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► Just Posted on the Blog: "Quick Steps to Becoming a Better Writer" - http://is.gd/58bXI #writing #kidslit

How to Be a Better Writer

I was recently asked "Can I get published as a children's book author if I'm not a good writer?" I was caught off guard at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated the question. The sender is aware of her limitations, but dreams of getting published anyway. She's not suffering under the delusion that she's the next Judy Blume, and I admire that. She's going to look at her work with a critical eye, and search for ways to make it better. This is assuming that it's possible to learn to write well. I believe that it is.

Very few writers have the natural ability to create vibrant, relevant, compelling stories right out of the gate. Most have to work at it. And those who see writing as a skill that is never quite mastered, requiring an ongoing devotion to the learning process, will be most successful. Where this gets tricky is that unlike other skills - such as baking a cake - there is no foolproof way to learn how to write. So while I can't give you a one-size-fits-all method, I can give you some ideas on how you can find the path that works best for you.

Read, read, read. Why are editors always advising aspiring authors to read piles of children's books? Because they give you a concrete representation of what works. Be sure you read good books (check reviews or ask a librarian or teacher for recommendations). By simply reading, you'll learn about the ebb and flow of a story, how a character is introduced and grown, the types of conflicts appropriate for each age group, how to build tension in scenes and chapters, the relation of sub-plots to the main storyline, how dialogue moves the plot along, and much more. You'll experience firsthand how a skilled author utilizes sensory images to immerse the reader completely in the story. By comparing several authors writing for the same age group, you'll hear different literary voices.

I suggest reading books similar to those you wish to write, as well as books one level younger and one level older. So, if your plan is to write a middle grade mystery for ages 8-12, also read mysteries for ages 7-10 and 10-14. In this way, you'll become educated about exactly what makes up a middle grade novel and how it's different from fiction for older and younger readers. You might even discover that your story isn't really for middle grades after all.

Another reason for checking out a lot of quality books is that you need a yardstick against which to judge your own work. You'll learn which "rules" can't be broken and those that have a bit of wiggle room. For example, you'll be hard pressed to find a 60-page picture book in the stores, even by a well known author. If your picture book's that long, you'll have no choice but to rethink the story and fit it into 32 pages. However, you can experiment with unconventional characters and unexpected viewpoints. And the older the reader, the fewer rules apply. But no matter what you do with your plot, characters or writing style, make sure you know why you're doing it. Don't write the story in present tense unless it needs to unfold in real time for the reader. Don't incorporate flashbacks unless they're vital for understanding what's going on in the story now.

Find a system that works for you. The first step toward learning to write is figuring out the best way for you to learn. Some authors I know are very left-brained; they enjoy charts and graphs and lists. They thrive on tracking their scenes and plotting out their book on every level before they start to write. Those left-brainers will analyze published books and count the words per page, note which scene contains the plot's catalyst, graph out where the tension rises and falls in each chapter. Others prefer to learn more intuitively. They read books, absorb the different writing styles, and maybe make notes with overall impressions or key points they want to remember. They have a general idea of where their own story is going, and aren't afraid to experiment and take detours along the way.

If you don't know where you fall on the spectrum, try different approaches and see what feels right. Remember that there is no one way of doing this, and every method has its pros and cons. Plotting out your story beforehand can prevent you from wandering off track, but the lists can become an evasive technique to keep you from actually writing the book. Letting the words spill onto the page with no grand plan feels very creative, but usually results in huge first drafts that have to be significantly trimmed and shaped. If you write long enough you'll discover your weaknesses and devise ways to work around them. Maybe you outline first, then put it away while you write your first draft. Maybe you lay out your scenes on a plotline after each chapter, then revise as needed before moving on to the next chapter. If your dialogue tends to wander in circles before coming to the point, you'll learn to get it on paper and then tighten it in the second draft.

Recognize your strengths. Some authors are brilliant nonfiction writers but are unable to sell a fiction story. Others write wonderful picture books but can't deal with the layers to a novel. Instead of trying to force a style that isn't you, start with what you're naturally good at. You don't have to publish fiction to be a successful author. You may dream of writing picture books, but if you have a knack for relating to teenagers, maybe young adult novels are your future.

Uncovering your strengths involves experimenting with several writing styles and age groups. If you're not certain where to start, think about the kinds of children's books you most like to read. Then fiddle around with writing dialogue or scenes for the same age group. If you're naturally drawn to nonfiction, make a list of topics that excite you. Begin by writing about one of the subjects in the style of some of your favorite children's magazines.

