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!
