Write a Children's Book

Aug 27, Guidelines to Write a Book

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:58:28 GMT

I have been asked if there are guidelines to write a book and the answer depends on the type of book that you want to write. For a fictional book you generally need a beginning, middle and an end. The story must progress naturally. Some writers like to outline their stories and others wing it. You must find a style that works for you. Within the children's book industry, there may be some structural differences depending on the type of book that you are creating. A picture book, for example, may be confined to a certain number of images, depending on the publisher. If you have a certain publisher in mind, look at books in your genre that they have published and see if there is a typical page count. Also do a quick scan on the number of words per page. Also look and see if there is a certain "writing formula" that appeals to them. Do they tend to publish similar types of stories? A great place to look is the Children's Writer's Market. This book is the bible in the children's book industry. It tells you which publishers are looking for new writers, what they are specifically looking for and how they prefer to receive it. SO if you are looking for the guidelines to write a book for them, this is the exact place to look. ( Always get the latest edition, as publishers and editors change from year to year)

Aug 26, Writing Ideas - how to take the old and make it new again

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:02:04 GMT

Recently I went to the Orlando Science center where they featured a whole exhibit on Norman Rockwell. I was blown away by the amount of detail in each and every one of his scenes. It was like I could step into the paintings and become part of his characters' worlds. It struck me then, how easy it would be to create entire stories using just him images. And you can do the same. Here is the link to Google images of Norman Rockwell paintings. I dare you to look at his paintings and claim that you can't think of a single storyline. Your writing assignment for today: Pick one Norman Rockwell painting and create a story from that scene. Who are the characters? What are they doing there? What events came to pass to bring them together? And where will they go from the scene that you are witnessing? Now start writing!

Aug 24, Get Paid to Write - Avoiding the Starving Artist Syndrom

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:28:03 GMT

Writing is fun. Getting paid to write is even better. And there is a way to get paid to write, even while you are writing your children's book. There are a number of sites online that pay freelance writer for material. Here is how it works. 1) People who need writers for projects like article writing, content for their websites, etc... post projects to these sites. 2) You bid on how much you want to be awarded the project. Ex. $10 per article with a 500 word max. 3) You get picked for the project, complete it and get paid. Most of these sites place the money in escrow for your protection and take a small percentage for themselves. The more you work for them, the more your reputation grows and the more you will eventually be paid per project. Here are just a few sites where you can find writing jobs: 1)rentacoder.com 2)elance.com 3)guru.com If you work diligently with just these three sites, you can earn a nice side salary or even a full salary doing what you love to do - write.

Aug 23, Is there an Easy Way to Write?

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:21:53 GMT

Writing should be easy. If it isn't, one of three things are going on: 1)You are too concerned with getting it right? 2) You are worried about what others will think. 3) You simply are in the wrong mindset. If you feel blocked, I suggest to my students that they go for a walk or do some other form of exercise. Movement can often help unblock your ability to write. Allow yourself a 15-25 minute break to do something physical and then go back and sit down to write. Be diligent about that time though. It is far to easy to allow other things to come up in your quest to avoid sitting down to write. Come back from your bit of exercise and just write. Put on paper whatever comes into your head. Don't worry about sentence structure, grammar or anything else. You can go back and edit later. For now just write.

Aug 22, Can You Write? Overcoming Insecurities

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:12:56 GMT

Many people wish to write a book but are hung up on the question," Can you write?" What you are really worried about is whether other people will enjoy your writing. Seeking approval is the surest way to stop your writing cold. Yes, of course you want others to enjoy your story but the first step is to enjoy the creation process yourself. Take all of my suggestions from previous posts and from my book, < a href="http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com"> How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less, and realize that although there are strategies to target profitable niches, if you are not enjoying what you are doing then you aren't doing it right. Your job is to play in the land of imagination and then to share the worlds that you create with others. That is it. The marketing and business end of it will come but during your writing process, you must enjoy yourself!

Aug 22, Writers - Choosing the Right Word

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:50:54 GMT

Too many writers struggle with finding the "right" word. They have such angst that it prevents them from continuing with their story. This is a major mistake. If you do not like a word that you have chosen or can not think of the right word or phrase, put a line where you would like it to be and move on. After your usual writing session go for a walk or work out. Or watch tv or read a book. Your subconscious will work out the perfect word or phrase or you will realize that it really isn't as important as keeping the flow going. Either way it will get done without the stress and more importantly your story will continue, while your creativity is still fresh.

