Ready...Set......Go!

Remember the anticipation of wanting to jump the start? Remember how you felt, when someone did? Here are some things that I have learned that have changed the way I think about writing a Picture Book. (Who knows, it might help you start your project. It might help you finish that project, picture book or not!) Below, you will find the "lucky thirteen." Why 13? It makes the list unique.

Questions to answer that will make a difference:

1. Zero in on the real stuff. State the idea of your book in one sentence. Some say that if you can not state it in one sentence, it is too thick. It goes from a great book on the coffee table to a really nice boat anchor.

2. Write one good sentence that states the beginning of your story.

3. State the problem in one good sentence. What will be resolved in the end?

4. Is the story trying to preach a lesson? If yes, these kinds of stories rarely get off the ground. Do you like to be preached to? (See, I told ya.)

5. Is the theme kid-friendly? Would a kid resolve the story that way? (If you as an adult are trying to solve it, rewrite.)

6. Make a list of possible things that will happen. Don't try to write paragraphs. Say it in a few words. Look for something that has not made a "rut" in the publishing world.

7. Make everything happen in a logical way. Keep it moving.

8. Brainstorm ideas of consequences. If the character does this, this will happen.

9. If you are doing a picture book, think of how the pages will turn. You want the kids to be hungry for the next page.

10. Have enough variety that an illustrator could create some amazing illustrations for the story that help make it incredible.

11. Make the main character a hero. Make him/her unique.

. Think about who is telling the story? Is it the main character? Is it a person standing by? Is it the author?

13. Organize the words. Use only what is needed for a picture book.

Hope this helps!