Being an author is like riding a long roller coaster ride. There are highs and lows that you had or will experience, feel, and conquer. You have to know the specific type of roller coaster to ride so you can assess the length of the ride, prepare yourself, and enjoy the moment — even on the lowest point. So, if you have chosen to go for children’s literature, then you should know the basics of writing those kinds of stories. Although the genre differs from others, there are still many aspects that you need to examine, go through, and overcome, especially during the writing process. That said, listed below are the things that you should consider before writing the next bestselling children’s book.
Book concept
You probably have gotten your book idea from reading a wide array of children’s books. The inspiration might also have because of great characters, such as Matilda, Jo March, Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, Solomon Snail, and Mary Lennox, that proved themselves all throughout their stories. Regardless of where your concept came from, it is essential that you put more work into it. You have to think of ways to bring your idea to life in a clear and entertaining manner that your targets can both understand and enjoy. Thus, take some time to build and strengthen your concept.
Storyline
The plot is basically the foundation of your story. As a children’s book author, you must give more thought to crafting and delivering your work’s storyline in the simplest but most impactful way possible. Prior to your actual writing journey, you must plan ahead and create an outline of what events must take place in each part of the plot. You should guarantee that the succeeding scenes after the introduction progresses the story and can also impact the development of other story elements, such as characters. When you already have the outline, review it and see what parts need more improvement and what aspects are perfect.
Language
Since you write books for kids, you must be more specific in identifying the age range of your targets to create a more appropriate story. If you have determined the numbers, then it would be easier for you to choose and write in a suitable language. It is truly essential to write using a language that your readers can understand. Since the younger ones are still in their early stages of development, they are still developing their communication and comprehension skills. Therefore, their vocabulary is still simple and limited. You have to match their language so they can connect and understand your tale, as well as ignite emotions and ideas from your work.
Conflict
A story without tension will be less interesting than the others. Even in children’s literature, conflict still plays a vital role in every book that’s published and already read by many. Before anything else, you must think, craft, and develop a conflict that is simple, timely, and relevant. You must also put into consideration how your book becomes one of the learning materials that can help the little ones become better people as they grow older. Hence, look for a way to inflict a conflict relevant to the plot, language, and readers. Make sure that the tension can still move the narrative forward, evoke the necessary emotions, and communicate the central message. From this conflict, character development will also reveal, and the turn of events will be spiced up. Thus, it is vital to put this into consideration because it can affect the overall appeal and impact of the story.
Point-of-view
With the help of the point-of-view, readers can get a glimpse and a first-hand experience of your story. It guides your targets in exploring your work. That said, you must think it through and pick the most suitable point-of-view for your story that can guarantee a top-notch reading experience. With a relevant POV, your readers can recognize, process, and understand the emotions, thoughts, inspirations, and experiences of each of your characters. They get a better grasp as to why your characters possess those certain traits or are motivated to achieve a certain goal. In that way, your young readers will be more encouraged and aware of the things they are capable of just by reading your story.
Alex Writes 