Aug 21, How to Write and Have Fun

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:28:45 GMT

Too many writers pressure themselves with publication. Yes, it is important, but if you are not having fun coming up with your stories the children that you are writing for will pick up on it. When writing for children you should be in a childlike state. I know. I know. We are constantly told, as we grew up, to act our age. And that is fine, if you are attending a dinner party but to write for a child you must become a child again. Here are some ways that I allow myself to age regress before writing and you can use the same techniques: 1) Go to a theme park. I am luck enough to live near the Disney and Universal studio theme parks so this one was a no brainer for me. 2) Re-read your favorite fairy tales. As you read, you will regress to times spent on a parent or grandparent's lap listening to these tales. 3) Watch cartoons for half of a day. A good session of Tom and Jerry or Mickey Mouse Club house will take you where you need to be. 4) Get a bottle of bubbles and go blow some bubbles in the backyard or your local park. 5) Hang out with children and let them dictate the games you play. Let go of "being the adult" and emerge yourself in their imagination. Writing for children allows you to be a child again. Revel in the experience!

Aug 19, How to Write for Readers and Publishers

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:25:42 GMT

Your readers and publishers have one major thing in common, if you don't catch their interest on the first page, they are gone. Your first paragraph is extremely important. So let's think on this. What would be more engaging - an action packed first paragraph or a paragraph describing the character's home? Usually a bit of action will trump a paragraph about the scenery, unless there is something extremely unusual about that scenery. Use words that imply action. Paint a picture with movement. Ex. Sheryl gasped, as she tumbled down the stairs. Her last thought, as her brother's skateboard flew down after her, was that that little twerp was a deadman. Then the world faded to black. Do you see how that draws you in more than: Sherryl lived in the smallest house on the block. Her family had lived their for ages and some of the neighborhood children swore that it was haunted. Action keeps the story going. Descriptions simply compliment it. We'll be back tomorrow with your next writing tip.

Aug 15, Writing Excercize - 30 minutes

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:56:02 GMT

Here is a fairly quick writing exercise: 1)Go to your local cafe. 2) Pick two unrelated people that you don't know. 3) Write a story about what these two individuals are doing in this cafe at the same time. Do they know each other? If they do know each other are they pretending not to and why? Is there something special about this cafe? Are their drinks ordinary or have they been tampered with? What about the staff at the cafe are they everything that they appear to be? Ok guys take the story from there.

Aug 14, How to Be a Children's Book Writer

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:36:25 GMT

Here is a simple tip that many writers forget. You are writing for children so monitor your language. If you are writing for kinder gardeners use language that you can easily understand. Go to your local library or bookstore and find books in your age group and genre. Model the language style that they use. We are used to thinking and speaking as adults. You need to learn how to think like a child again.

Aug 13, Three Quick Writing Tips

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:29:10 GMT

Writing is not about you. Let me say that again. Writing is not about you. Yes you take your experiences and emotions and incorporate them into your stories but fundamentally your writing is actually about your audience and their reactions. So here are a couple of quick tips: 1) Eliminate I from your writing. Place each character in the first person. 2) Each character should have its own idiosyncrasies and personality. Therefore, each character should have his or her own voice. Read your story out loud to make sure that, if the names were removed, you could tell which character is which just by the way they phrase things. 3) Eliminate all unnecessary descriptions. You do not need half a page to describe the tree that he was sitting under. Re-read a Harry Potter novel to see what I mean. You get a great idea of what Hogwarts looks like but she doesn't spend pages on it. The descriptions are easily incorporated into the story through the characters' eyes.

Aug 12, Seven Simple Steps to Better Writing

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:22:15 GMT

1) Set a definitive time to write. Most people claim that they don't have time to write but we seem to have tons of time to watch tv, listen to the radio or read a book. We make time for what is important to us. You must make writing as important, if not more, than than these other activities. 2) Bring a Pad and Paper with you everywhere. - You never know when a great idea may strike. Being prepared will help you remember the idea, in its entirety. 3) Keep a voice activated recorder in the car - Again, there is nothing worse than having a great story idea and forgetting it before you can pull over and grab your pen and paper. 4) Read other books in your genre - Knowing what is popular and what has been picked up by publishers will be extremely helpful. What are people in that age group clamoring for? Give it to them. 5) Write first and worry about grammar later. Too many writers get caught up in writing the perfect sentence and making sure every t is crossed. Get the ideas down first. Just write. You can go back and perfect it later. 6) Let go of your inner critic. Your first run doesn't have to be perfect. Nor does it have to sound like Rowling novel. She has her style of writing and you have yours. Stop comparing and stop worrying what other people will think. Some will love it and some will hate it. That is life. 7) Remember to enjoy yourself- Writing is and should be fun. Writer's block happens when we put too much pressure on ourselves to get it right. Write because you enjoy writing and the rest will come.

