Being a children’s book writer can be challenging at times. Sometimes you experience writer’s block and other times you simply run out of inspiration. What are you supposed to do when this happens? How does one not run out of new children’s book ideas?
If you’re looking for some advice on how to overcome writer’s block — you’ve come to the right place. I know the struggle and I’ve prepared five tips to help you come up with new children’s book ideas.
1. Know Where to Find Your Inspiration
Ask yourself where you usually look for inspiration. Is there a particular place where you feel at peace? Sometimes, a change of scenery can help a lot. It’s important to have a special corner, where you can simply get away from all the stress and relax.
Your “special place” can also be an activity — like reading about mythology, for example. Mythology has always been a valuable source of inspiration that never seems to dry out. Besides, it is a pretty creative way to teach children about history because magic and supernatural beings are things that are pretty cool to them.
Moreover, children are quite imaginative, which is why it is also useful to seek your inspiration in them. Think about topics that are relatable to them and the things that make them happy. Ask them questions! Do your research on the target audience, and use that to your advantage.
2. Keep Your Notes in One Place!
Writing without a plan usually turns into a huge waste of time and effort. Evidently, planning is important because you’re practically organizing your work. If you do not have a system, you will have spent more time worrying and less time writing.
What’s more, most writers actually make the mistake and just jot down stuff everywhere. Having everything in one place can prove to be a wise thing to do in a long run. Simply choose a special notebook for your children’s book ideas, and take it everywhere you go. You never know when an idea will come up, right?
Furthermore, If you prefer using technology, there are many internet-based organizing tools that you can use. Your progress can be accessible at any time, you just need to export it to a text format and continue your work. Ultimately, saving your ideas digitally saves a lot of time, since you don’t have to retype everything.
3. Avoid Message-Driven Stories
You and I both know it — there is no fun in being taught a lesson. Children are young, they are supposed to learn by having fun, take that factor into consideration while writing. However, I’m not saying you should avoid writing about the importance of love or friendship; I’m saying — write about kids’ interests.
Nowadays, children enjoy playing video games and watching cartoons. They also love stories about magic, knights, princesses — anything that piques their imagination! Avoid writing about overly-used topics like changing homes or making friends.
4. Spice Things Up!
Everyone has an incredible story to tell. Listen, observe, and take notes — be it in a park or on the street. However, if brainstorming is out of the question, try being open-minded and work with what you have. Add a supernatural twist to the characters, a dash of magic.
Apart from observing and taking notes, reading can also be a prudent way to find inspiration. Reading helps you widen your horizons and learn about some new, interesting ideas. Sometimes even reading a random newspaper article can spark an idea for a new book! Write it down and review everything later!
In addition, children are more likely to be attracted by a wonderful story with equally wonderful illustrations. You can search on the Internet and make some study on how to find an illustrator for a children’s book.
5. Run Through Your Notes
It’s expected that you will find yourself in a stalemate where you won’t be able to come up with new children’s book ideas. When that happens, be sure to check those notes and sketches that you had previously stored in one place.
Final Thoughts
It goes without saying that writing is difficult, and sometimes you’ll feel like you’re no good — that’s completely fine! Make sure you’re in the environment you’re most comfortable with. Do your research, write everything down and keep it well-organized. When you compile some ideas, try spicing them up and see how that works out for you.
I hope these tips will help you never run out of children’s book ideas and overcome writer’s block.
