1.THEME
Don’t blurt out your theme! Let it emerge from the story.

Avoid Preaching. Childrens book should NOT be sunday school lessons.

2.PLOT
Plot is normally built around a conflict involvingthe main character-for instance another character, or with circumstances, or within him.

A story may succeed without a conflict-excpecially if your childrens book is for preschoolers.

3. STORY STRUCTURE
At the beginning of your story, jump right into the action. At the end of your story, bring it to a prompt close.

Keep your structure as simple as possible.

4.CHARACTERS

Before you start to write your children’s book know your characters really well.

Identify your characters with one or more telling details.

5.SETTING

Set your story in a place and time that will be interesting o familiar.

6.STYLE AND TONE

Write simple and direct.

Use Dialog wherever possible. Use direct quotes instead of inderect. (example: “Go Away!” instead of “He told her to go away.”)

THE STRONGEST CHILDREN’S STORIES HAVE WELL-DEVELOPED THEMES, ENGAGING PLOTS, SUITABLE STRUCTURE, MEMORABLE CHARACTERS, WELL-CHOSEN SETTINGS, AND ATTRACTIVE STYLE. FOR BEST RESULTS, BUILD STRENGTH IN ALL AREAS.