Interested in the art of writing children's books (or childrens in computerese)? Here are lots of tips, tricks, articles, and resources to help you ...
CHILDRENS WRITING FAQs- Answers to questions new writers frequently ask on writing for children: on how to get started, agents, illustrators, submissions, correct manuscript form, cover letters, query letters, multiple submissions and rejection letters.
WRITING TIPS ON WRITING FOR CHILDREN- Many useful tidbits on writing for children- on titles, beginnings, characters, dialogue, plots, endings, point of view, revision, and word choice.
ENCOURAGING THE MUSE- 24 ways to get your creativity- and your children's writing- flowing
CHILDRENS BOOK AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS-- Alphabetical and geographical listings of children's authors and illustrators, writers on the web with writing tips on writing for children, plus multiple author list links
After years of teaching writing for children and of participating in children's writers' groups, I have found that those who ultimately make it to publication follow the "3 Ps": priority, practice, and persistence.
Priority- Take your writing seriously. If you don't, no one else will! Make physical space for your writing. Make daily time for writing.
Practice- A baseball player doesn't become a pro the first time he picks up a bat. Writing is always a growing, learning experience.
Persistence- It takes time, and usually many rejections, to succeed.
Help is on the Web!!! There are some really great resources on the Web on writing for children. Follow some of the links in Writer Resources for more help. Also, one of the best things you can do is to invest in a few good books on writing for children. You will find a list of top-notch books at Best Books on Writing for Children.
Writing for children may not be a "get rich quick" scheme, and writing for kids isn't as easy as it looks. But for those of us who call ourselves children's writers, there is no better job on earth!