Aug 11, Quick Writing Exercise

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:51:41 GMT

Here is a quick writing exercise to get you going: Imagine that you have just stepped outside your front door. It is mid afternoon. You are a child of ten. ( Go back and pull out pictures of yourself at this age if you have to)See the world through your younger self's eyes. What is different? What would you be doing at that age? Write down every thought that comes to you. Every image. Every sense that is stirred. Now use that to write a short story.

Aug 10, Scrambling for Book or Storyline Ideas?

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 14:55:47 GMT

Need some quick ideas for your story? Here is an endless source of inspirations: 1) Newspaper Story Titles - take the titles and makeup a story about what you think the article is about. 2) Magazine pictures - No need for content. If the picture is good enough, it should have a story waiting for you in and of itself. 3) Random objects in your home - what makes them special? What special qualities can you give them? Do they have magical powers? Has your character been imprisoned in one accidentally or as a punishment? Is the shape unusual? Is it so ordinary as to be overlooked? Could it be a hiding place for your character's favorite journal or toy? 4) The internet - pick any word and do a google search on it. See what comes up and write a story around it. 5)Sit in a cafe or bookstore and just observe people. Without even speaking to them you will realize that everyone in there is a potential character with his or her own story. Want even more ideas? Download and Read How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or less and get started writing your next story today at: http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com

Nov 17, how to write and publish a childrens book

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:58:19 GMT

how to write and publish a childrens book - author explains the secrets of how to write a childrens book in 30 days or less.

Nov 17, write kids books in 30 Days or Less

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:18:33 GMT

Write kids books in 30 days or less. Books, articles, coaching and more. Start your writing career today. Easy Step by Step Instruction.

Oct 30, Yahoo Authentication

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:10:20 GMT

Oct 30, Verification

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:38:52 GMT

Oct 30, Writing Desks

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:52:09 GMT

Writing Desks - all styles and colors. Lovely Furniture for yourself or as a gift.

Oct 15, Caterina Christakos Biography

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:28:29 GMT

Caterina Christakos - author biography.

Oct 15, FAQ for How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:02:46 GMT

Faq - how can how to write a children's book in 30 Days or Less help you

Oct 15, Writing Testimonials for How to Write a Children's Book

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:45:57 GMT

Testimonials for How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less.

May 3, Untitled Document

Thu, 03 May 2007 13:34:46 GMT

Apr 3, how to write a book for beginners

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:08:20 GMT

how to write a book for beginners - get the inside scoop on how to write your first book

Feb 14, How to Start a Childrens Book

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:40:17 GMT

How to start a childrens book, develop your plot and finish your story in 30 days or less.

Jan 18, What You Need To Know To Write A Book

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:29:16 GMT

What you need to know write a book. As a published author and personal coach,with published work in various genres, I get alot of questions about how to write a book and get it published. These questions come from all over the world and yet

Jan 18, What You Need To Know To Write A Book

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:27:17 GMT

Sep 1, Writing Teleseminar

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:59:24 GMT

For the first time ever, I will be hosting a writing teleseminar for new children's book writers. This is the place where you can get all of your questions answered directly by me. The cost to attend is just $25 and will be limited to just 25 participants. To make sure that you get your question answered please click below and add your #1 writing question to the list. I will do my best to include it in your teleseminar.

Sep 1, AskDatabase - How to Write a Children's Book Survey

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:55:26 GMT

Askdatabase survey for children's book writers.

Aug 15, How to Write a Children's Book - audio book version

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 18:43:10 GMT

Hi {!name} Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I have added an online audio version of my book How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less. This is a great way to listen to each lesson, while you write or to get inspired before you write. To get your copy go to: http://www.howtowritechildrensbooksnow.com/howtowriteachildrensbookaudiobook.htm Scroll down and click on the audio version link to get your copy today.

