For Picture Book Writers
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2015 6:42 pm
We often neglect this very important section of our writing community, but I know there are a number of people who are keen to take the step and start writing a picture book. It sounds so easy, I know. Less words, immature target reader, and pictures to help sell it ... ah, if only it were so.
Next to humor, I personally believe writing children's picture books is the toughest writing path to go down. In fact, it may be even harder than humor. Take off the rose-colored glasses and see it for what it really is.
With that in mind, I thought I'd share this excellent and very honest guide for picture book writers by the Australian picture book legend, Mem Fox.
http://memfox.com/for-writers-hints/
Mem has three sections for writers (all from that link above). She lays it on the line, and one of her best pieces of advice is this:
Also, she makes a point about teaching/moralising in picture books which is an important lesson for Christian writers, where our desire to do exactly that is often what spurs us on to write.
Hope you find it helpful. Mem has been successful in the industry for 30 years, which gives her the authority to speak on the subject. (I remember reading Possum Magic to my children when they were little.)
Click here for a list of Mem's books on her website
Next to humor, I personally believe writing children's picture books is the toughest writing path to go down. In fact, it may be even harder than humor. Take off the rose-colored glasses and see it for what it really is.
With that in mind, I thought I'd share this excellent and very honest guide for picture book writers by the Australian picture book legend, Mem Fox.
http://memfox.com/for-writers-hints/
Mem has three sections for writers (all from that link above). She lays it on the line, and one of her best pieces of advice is this:
Writing the picture book content for a couple of years? Yikes!DO NOT be surprised to find yourself working on a picture book text for a couple of years and DO NOT give up too soon. Also, DO NOT lose heart after rejections: be resilient and tenacious.
Also, she makes a point about teaching/moralising in picture books which is an important lesson for Christian writers, where our desire to do exactly that is often what spurs us on to write.
Hope you find it helpful. Mem has been successful in the industry for 30 years, which gives her the authority to speak on the subject. (I remember reading Possum Magic to my children when they were little.)
Click here for a list of Mem's books on her website
