From Theme to Story: Turning Abstract Ideas into Specific Stories
Themes are the big ideas that give stories depth and meaning...
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The Mash-Up Method: Creating New Ideas by Combining the Unexpected
Sometimes the most original ideas come from combining two completely unrelated concepts. This "mash-up" approach invites you to think outside the box...
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Mining Childhood Memories for Story Gold
The best picture books resonate because they capture universal truths about childhood. One way to tap into these truths is by mining...
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What If? The Golden Question for Picture Book Ideas
One of the best tools for developing picture book ideas is the question "What if?" This simple phrase unlocks endless possibilities for...
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From Spark to Story: A New Year of Generating Picture Book Ideas
The start of a new year is a perfect time for fresh beginnings—and for picture book writers, it’s the ideal opportunity to...
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The Perennial Appeal of Holiday-Themed Picture Books
Year after year, holiday-themed picture books find their way into the hands of young readers – and they rarely lose their appeal....
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Why Self-Publishing May Not Be the Best Choice for Picture Books
Self-publishing has grown enormously over the past decade, offering authors the ability to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and reach readers directly. For...
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Strengthen Your Story with Concrete Nouns
In linguistics, "concrete nouns" refer to physical, tangible objects—things that can be perceived through the senses, such as "apple," "dog," or "mountain."...
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Enliven Your Writing with Juicy Verbs
When we read a book that pulls us right into the story, that sweeps us along with vivid energy and emotional clarity,...
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Read-Aloudability: Ensuring Your Picture Book Sings When Read
Picture books are intended to be read aloud to or with the child, so it’s essential to ensure your manuscript sounds as...
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