Aug 11, How to Settle Your Mind And Actually Write

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 23:54:39 GMT

Sometimes our minds go a million miles an hour, especially when we sit down to write. Suddenly you remember the errands that you were supposed to run, the chocolate cookie that you must eat, and the fact that your house is a pigsty. Mind you none of this bothered you when you sat in front of the television, got your double latte or worked at your "real job." Yes, your mind has decided to take over again with tons of gibberish. How do you stop this mad dash down procrastination road? Easy. Simply stop. Pay attention to your thoughts and the speed that they are popping into your head. Just stop in mid motion. Put the cookie down and just stop for a moment and see if all the nonsense filling your mind is actually as important as writing. Procrastination occurs when you allow your mind to go on autopilot. Take control. Take a breath. And go sit down and write.

Aug 8, How to Make Your Writing Real

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:17:09 GMT

So you have a brilliant idea and have sketched out the details. Congratulations. How do you take it from outline to real in depth characters and setting though? Realize that the setting and characters need to be as real to you as the computer that you are typing on. Take a moment to really examine your sorroundings. Really notice them. Run your fingers over the edge of your desk. Take a moment to really taste the coffee you are drinking. Take an actual whiff of the air around you. Now describe them and describe what reaction each of these actions inspired in you. Your characters need to be as real to you as your child or significant other. The only way to truly create that on paper is to cultivate that true awareness in your own life. Close your eyes. Pick something that your character will experience in this chapter. Place yourself in his or her place. What stands out? What emotions hit you? What is your sensory experience? If your character is being chased, for example, what would be happening to him physically and mentally? Does his heart pound in his chest? Is he mind focused or in a state of utter panic? Now write the scene using those emotions and sensations.

Jul 31, Colliding Worlds - Writing Exercise

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:52:55 GMT

What would happen if Harry Potter met Peter Rabbit? Or if the Little Princess found herself in Narnia? Take two popular themes and ask that wonderful question - "What if?" I don't mean that you should steal their stories. Simply generalize. How would a wizard react to being shrunken down to the size of Thumbelina? How would an animal treat his owner if their positions were reversed? Expand your possibilites by colliding worlds.

Jul 30, Tick Tock - Writing Exercise

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 15:32:21 GMT

Get a cheap timer or alarm clock from your local grocery or drug store. Set it to go off in a half an hour. Set your cute little tush in your writing or computer chair and write until the timer goes off. There are to be no bathroom breaks, or snack breaks and turn the ringer off on your phone. Now write! All editing and spell checks are only to be done after the alarm goes off. At that time revise to your heart's content. Cant think of anything to write, you say? What about a story about a child who must accomplish a task in a very limited amount of time or face dire consequences? Ex. hiding a bad report card before his mom sees it; running to a store to get his dad a birthday present before dad realizes he forgot; riding his bicycle like mad to make it in time for the big game Now that you have the sensory experience of being on the clock you will be very qualified to right about a child experiencing the same feelings and anxiety

Jul 28, What to write when you are bored out of your mind

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 20:25:30 GMT

Bored. Bored. Bored. We have all been there. Nothing seems of interest and we listlessly channel hop. Well instead of wasting precious moments and brain cells why not use your state - that state of boredom - to right a story? How about a boy who is stuck at home during the summer because he broke his leg? All of his friends are out playing but he has to stay in with his leg up. What mischief could he get into? What amazing discoveries could he make in his very own house? Boredom is not an excuse to sit on the couch and mope. Use it within your stories, and see how your characters find their way out.

Jul 25, Bubbles to Spark the Imagination

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:01:20 GMT

I learned a wonderful exercise today to spark your creativity. This should be done in private, as you may feel a bit foolish. Go to your nearest pharmacy or toy store and buy a bottle of bubbles. ( You know like you used to blow when you were a kid) Find a quite place outside, sit and blow bubbles for a half an hour. This silly little exercise will do two things: 1) It will clear your mind and help you to relax. 2) It will help you see the world as you did as a child. Use this new vision of the world to write from their point of view. You can also accomplish the same thing by playing with play-do or building with blocks or finger painting. Any exercise that makes you feel like a kid again.

Jul 21, How Excercize Can Spark Your Creativity

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:06:18 GMT

Some of the most ingenious stories and inventions ever created were produced as a direct result of exercise. The repetition of walking, running or doing a monotonous exercise clears the brain. Narnia author C.S. Lewis used to take long, contemplative walks and most mornings, Stephen King runs several miles. Benjamin Franklin swam daily and Albert Einstein took long contemplative walks. The next time you feel frustrated over a story line or problem get moving. Sitting in frustration is the worst way to find an answer. Get the blood pumping to your brain by taking a walk or a swim and prepare to be delighted with your creative results.

