5 Tips for Writing a Children's Book: Get Started with These Strategies

Writing for kids is a weird and wonderful journey. You've got to dive right into the deep end of that rainbow-sprinkled, slime-filled, squiggle-shaped pool of imagination. Writing for kids can feel like hours of fun-filled character creation, but it can also be daunting if you don't plan ahead. 

All too often, we judge ourselves before we even get the words on the page. Whenever I embark on a new children's book project, I can easily become overwhelmed. Where do I start? Should I outline? What's the tone of voice? What's the target audience? The biggest question that takes precedence over all others: should I even bother? 

Writing can be intimidating, since we're putting ourselves out there for potential judgment and humiliation. But why not give it a go? After all, it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and that's not why you wanted to write in the first place. So here are some tips and tricks to help you on your way:

1. Plot: Part of plotting is knowing your audience. There are several categories to consider when writing for children, which are usually divided into Picture Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult. Once you have your target audience, you can think in terms of reading level and comprehension skills, which will determine the type of language to be used in your book. 
   
   Plotting a children's book can be overwhelming, so set yourself up for success by creating an outline for your target age group. This will give you a clear path to follow and make writing easier. Once the words are on the page, you can edit without worrying about getting lost. By simplifying your writing process, you can avoid any obstacles that might otherwise prevent you from completing your book.
   

2. Keep It Simple: When it comes to writing for children, simplicity is key. Children have short attention spans and may struggle to grasp complex concepts or follow convoluted storylines. Therefore, it's crucial to keep your writing simple and straightforward. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon or complicated vocabulary, and focus on telling a story that is easy to understand. 
   

3. Be Silly with Skilled Intention: Some of the best advice I learned when studying theater was that "acting is serious play." I apply the same lesson to writing for kids; we need to be silly and dare to be goofy to truly connect with them. But it's also a job filled with enormous responsibility, as children's books play a pivotal role in teaching important lessons to the next generation. To engage a young audience, it's essential to infuse humor and inspire laughter in your writing. Consider using wordplay, visual gags, or situational humor that is relatable to children's experiences. However, it's important to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid humor that may be offensive or inappropriate for young readers. Humor is a powerful tool for engaging children, but it should always be used with care and respect.
   

4. Explore Character Voice: Another lesson stolen from my years in theater study is in regard to character voice. To really understand how my characters express themselves, I often play dress up in the comfort of my own home and act out as the character in order to discover how they move, what they sound like and how they do that most essential thing of all: communicate. This allows them to spring to life from my mind and onto the page. After all, children's books are meant to be read out loud, so embodying your characters helps develop their authenticity and makes them relatable to readers across the globe. 
   
   As a writer, explore repetition, use onomatopoeia, explore the five senses, and have fun with silly phrasing. Experiment with rhythm and rhyme to create a fun reading experience. By giving your characters unique voices, you can make them come alive and make a meaningful connection with young readers.
   

5. Read Children's Books: It's surprising how many people approach me about writing for children without regularly reading children's books themselves. The children's book industry is constantly evolving, and to participate in this market, you need to stay informed and read extensively. Familiarize yourself with the genre by reading a wide variety of children's books, ranging from picture books for toddlers to YA novels for older children. Pay close attention to the themes, writing style, and illustrations. Take note of what resonates with you and what doesn't. Remember that you have a unique voice and style as a writer, and the more you research, the more you'll realize how valuable your voice is. Your taste will evolve, and you'll learn how to effectively market yourself.

At the end of the day, writing for children is one of the most rewarding experiences you will encounter. Sharing joy through the written word and molding the minds of young readers will have an unexpected life-changing benefit: it will help you grow.