Write.
Write more.
Write even more.
Write even more than that.
Write when you don’t want to.
Write when you do.
Write when you have something to say.
Write when you don’t.
Write every day.
Keep writing.”
― Brian Clark
Step #1: Practice, Practice and then some more
Writing is an ability that gets better and faster with practice. Like running, cooking, drawing …. Almost every activity there is. You can build up slowly and then, with practice, work your way into more demanding territory.
Now that you have decided to write for children, start work on it. Don’t wait for that stressful period of life to get resolved or worse, for inspiration to begin writing. Set a goal and start on developing the writing habit.
Step #2: Find Your Voice
Write for the right reasons – because you have something to say to children. And say it as only you can. Once you have found your ‘writing voice’, you have found your unique niche as a writer. Because there is only one you and no one in this world can top that!!
Step #3: Find the time
Make writing your priority. Find some quality time to do your writing. Don’t do all the daily chores and then squeeze in some writing at the end of a long, tiring day. Write when your mind is fresh and at its most productive. Block off a chunk of time within your daily routing and reserve it for writing. Write first and then squeeze in the rest of your life. If you want to be a children’s writer, then writing should always come first. Keep in mind that children are very demanding readers. You writing has to be bright and sharp to make an impression on them and to keep them reading.
Step #4: Rewriting and Editing
To quote Ernest Hemingway,” I rewrote the ending of Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, 39 times before I was satisfied. It was about getting the words right.”
A lot of what you write may not be very good or usable at first. But with constant practice and a willingness to rework and rewrite, there is no reason why you cannot become a competent writer.
Step #5: Writer’s Block
If you have trouble with getting ideas for writing or with the actual process of writing, then you just haven’t written enough. When you write, you get ideas, which then lead you onto other ideas. Sitting at the desk and wrestling with your writing demons is a great strategy. Because eventually you will conquer them!! And that can only lead to good things for you as a writer.
Step #6: Post Book Completion
According to some newbie authors, writing a book is the easy part! It’s what comes after that they dread – doing the tango with agents, publishing houses, booksellers and an avalanche of rejections.
And if an author goes in for self-publishing, she has to wrestle with designs, illustration, trim size, font, covers, copyright, typesetting…….
While there’s some truth in that, it is easy to avoid these pitfalls by bringing onboard experts who will take charge of your publishing problems. These are reputed solution providers for authors, who will guide you through this difficult terrain.
www.maaillustrations.com/publishing-packages.php
Over a period of time, you will find methods which work best for you as a children’s writer. But for starters, these tips should get you moving on the path to writing your first children’s book.
