Whether you are a plotter or a pantster, it's important to start with at least a little research before diving into the writing advises author and writing teacher Valerie Willis. The amount and type of research required will vary depending on your novel's genre. For sci-fi or fantasy writers, Willis suggests keeping a world building bible where you can track everything you are brainstorming and creating. For other genres, Willis suggests creating vision boards to work through character and scene development. These visual tools will serve as inspiration and motivation throughout the entire process, she says. Additional tips Willis offers for first time novelists include writing your story out of order if needed, avoiding any editing until your first draft is complete, and staying organized to maintain consistency in your story.
Valerie Thank you for your tips in making goals for children books. I appreciate the information about SCBWI. I'll look up and see if I can find them online. You have given me some good things to think about. I don't think anyone in the program is a picture book author. Any other help please send it my way.
Rhonda, children' picture books are a complete different beast for sure and my hat goes off to you. You have a tougher audience, in my opinion, and so much pressure for how you write and tell your story. If you haven't checked out the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) I highly recommend it. It is always good to network with fellow Authors and Writers in the same genre and this is a fountain of information, networking, and even a great affiliation to add to your profile/resume/query letters. As for setting your goals for this genre, it can be focused on per page or two pages. Try experimenting with writing the page in a few different ways and decide which is stronger for both your readers' age range and the story/message being shared. It can be a challenge since you are creating a picture book, so maybe start collecting snippets to help you capture images or a pinterest board and keep yourself active in the book and message. Stephen King's On Writing will tell you reading your own genre is VERY important and that's because these are works that are already communicating with YOUR future audience. Even taking a little time in your day to scan over similar picture books and visiting the children's book section at a bookstore can aid you in your efforts.I know fiction writers fuss about edit and revisions, but I remind them they never know real pressure until they attempt a children's picture book. So, I hope I have given you some tools here and I wish you great success!
Very helpful information.Valerie, I am a children's picture book author and I could use some help with my goals. Do I just say I'll write 50 words a day or is there a better goal??
I've derailed myself a few times and it comes back to me opening that file and just simply focusing on emptying my head. Revisions are where I add, delete, and tweak things to make the story stronger. I am glad to hear I was able to inspire you to give it another try. I often leave comments or "love letters" for myself that might say "This feels broken, I have no idea." AND THAT'S OK! Sometimes it takes seeing all the parts of the story to know what it broken. Good luck and hope you are able to get back on track!
This commentary makes sense to me. I am writing my second thriller and have become derailed. Listening to Valerie's comments has convinced me to go back to the story and forget about things I want to change. I can do that later.