Tips For Writing A Children's Book

[Galadriel Gal]

I'm trying to write a book somewhat similar to Lord of the Rings. I've never read Eragon, but I'm sort of like the author because I'm trying to publish at a young age. Does anyone have any tips on how to organize ideas or how to think up ideas (Brainstorming techniques, ect.)? All help is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[USAJagGirl]

children book.. what ages? 3-10,10-15.. etc? if it is for a really young group i suggest simple characters, something that they won't have to think hard to figure out who/what that character is. I guess that explains what i'm trying to say.

 

[Lessien]

Hmmmmmm......if it's like LOTR, I suggest reading LOTR over and over to get ideas. Then, make up your own Middle-earth characters, and create a story in your head using them. That's what I did when I was trying to get ideas for a fantasy novel I'm writing. I ended up with the only book idea that I think can possibly get published. lol.

 

[GodFlute2]

Reading TLotR and other Tolkien books or stories told about that time period and say to yourself, "What if...this happened? What if...Gandalf hadn't fallen in Moria? What would happen then?" And see if you can answer those questions in your own way.

 

[Lessien]

Yep. Wondering what the story would be like if it were told from another person's point of view is helpful, too. Like, what if the LOTR trilogy was told from the Witch-King's POV instead of Frodo's? Or an Orc's? It may not help you with your book, but it'll help get the ideas flowing, and it'll help you think outside the box. Or maybe I'm insane.

 

[Galadriel Gal]

Thanks everyone! It's probably going to be 10 to Adult, not sure if adults would want to read it. I am reading Lord of the Rings, very slowly though. A big problem for me is kinda crazy, I can't help but hate the location of the story inside my head (Something like Minas Tirith, but boring, I love Minas Tirith, in fact I want to remodel my room to LOOK like Minas Tirith, but my story just isn't supposed to take place there), and it's annoying! I want to think up some place that's a cross between Rivendell, Lothlorien, and my own imagination, but it keeps coming up Minas Tirithish (Which was my first thought), so not it's stuck in my head like old bubble gum!

 

[Lessien]

lol. Sorry. Good luck with your book, though!

 

[Joey_Kid]

I would think that if you were going to write a book from 10-15, (I'm 14, just to let u know), and if you wanted to make it about LOTR, than you should make it an adventure/thriller. I know i would like that.

 

[Nikoel]

Good Luck with your book!!

My big piece of advice would be to write a little bit every day (even if it's not for your book!) That way you can get in the flow of writing and eventually your creativity will break out!!

 

[Galadriel Gal]

Thanks everyone !! I've got the plot just about fully figured out, the main characters are named but I might decide to change their names. My problem is that every time I write something, I hate it, it's never good enough, no matter how many times I re-do it, it's never what I wanted, it's something else, not what I want it to be. I've got ideas, I just can't get them to go on the paper in a nice way. I know that's what defines a writer, but, I just can't seem to like what I write. It's nice, written right, but it just seems that it's sort of, dry/silly/makes no sense/pointless. Should I post some of my work so you can review it? I don't mind too much construction criticism. Should I post it?

 

[Lessien]

Sure! I'd read it, but be prepared for honest opinions.