Above all, practice. Over the years I've worked with writers who have gotten published through sheer force of will. They've pored over manuscripts again and again, taking them from mediocre to polished. They've put aside ideas that simply didn't work and turned to something new. And they never submitted the first or second draft to an editor, because those manuscripts could always be improved. They weren't very good writers when they began, but they learned. And you can too.

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

Simple Steps to Becoming a Better Writer

I recently opened up my email to find this message: "Can I get published as a children's book author if I'm not a good writer?" I was taken aback at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated the question. The sender is aware of her limitations, but dreams of getting published anyway. She's not suffering under the delusion that she's the next Judy Blume, and I appreciate that. She's going to look at her work with a critical eye, and search for ways to make it better. This is assuming that it's possible to learn to write well. I believe that it is.

Very few writers have the natural ability to create vibrant, relevant, compelling stories right out of the gate. Most have to work at it. And those who see writing as a skill that is never quite mastered, requiring an ongoing devotion to the learning process, will be most successful. Where this gets tricky is that unlike other skills - such as baking a cake - there is no foolproof way to learn how to write. So while I can't give you a one-size-fits-all method, I can offer up some ideas on how you can find the path that works best for you.

Read. And then read some more Why are editors always advising aspiring writers to read piles of children's books? Because they provide a concrete representation of what works. Be sure you read good books (check reviews or ask a librarian or teacher for recommendations). By simply reading, you'll learn about the ebb and flow of a story, how a character is introduced and grown, the sorts of conflicts appropriate for each age group, how to build tension in scenes and chapters, the relation of sub-plots to the main storyline, how dialogue moves the plot along, and much more. You'll experience firsthand how a skilled author utilizes sensory images to immerse the reader completely in the story. By comparing several authors writing for the same age group, you'll discover different literary voices.

I suggest reading books like those you wish to write, as well as books one level younger and one level older. So, if your goal is to write a middle grade mystery for ages 8-12, also read mysteries for ages 7-10 and 10-14. In this way, you'll become educated about precisely what makes up a middle grade novel and how it's different from fiction for older and younger readers. You might even learn that your story isn't really for middle grades after all.

Another reason for checking out a lot of quality books is that you need a yardstick against which to judge your own work. You'll learn which "rules" can't be broken and those that have more wiggle room. For example, you're quite unlikely to find a 60-page picture book in the stores, even by a well known author. If your picture book's that long, you'll have no choice but to rework the story and fit it into 32 pages. However, you can experiment with unconventional characters and unexpected viewpoints. And the older the reader, the fewer rules apply. But no matter what you do with your plot, characters or writing style, make sure you know why you're doing it. Don't write the story in present tense unless it needs to unfold in real time for the reader. Don't incorporate flashbacks unless they're vital for understanding what's going on in the story now.

Find a system that's right for you. The first step toward learning to write is figuring out how you learn the best. Some authors I know are very left-brained; they love charts and graphs and lists. They thrive on tracking their scenes and plotting out their book on every level before they start to write. Those left-brainers will study published books and count the words per page, note which scene contains the plot's catalyst, chart out where the tension rises and falls in each chapter. Others prefer to learn more intuitively. They read books, absorb the different writing styles, and maybe jot down a few notes with overall impressions or key points they want to remember. They have a general idea of where their own story is going, and aren't afraid to experiment and take detours along the way.

If you don't know where you fall on the spectrum, try different approaches and see what feels right. Remember that there is no one way of doing this, and every method has its pros and cons. Plotting out your story beforehand can prevent you from wandering off track, but the lists can become an evasive technique to keep you from actually writing the book. Letting the words spill onto the page with no grand plan feels very creative, but usually results in huge first drafts that have to be significantly trimmed and shaped. If you write long enough you'll discover your weaknesses and devise ways to work around them. Maybe you outline first, then put it away while you write your first draft. Maybe you lay out your scenes on a plotline after each chapter, then revise as needed before moving on to the next chapter. If your dialogue tends to wander in circles before coming to the point, you'll learn to get it on paper and then tighten it in the second draft.

Know your strengths. Some authors are brilliant nonfiction writers but are unable to sell a fiction story. Others write wonderful picture books but can't deal with the layers to a novel. Instead of trying to force a style that isn't you, start with what you're naturally good at. You don't have to publish fiction to be a successful author. You may dream of writing picture books, but if you have a knack for relating to teenagers, maybe young adult novels are your future.

Discovering your strengths involves experimenting with differnt writing styles and age groups. If you don't know where to start, think about the kinds of children's books you most like to read. Then fiddle around with writing dialogue or scenes for the same age group. If you're naturally drawn to nonfiction, make a list of topics that excite you. Start by writing about one of the subjects in the style of some of your favorite children's magazines.

