is hard work, but if you have some ideas where to begin or what is involved, it will make the journey easier. Have fun finding your voice, and happy writing!
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Tags: characters, publishers, research, title, Writing
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February 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 am
Wonderful sharing your tips Icy, I love the idea of writing books for children. To speak to children through books is just the best, how rewarding!
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:47 am
This is a good article, children are the most discerning readers as they pick everything to pieces. Lots of good points to keep in mind when writing for them! Thanks Icy!
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:49 am
Useful artyicle Icy.
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
Good tips on writing story for children. Thanks, Icy! Take care!
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 am
All for children, protect FOR all children in special in the Global Village of The INTERNET …by millennium3
Now for IcyCuky congratulation!
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:51 am
Icy, excellent research and good presentation. I look forward to buying your book for my grandchildren. I will be so proud, when I tell them I know you. Take care.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:51 am
These are very good and extremely useful for writers for children.
February 3rd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Icy, you’ve hit the nail right on the head. Writing for children isn’t as simple as it seems. There are so many age groups to think about, because childrens’ comprehensions, sophistication and reading ability change so quickly. You’re right that you really need to identify your market. Given all of that, how rewarding it must be.
February 3rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
These are really good tips. I hope you do get the chance to write for children one day. You are such a great writer. I think you will do a great job.
February 3rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Very good advise. Children are not easy to write for. Talk to a libriarian to determine what books children are checking out, and even better, read to your childrena snd see what holds their interest. Let us know when you publish you rbook. I would love to read it.
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Wonderful tips and very useful article, Icy.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Great article and you will dust off that story, submit it and have it published…and it will be a great, great success.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
February 12th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Great article, Icy!