Q&A for How to Write a Children's Story

The first thing you should look for is your concept. Then, think about how that plot is going to work, and usually that involves structure and character, which usually go together.

Not every writer needs to be a good artist. In fact, many writers ask other people to illustrate their books! Also, some writers like to illustrate their own books, even if they are not very good at drawing; this is common in humorous stories.

Six to eight year old boys will enjoy silly, unusual stories with quirky characters. They love toilet humour (like farting and stuff) and disgusting descriptions (slimy, gooey, etc). What does your brother find funny? Check out the Captain Underpants stories and David Walliams for inspiration.

Sure, you can write a book at any age. If you wanted to publish it after you write it, you would probably need some help from your parents or other adults. But you can write it at any time.

Keep it short, as most young children get bored reading tediously long chapter books. However, it's not possible to tell you precisely how many pages your story should be, as it depends on the font size, number of words per page, etc. Stick to the adage that less is more and keep it short.

Kids love fairy tale stories that involve mythical beings like mermaids, ogres, etc. with wild adventures. Kids 5-10 years old are currently developing sensory learning. So, it's good to tell them stories that help them cultivate creativity and imagination.

No. There are many fairy tales that focus on poverty, such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella.

Start by brainstorming certain aspects of your story. Make a list of plot ideas, characters, locations and other details to get the ball rolling, then develop these ideas once you are ready to really write.

Try looking at a picture and describing it. You might be able to get an idea for a story this way.

Read books for 9-10 year olds to get inspiration for your own. Check out books by David Walliams, Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton for ideas.

Get feedback from others by joining a writers' club. Revise your manuscript. Go to writer's conferences so you can network and meet published authors. Learn about how to contact publishers and what to do to get your work noticed by them. Find someone to publish your book.

Yes. People can write at any age. However, if your child is 5 or younger, they will probably need your help to do the writing.

Yes, but focus the romance on childhood. Don't make it overly sexual or inappropriate if your audience is going to be younger.

Research other books that are popular with that age group, both presently and historically. This will give you an idea of the sorts of stories that will appeal.

No, you shouldn't wait. Remember, age does not matter when publishing a book. You will need help publishing, but you should totally publish it.

Yes. Death is featured in many children's books or stories. Bambi's mother dies at the beginning of Bambi, but it turns out to be a very uplifting story.

Just break it into evenly-spaced sections that seem to begin and end at appropriate points.

Firstly, write your books. Edit them and get others to edit as well. Draw your illustrations to go with the book, if you're doing them yourself. As for publishing, you can self publish, find a publisher or find an agent. An agent will send your work to publishers to consider. Self-publishing will be costly, and you will need to advertise yourself. If you want to send it to publishers directly, you will need to find publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts.

Use toilet humor words like "farted" or "burped" or "poop." Also, when you read it, give your characters funny voices.

It's unlikely; you should wait a few years. In the meantime you can get more ideas in your head and expand your vocabulary. Also, you can write stories and have your family and friends give you feedback.

Use interesting characters, an easy to follow plot, humor, drama, and treat the readers with respect. Don't shy away from mature or dramatic story elements. Young people like books that challenge them, and books with dark themes are usually very popular.

No.

Children that age like stories involving princesses, heroes, good triumphing over evil, etc.

For 2-year-olds, you should use simple words and 2-3 word sentences. An example of a plot is a character that does something wrong, then fixes his mistake. For example: "Oh no! Baby is eating dirt! Dirt is yucky! Have some carrots.) Some websites that will help with book designing stories for kids are Story Jumper and Storymakery.

Yes, any age is fine. I think it would be better if you were younger, because then the feeling of being a kid is still fresh!

It depends on if you are going to try and sell your book, and on how well it does if you do sell it.

Reflect on your childhood history and then try to write based on your history, imagining what the children you are writing to think. From all of that, a theme is generated. The above article is very helpful.

First things first, you have to give your story for reading to your relative and ask them for an honest feedback. If they like it, you can go ahead and publish the book. If they don't think it is good, you have to do a self-check. Look to see whether there are interesting parts in the book that would attract a child who is not even a reader. Of course, each part of the book should be appropriate for a child to read. After all the checks, you can publish your book with confidence that it has potential.

Try making them shorter. Short scripts send out your message without the tedious words. Be sure, though, to not overdo it on the descriptions. Adding dialogue can help as well.

It can vary from illustrator to illustrator, but an average can be from $150 to 600 dollars per illustration, depending on the expertise and renown of the illustrator.