Practive, Practice, Practice. Over the years I've worked with writers who have gotten published through sheer force of will. They've pored over manuscripts again and again, taking them from mediocre to polished. They've put aside ideas that simply didn't work and turned to something new. And they never submitted the first or second draft to an editor, because those manuscripts could always be improved. They weren't very good writers when they began, but they learned. And you can too.

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

RT @DebNg 42 Helpful and Terrific Blogs for Writers http://is.gd/4EbAq Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

3 Free MP3s of Your Choice @ Amazon http://ow.ly/FmZd Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

► Fightin' Bookworms - Just posted: "Getting Started Writing for Magazines" http://cbiclubhouse.com

Do You Really Need That Apostrophe? #Writing http://ow.ly/DVC0 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

► The new Children's #writing Update e-zine is online. It's free & packed w/info! http://grsnip.com/VdzO #kidlit

The New "Children's Writing Update" is Online!

The new issue of our free e-zine, Children's Writing Update, is now online. This issue features some great market tips for YA writers, a treasure trove of writing advice from the late Allen Ginsberg, and article on creating great titles for your children's books and much more.

Go check it out at http://www.getresponse.com/archive/cwupdate/Childrens-Writing-Update-The-Best-Writing-Tips-Ever-3302265.html

Enjoy!

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

► The new Children's Writing Update e-zine is online. It's free & packed w/info! http://grsnip.com/VdzO

Writing tips from Allen Ginsberg: http://is.gd/4WEMS Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource

✔ New Video: How to Find the Right Children's Book Publisher for Your Manuscript http://is.gd/4WDC1

✔ New Video: How to Find the Right Children's Book Publisher for Your Manuscript http://is.gd/4WDC1

►Current vote re: future of kids books: Paper will always rule: 43% Ebooks will take over: 28% Vote now @ http://is.gd/4WEzx

✔ New Video: How to Find the Right Children's Book Publisher for Your Manuscript http://is.gd/4WDC1

LooChildren's Book Publishers: How to Find the Right One for Your Manuscript

Looking to send a manuscript to children's book publishers? Here's an easy three-step approach to help you find just the right publisher for your story!

Note: If you're having trouble viewing this video, you can also see it DailyMotion, BlipTV , 5Min , Graspr and Viddler.

Feel free to embed this video (or any of our videos)! Go to http://youtube.com/cbiclubhouse for lots of great videos you can use on your blog or website.

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

Librarians reflect on banned books http://ow.ly/CNVN Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource

Children's Book Reviews: 11/16/2009 - Publishers Weekly http://ow.ly/CNTo Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

Children's Literacy and News Round-Up from the Reading Tub http://ow.ly/CNS5 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

How to Publish a Children's Book -- a Plot Guide http://ow.ly/CNOX Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

Why Johnny Won’t Read and What To Do About It http://ow.ly/CNMA Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource

The Pros and Cons of a Writing Critique Group http://ow.ly/CNKY Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

Like J.K. Rowling, Another Thrilling Success Story? http://ow.ly/CNJa Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Getting Boys into Reading Through Fiction http://ow.ly/CNWS Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

Site links authors and agents http://is.gd/4TsFV Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource

Self publishing tips: http://is.gd/4TN64 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet #writing #kidslit

Blog offers monthly poetry writing prompts http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

Drool over Laurie Halse Anderson's writer's cabin http://ow.ly/BF3y Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

Picture Books Revisited as Educational Tool http://ow.ly/BEOo Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

About "Curious George" Authors HA Rey and Margret Rey http://ow.ly/BEI6 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

A Discussion of the Transgressions of Fictional Teens http://ow.ly/BEFx Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

Writing For a Strong Middle http://ow.ly/BEAW Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource

Literary agent seeks MG/YA novels http://ow.ly/BExv Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

Huge list of magazine markets: Duotrope’s Digest http://ow.ly/BEvJ Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Turn Internet Exposure Into Book Sales http://is.gd/4SII4 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com #writing #kidslit

New Poll! Will children's books primarily be electronic or remain mostly on paper? http://twtpoll.com/kvd4if #kidslit #writing #twtpoll

This blog features uber-cool kids books http://is.gd/4SIxq Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms! #kidslit #writing

Sex Ed. Through Kid Lit? http://is.gd/4SIsf Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms! #writing #kidslit

Comic books are good for you! http://is.gd/4SICS Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms! #kidslit #writing

Nice roundup of new YA novels http://ow.ly/Bp6Y Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms! #writing #kidslit

Use Twitter’s Lists Feature for Writing http://ow.ly/Bp4i Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet #writing #kidslit

Word of the Week: Charticle http://ow.ly/Bp3s Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource #writing #kidslit

New Poll: 30 years from now, will children's books primarily be electronic or remain mostly on paper?

