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I've written about writing for children in the past, maybe not in this newsletter, but in others. Since then I've learn more about what publishers of children's books want and expect, some of it first hand, some through workshops and lots of reading.
Viv
Next week's editor will be terryjroo
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Writing Tips for Children's Picture Books
Although some advice for authors of children's stories and books may seem contradictory, the basics are rather unchanged and stable. The following tips can help all of us write and produce more interesting and well accepted picture books. No, I am not including all the information needed for writing a children's book, just enough to help.
Start with action: As with any story or book, the author should start with action just as quickly as possible. The words and illustrations should catch and keep a child's attention.
Be sure illustrations match and add to the story: Children enjoy bright colors and interesting illustrations, but the pictures need to coordinate with the story. Also the illustrations should be well done. The artist is as important as the author as far as picture books are concerned.
If you have a good story, then be sure you find a good illustrator. Most publishers prefer to use one of their staff artists, but if you have an excellent artist in your pocket, be sure to send samples of his work with your story.
Write a good story: Often I've read stories supposedly for children that are not well-written. Youngsters deserve the best possible stories, with correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Yes, we shouldn't use long complex sentences, but the ones we use should be right. Since picture books are usually read to children, the vocabulary doesn't have to be simplistic. Words that a child may be used to hearing but can't read is fine to use. A few new words are all right, too, especially if the illustrations or context help the child know what the words mean. Also the person reading or supervising can help the child learn new words, unless too many are used.
A story for a child should have action and dialogue, just as any other well developed story. The real difference between a story written for children and one written for adults is the interest level, the focus, the perspective.
Don't "pad" the story: If a description or narrative doesn't move the plot along or isn't necessary, delete it. Extra words that add nothing to the story makes listening boring, just as they make reading boring.
Show, don't tell: Sound familiar? That phrase has become almost a cliché, but that doesn't make it less true. Children need to "see" what is happening in a story, and not just in the illustrations. They should "hear" sounds. They need to "feel" what the characters do. Let the story unfold for the child.
Don't make the story too long: A child's attention span depends on the child, of course, but most at the age of those who listen or read picture books won't be interested in a long story. If the story is long, the author should consider breaking it into more than one story.
Alliteration and rhyme should be used well or not at all: Many publishers won't accept children's books that use alliteration or rhyme. The reason? Too many authors do not know how to use either well. Alliteration tickles children's ears, and they like the sounds. However, too much of even a good thing is too much. Forced rhyme is confusing to children (it's confusing to me, too). So use either or both correctly or not at all.
I hope I helped you find a few ways to improve your writing of children's picture books.
For short time, I'll allow the following children's story to be accessed by readers. Having all the illustrations that are usually found in a picture book is difficult on the site, but I included a few. "Big Bill Returns" This story is one of a series with Louie the Duck. The first in the series should be released early 2008, Louie the Duck's Adventure.
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Children's Lit from the Site
Please read and review the following children's stories. If you can give suggestions that help the authors to know what works and what needs work, I know they will appreciate the feedback.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Remarks from Readers
irishroseusa
I just subscribed to this newsletter, and did not get part one of this discussion. I am working on a book of my own (which needs MUCH work) and was wondering how I could get the information mentioned in the previous newsletter.
Thank you,
~Rose
You can find the newsletter in my port, "FANL June 6 - Writing tips Story Boards" or in the newsletter archieves, "For Authors Newsletter (June 6, 2007)"
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billwilcox
All right, Storyboards! I don't think this topic has EVER been done in a newsletter. Great job, Viv!
Thanks, Bill. You never know what I'll use as a topic.
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dejavu_BIG computerprobs 
Hi Viv,another great issue! I also would like to thank you for adding my poem, "Can You Be Me" as an Editor's pick in this weeks Newsletter. Looking forward to the next issue.
SM Ferguson
You're most welcome. Hope this issue lives up to what you expect.
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SmokeyMtn
I was just sitting here in the midst of my writer's block and decided to read the newsletter I hadn't gotten around to yet. I was looking for a prompt. What I found was much more. Thanks so much. Gotta go write now.
I hope you were able to write something you can share with us.
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donprescott
Vivian,
Another great newsletter! I really like some of the ideas particularly color coding characters in a multiple POV novel. Also, thanks for highlighting my short story, "What Now?"
You're welcome, and thanks. 
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likenion
Oh wow! There is a whole art behind this technique. it sure is helpful and very structured and everything before your eyes. I truly think that this is the best way to organize your writing, especially, when writing a novel. Too bad I can't afford that board and have no place to actually put it and use it. So I guess it's back to that journal. Anyways thank you for the valuable info and the tips. Everyone should be grateful that such important knowledge comes so easy to them.
I have a wall that I tape my cards to, and a sheet of poster board costs about 79 cents. I just found that flipping back and forth in a binder or journal was confusing at times. Good luck with whatever you use.
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Ronis brain tumor is gone!
Thank you for a great newsletter. I am going to use the story board idea to go on with A Safe Havem from The Storm.
I hope the storyboard idea works as well for you as it has for me. It helps visualize the story's organization and problem areas.
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Thank you for all the comments, questions, and suggestions. In fact, if you have a topic you would like covered in this newsletter, please let us know.
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For Authors: July 11, 2007 Issue [#1817]
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