3 Tips for Choosing a Storybook Theme
You've decided that you want to write a children's book, but where do you begin? Do you want to tell a story with a moral? Is there an animal that you have direct knowledge of that you would like to make the subject of your book? Perhaps, you want to write a story about colors. Whether you are on the fence or completely undecided, we have some tips to help!
Write What You Know or Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
First, you should decide whether you are going to write a story about a subject that you have extensive knowledge of or if you would like to research a topic or subject before writing about it. For example, my family has had pet dogs my entire life. I would feel confident writing a book with a main character who is a dog with little to no research. If I wanted to write a story with a main character that is a hammerhead shark, I would research the environment and habits of a hammerhead shark.
First, you should decide whether you are going to write a story about a subject that you have extensive knowledge of or if you would like to research a topic or subject before writing about it. For example, my family has had pet dogs my entire life. I would feel confident writing a book with a main character who is a dog with little to no research. If I wanted to write a story with a main character that is a hammerhead shark, I would research the environment and habits of a hammerhead shark.
Determine Your Main Character or Characters
Are you writing a story about a one-time character or are you looking to establish a serial character? Mahalia, of the most brilliant children's book, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College written by actor John Lithgow is, as of this writing, a one-book-wonder. Harriet Ziefert's Clara Ann Cookie and Clara Ann Cookie, Go To Bed! are favorites of my daughter.
On one hand, it seems to make sense to write something that you can turn into a series because the potential earnings may be boosted by additional books and merchandise. On the other hand, if you marry yourself to one character or group of characters and it doesn't catch on, it could be discouraging to the point that you give up.
Are you writing a story about a one-time character or are you looking to establish a serial character? Mahalia, of the most brilliant children's book, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College written by actor John Lithgow is, as of this writing, a one-book-wonder. Harriet Ziefert's Clara Ann Cookie and Clara Ann Cookie, Go To Bed! are favorites of my daughter.
On one hand, it seems to make sense to write something that you can turn into a series because the potential earnings may be boosted by additional books and merchandise. On the other hand, if you marry yourself to one character or group of characters and it doesn't catch on, it could be discouraging to the point that you give up.
Age Group
What is your target age? Do you want to write simple one work pages with colorful photos for baby board books? Or would you rather write simple stores for 2-4 year old children. You might choose to author easy-readers for children who are just learning to read, or longer stories meant for being read by an adult. Would your age group appreciate a rhyming story like most Dr. Seuss books? Finding your age group will help you decide the amount of text you will need for your story.
Determining the theme of your storybook is an important first step in the writing process. Careful consideration of this theme will make writing and revising and revising and revising and revising your book much easier and much more enjoyable. Stay tuned for more tips and Happy Writing!!
What is your target age? Do you want to write simple one work pages with colorful photos for baby board books? Or would you rather write simple stores for 2-4 year old children. You might choose to author easy-readers for children who are just learning to read, or longer stories meant for being read by an adult. Would your age group appreciate a rhyming story like most Dr. Seuss books? Finding your age group will help you decide the amount of text you will need for your story.
Determining the theme of your storybook is an important first step in the writing process. Careful consideration of this theme will make writing and revising and revising and revising and revising your book much easier and much more enjoyable. Stay tuned for more tips and Happy Writing!!