Which way are children's books heading?

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

Solid research tips: http://ow.ly/Bp2a Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms! #writing #kidslit

Establishing Setting in Your Novel http://ow.ly/Bp0j Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet #writing #kidslit

Color, design & kids books: http://is.gd/4SILT Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet #writing #kidslit

New Poll! Will children's books primarily be electronic or remain mostly on paper? http://twtpoll.com/kvd4if #kidslit #writing #twtpoll

Mixing writing & parenthood http://is.gd/4SHgW Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms! #writing kidslit

* Writing Children's Fiction: Let Go Of Your Ending to Take Your Readers on a Wonderful Journey http://is.gd/4S6qH

Learn How to Write Rebus Stories for Children http://ow.ly/B4hs Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Children's Writing: Let Go Of Your Ending to Take Your Readers on a Wonderful Journey

One of my favorite snippets of wisdom found in William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways: A Journey into America (including the first line: Beware thoughts that come in the night.) is included in an exchange Heat-Moon had with a man he met in Tennessee. The man asked him, "Where you headed from here?" Heat-Moon replied, "I don't know." Grinning, the man pronounced, "Cain't get lost then."

There's something incredibly liberating about not knowing where you're going. We rarely have this freedom in our daily lives. We have to plan the next project for work, or whose turn it is to bring the kids to school, or what we need to pick up at the grocery store for dinner. So when we have the chance to actually let go and float with the current, we should take it. For writers of children's fiction, it's essential to embrace the unplotted course.

I can't count how many manuscripts I've read where it's very clear that the writers began with the ending. They knew where they wanted to end up; the lesson they wanted to impart, or the message they needed to convey. Then they worked backwards, manipulating their characters and plots to arrive at preconceived destinations. This always — always! — results in manuscripts that are heavy-handed, contrived, and often don't make sense.

Rather, I suggest to these writers that they start with their protagonist, and brainstorm from there. Ask "What if?" What if this character reacted to the problem differently. What if another character worked against him. What if you swapped some character traits, from confident to shy, from bookish to musically gifted, from being a football player to a skateboarder. Where might you end up?

Some authors can't let go of their ending. It's too scary, not knowing where they're going. They need assurance that their work will have a purpose before they invest the time and effort to write it. What if they try a new direction and it doesn't pan out? Then they'll have to begin all over again. Or (and this is really scary for some authors), what if they embrace a new direction, and the whole meaning of their book changes? Instead of teaching kids that everyone should be valued for their special talents, their book might evolve into a story about not taking life too seriously. And that's not the message they want kids to hear.

Sadly, these writers probably won't get published. To them, the theme is more important than the plot. The message more vital than the story. The destination takes precedence over the journey. What they don't understand is that when a child opens a book, it's the journey she's looking forward to. The ending has to be good, but getting there must be great.

Magical, unforgettable journeys aren't always planned. Sometimes they occur by accident. If you have the heart and soul of a writer, this shouldn't scare you. In fact, it's exciting. If you're open to working a long time on your protagonist, so you know this character inside and out and he has many facets to his personality, then at some point the protagonist takes over. He'll show you where the story needs to go. If you're comfortable with brainstorming and actually putting any idea that pops into your head down on paper without editing, you'll make subconscious connections between ideas that you didn't even know you had. And if you're committed to story, not message, you could end up with a book that's bigger than anything you ever imagined.

We often talk about the structure of fiction: a character who has a problem to solve, a catalyst that gets the plot moving, an ending that resolves the problem in a believable way. These techniques are still a vital part of writing, but don't worry about them until you know exactly who your protagonist is and what that character needs. If you try to think of a catalyst before you know what your character wants, you can't possibly put that character in a situation that drastically effects his life. Wander around and explore your options before you worry about your story's foundation. Let yourself get lost before you find the perfect place to settle down.

What about nonfiction? Surely you need to know where you're going when you're writing factual material, right? In this case, you probably will know where you have to end up; what topic you're going to explore, or what points you want to make. But how you get there is still up for grabs. Do you want to write about medieval life from a humorous perspective, with short bursts of information interspersed with jokes, trivia and quizzes? How about a day in the life of a 12-year-old peasant? Maybe a collection of recipes for everything from celebratory feasts to common dinners to medicinal concoctions? As you're researching, keep an open mind. You may stumble across a gem that completely changes the direction of your book for the better. Or, you'll amass so much material that you'll have a book and five articles, all with a different focus.