Jul 20, A writer's success story

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 19:13:42 GMT

Hi all I am so excited for new children's book author Denise Spiller! After reading my book How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less she has produced her own children's book . "My name is Denise Spiller. I am the new author of "Henrietta the Hyena", my first children's book. I have been a member of your site, receiving your wonderfully informed emails for quite some time now. ... I can personally say that your book, emails and insight has helped me to complete my book. So, thank you! My book is done and in the final stages of preparation for the printer." I am so proud of Denise Spiller and have read a pre-publication copy of her book. It is adorable! Keep a look out for her newest book, in your bookstores, as it should be coming out in the next few months! To learn how you can right and publish your own children's book click here Sincerely, Caterina Christakos

Jul 14, Adding Texture to Your Writing

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 17:51:41 GMT

Many writers describe their characters in one dimensional terms. Ex. She had pretty blue eyes and long blond hair. Characters, like people, are multi- dimensional. They have texture. Ex. Her skin was as soft as fresh summer peaches and glowed in the sun. There are also multi - dimensions in their actions. Why your character does something is just as important as what he does. If your character opens a closet that leads to another world, what caused her to open the closet in the first place? Was she playing hide and seek with her siblings; hiding from a mean aunt; searching for a cherished toy? And finally there is a texture to different relationships. Some of your characters may clash, others will get along most of the time, and still others may have no cause to meet except for the whims of fate. How do they react to each other and why? Does his nemesis remind him of someone else he knows? Does his best friend have qualities that are comforting to him and remind him of better times? Are they joined together against a malevolent force? Only you can decide. Have fun creating worlds, relationships and events that your readers will love.

Jul 13, The Box - Writing Exercise

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 22:12:13 GMT

Imagine a box. It can be a plain white or black one; a red one; one encrusted with jewels; one rotting with age, etc... What is inside of it? A secret? A letter? A key? Who opens it? Where did he or she find it? Was it hidden or in plain view? Does it lead to an adventure, a wild goose chase, a family secret? Let your imagination run wild.

Jul 12, The What If Game

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:31:30 GMT

Imagine that everything you know is merely an illusion. What if tables could dissolve into liquid; birds could transform into cougars; people could change shape, size and color, at will? Use the question, "what if?" to create new worlds, characters and scenarios. Ex. What if your father was actually a dimension hopping elf out to save a flower that could turn back the clock on global warming? Ex. What if there was an entire civilization that lived in the fibers of your carpet and your footsteps felt like continual earthquakes to them? Ex. What if it turned out that we were the amoebas that lived on an even bigger organism? Have fun coming up with your own what if scenarios!

Jul 12, Thank You Newsletter

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 14:57:07 GMT

Thank You Newsletter page. Thanks for opting in to How to Write a Children's Book newsletter.

Jul 11, Using Your Senses - Writing Exercise

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:07:42 GMT

Grab a tape recorder. Sit somewhere comfortable either inside or outside. Pick one thing to describe. It could be a corner of a room, a tree, a piece of furniture, etc... Examine it for two minutes then close your eyes. Speak into the recorder and describe it in detail. Not just how it looks but how it would feel, smell, anything that comes to you about it. Now create a story about it based only on the sensations that you have described. Forget everything you know about this object in the "real world" A chair could be a transporting device. It could be a type of tree in another world. It could be a live creature. What does the scent of this object remind you of? What else could it be? Let your imagination take over.

Jul 10, Einstein's Laboratory - writing exercise

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:58:15 GMT

Imagine that your character is an inventor. She can invent anything that you can think of practical or not. What is the invention? How can it be used? How do others react to it? Does it actually help out or does it manage to make a mess of the situation? If you are having difficulty coming up with an invention, look at the inventions around your house - the phone, the computer, the stove, the pet rock, etc... How do you think they were created? What could your character do to improve them? What if an ordinary household item could be transformed into something else - like a portal to another universe or a looking glass into the future? The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination go wild.

Jul 10, The Book Flip = Writing Exercise

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 02:35:19 GMT

Pick up any book or magazine. Flip it open to any page. Close your eyes and point. Create a story out of whatever words, idea or thought come out of what you pointed to. Ex. I picked up The Psychology of Persuasion by Cialdini The words I pointed to were : secret persuasion Now what can we make of that? A child who subtly persuades his parents or friends to his way of thinking? A teacher who helps children learn without their even realizing it? A magical creature who can unduly influence others? The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Now start writing!

