Writing, Self-Publishing, Book Marketing

Seek Out Ideas for Your Children’s Story (Plus a Few Tips)

March 10, 2010 at 3:09 pm mbutler22 2 comments

As writers, it is our duty to take what we see around us, even if it’s simply bits and pieces of inspiration, and explore all of the directions we could possibly deliver a story. Ideas surround us — they are everywhere. Find your ideas and turn them into entertaining stories. I know it’s easier to say and harder to do. But you’ll have to work at developing idea searching as a habit — become in tune to the motions and sounds of your surroundings. Observe.

The most common sources of ideas and inspiration come from our experiences and personality, children, family, pets, friends, conversations, newspapers, television, and books. However, when you actively seek an idea specific to your genre, in this case children’s stories, you are able to place yourself in an observing situation with your targeted readers — a playground, park, toy store, museum, library, swimming pool, classroom.

Look at ordinary things and ask questions. Focus on life and break it down, pick it apart, and twist and turn it. Simplify the interactions. Take it in a new direction and give it a splash of color.

Right now, as I write this, I look out my window. I see gray and fog. Only a slight version of an image on the other side. What if I, or a character of mine, walked through the gray fog and the other side was a new land of color. What is this place? What adventure can be had here? Maybe the ending proves that the character was daydreaming of a sunny day.

 There are ideas everywhere — just look for them and ask questions.

Now let’s get you on your way towards writing your children’s story. Below are a few tips to help acquaint yourself with your young readers and stir up a little youthful inspiration.

1. Remember what it is to be a child. If you can not think like a child, how will you write a book suited to their needs? Spend time with a child in the age you wish to target. Get down on the ground at their level and view how they see the world. Find out what makes them laugh. Ask questions! What does the cookies in the oven smell like? How does splashing in puddles feel on your feet? What shape does that cloud make? Bring a notebook and jot down the unmatched phrases that only a child can say.
2. Listen to the conversations of children with one another. What is their perception of the world? What questions do they have? Observe children in a variety of environments — helping daddy in the garage, on the playground, in the yard playing with a puppy.
3. Sit down and watch morning cartoons. Go to the library and watch which books children pull from shelves. When you see what interests’ children the most, you can look for offshoots of ideas. Maybe there are too many books about an animal lost in the woods. How about lost in your backyard?
4. Think of your own childhood. In some ways children are the same today as they have been for generations. Do you remember your first day of school? Your first visit to the dentist? Becoming an older sister or brother? Your favorite Christmas? Also, think of the days you spent with your own children or nieces and nephews. What made them special?

And now a writing assignment. Go into a toy store or the children’s section of a bookstore. Look around, observe. Let your mind run free. And then write down anything that comes to mind. Don’t think, just free associate. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see the spinning ballerina? What about the remote control car being tested down an aisle? Or how about the stacks and stacks of board games? The train set on a wooden table surrounded by books? Let the colors, sounds, shapes and designs overwhelm you.

For writers, I believe the ease in discovering new and unique ideas hinges on something quite simple — looking for them. You will come to want them, need them and actively seek them — thinking and behaving as a writer.    

–Melissa

Entry filed under: Writing. Tags: CHildren's Books, Children's stories, children's writing, Self-Publishing, Writing, writing exercise, writing tips.