One of the perks of writing for children is that your options are endless. Getting there is half the fun. As long as you're open to infinite possibilities, you'll never lose your way.

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

✔ Children’s Fiction: Let Go Of Your Ending to Take Your Readers on a Wonderful Journey http://is.gd/4S6sk #writing #kidslit

SLJ roundup of best children's lit blogs http://ow.ly/B49F Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, The Essential Children's Writing Resource

Check out these author interviews from The Author Hour http://ow.ly/B477 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

Tips for Writing Historical Dialogue in Fiction http://ow.ly/B403 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Interview w/ Author Jan Brett http://ow.ly/ANy5 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Where Children's Writers Meet

NY Times' 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books http://ow.ly/ANu3 Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Home of the Fightin' Bookworms!

New Publisher's Weekly Children's Book Reviews http://ow.ly/ANqO Jon, http://cbiclubhouse.com, Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Five Reasons Why You Can?t Make It As A Writer (And Why None Of Them Are True)

I have a very tidy house. I vacuum almost daily, regularly scour my silverware drawer for crumbs, and organize my closets at least 3 times a year. What’s my secret? I’m a writer who works from home.

Like many writers, when deadlines loom I hover around my laptop, finding excuses not to get started. But because I do consider myself a writer (and my Mexico vacation depends on it), eventually I plop myself in the chair and get to work. And yet I’m one of the lucky ones. I hear from a lot of people who long to call themselves writers, but have generated all sorts of reasons never to try. So here’s a list of the top five dreamdashers, and why none of them are worth believing:

I have no time to write. Every beginning writer is time-challenged, because until you’re getting paid for your writing, you’re probably spending a big part of each day doing something else. But consider this: author Claudia Mills, who has two sons and works as a college professor, said at a workshop that she writes every morning while her family is still asleep. Many days, she only gets in 5-15 minutes of writing. But those are actual writing minutes; not minutes spent thinking about writing, or worrying about writer’s block, or staring at a blank piece of paper. When she assembles all those little bits of intensive writing over several weeks, she ends up with a book. Check out her results at http://www.claudiamillsauthor.com

I’m too old. Editors won’t know how old you are if you don’t tell them. Your readers won’t know if you don’t put your picture on the book cover. If you write well, your voice will be ageless. I know of a woman who promised herself on her 65th birthday that she’d pursue a lifelong dream of writing a children’s book. She followed the advice to “write what you know,” and at age 69 earned her first contract for a middle grade novel based on events from her childhood.

I don’t have a college degree. Guess what? If you're a children's writer, neither do your readers. Sure, it’s necessary to know the basic rules of grammar and how to express yourself on paper, but hopefully you mastered that by junior high. The best education you can give yourself as a potential children’s book writer is to read children’s books––many children’s books, especially those similar to the kind of books you want to write. And don’t let your lack of knowledge about a nonfiction topic stop you from writing about it. If you’re a skilled writer who enjoys research, you can teach yourself enough about many subjects to write about them, or find experts to help you fill in gaps in your knowledge.

Everything’s been written about. You’re probably right, but next season the shelves will be filled with brand new books. Why? Because though it feels like we’re approaching the saturation point on new ideas, the way those ideas are presented can constantly change. You have a unique way of looking at the world that no one else can duplicate. So play around with those worn out ideas until you hit on something fresh.

Publishers are afraid of controversial topics/religion/men writing for kids/books that teach a lesson…. The only thing publishers are afraid of is not selling books. Do cutting edge, issue-driven books get attention? Take a look at major awards lists. Does religion sell? Go to any chain bookstore and note that even trade publishers are bringing out fiction and nonfiction with religious themes. Do male writers need to use female pseudonyms? Again, I refer you to prestigious awards lists. Can a children’s book contain a moral these days? If you do it in an entertaining way without preaching, parents will snap up your work.

If you’re tempted to start a sentence with “Publishers are afraid…,” it probably means one of two things: you haven’t walked into a bookstore recently, or it’s easier to blame a pile of rejection letters on timid editors than to figure out why your manuscript isn’t selling. Though editors are under pressure to show a profit (publishing is a business, after all), they’re always looking for the next manuscript that will turn children’s books in a new direction. If you’re going to be that writer, in the end all you really need to do is plant yourself in the chair and get to work.

Laura Backes publishes Children’s Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children’s Writers. For info about writing children’s books, free articles, market tips, insider secrets & more, visit http://Write4kids.com.

Interested in learning how to write a book and send it to children's book publishers? Come on over to The CBI Clubhouse for audios, videos, insider writing tips and much, much more!

Fightin' Bookworms: November's "Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers" is online! http://cbiclubhouse.com