Jul 7, Laughter is the Best Medicine - Writing Exercise

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 19:23:39 GMT

As many of you know, I love to start a book or story with action. Catch the readers attention immediately. You can also do this with humor. Think of the funniest thing that has ever: a) happened to you b) happened to a friend c) happened on a show you watched Could you take a variation on that theme and begin your story with it? Of course you can. Example: A cousin of mine told me about a man who drove the most beat up, rusted piece of junk imagineable. Despite this he was consumed by fear that "his baby" would get stolen. What did he do? He wound find the biggest tree in the area and literally chain his car to the tree so that a thief would not be tempted by this rusted piece of tin and steal it. Now don't tell me we can't get a story out of that one. An opening scene maybe? Maybe instead of this man, we can change the story into a child who loves the most beat up bike on the planet. He is absolutely convinced that the other children, who are secretly laughing behind his back, are plotting to steal it. The story begins with him carefully locating some shrubbery to conceal his bike each morning, when he goes to school. While he is hiding it, he is confiding in his best friend, who has had to watch and listen to his fears since the third grade.His friend has to contain her amusement because she knows that this is just another one of his quirks. A main character with quirks is almost always interesting. Then develop your character by letting us know why this bike means so much to him. Did his father, who passed away years ago, give it to him? Is riding his bike the only thing he has ever been really good at? Come up with some powerful reasons why this bike is so important to him. Now you try it. Transform one of your funny moments into a side gripping opening for your latest story. Or create something out of the example I gave you.

Jul 7, Play it Again Sam - writing excercize

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 01:40:25 GMT

Did you ever want something as a child and didn't get it? A toy? More time with your dad? Your parents to stay together? Craft a story around it. And help your character feel what you felt and discover the blessing in it. Perhaps he doesn't get the toy that he wants but ends up making a fantastic friend who he plays with all summer. Perhaps her dad seems to busy to play with her but she teaches him how precious that time is, like you wish you could have. Perhaps her parents are divorced and she is constantly trying to match make them back together again, like the parent trap. Use what seemed like a bad experience to you as a child, and find the lesson in it. You just may come up with a fantastic story, as well.

Jul 5, Eavedropping for Ideas - Writing Assignment

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 15:21:40 GMT

I know eavesdropping is considered rude but you won't be listening to entire conversations. You just want to get the jist of it. Go to your local bookstore and subtly listen in on conversations, especially the ones that children are having. Don't stare. We don't want anyone getting the wrong idea. Take one or two sentences from their conversation and create a story. Is the conversation one where two children are squabbling or are they asking mom for money to buy books? Could you create a story with the underlying moral sharing or money management? Is mom rolling in dough or struggling to make ends meet? Is it a Richie Rich type story or more of an Oliver Twist slant? Great writers use their environment to create great stories.

Jul 2, Your Genie in a Bottle - Writing Exercise

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 14:46:11 GMT

Imagine that you are walking down a deserted beach and find an ornate bottle. Upon rubbing it a beautiful genie appears. Exercise #1 Allow her to tell you her story. Where has she lived? Who has she served? What is her biggest desire? Now take everything she tells you and craft a fairy tale. Exercise #2 Imagine that she can take you back in time to when you were your most creative. Perhaps a childhood play memory where you got to be anything you want, have any powers you want, be anywhere you want... What stories would your younger self create? Exercise #3 Imagine that your main character discovers a magical person or object. Is it going to serve him well? What magical powers does it have? Is it good or evil or one pretending to be the other? Does it help him or teach him to trust his own instincts and help himself?

Jun 30, Pick a Letter - Writing Excercize

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:16:05 GMT

1)Pick a letter, any letter. 2) Come up with 5 words that start with that letter 3) Now come up with the first 5 things that you can think of about those 5 words. Whatever pops into your mind. 4) Create a story with the results. Ex. B Boy - sports, adventure, explorer, skinned knees, goofball Banana - yellow, peel, monkeys, zoo, jungle Beast - beauty, lion, pounce, jungle, mane Boing - bounce, jump, spring, ball, gong Boo Boo - ouch, knee, skinned, hurts, kiss The boy down the street was amazed. He had never seen a monkey bounce down the street eating a banana, while holding the boo boo he had on his knee before. He had always pictured monkeys in the jungle, swinging from branches and peeling bananas. Was he also tossing a ball in the air? How many arms did this monkey have? The boy inched closer to get a better look.