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We are splitting into groups and writing children’s books.  They will be digital and we will make iMovies out of them.  To prepare Mr. Mayo had us read an article and post about it.

Theme:
Don’t blurt out your theme.  Let it emerge from the story.  If you must come out and say it, do it in dialog, not narration.

Keep your theme positive.  If writing about a social problem, offer constructive ways for your reader to deal with it.

Plot:
The conflict should result in increasing dramatic tension.

A novel may have several conflicts but a picture book should have only one.

Story Structure:
At the beginning, jump right into the action.  At the end bring the story to a prompt close.

Keep the structure as simple as possible.  Keep events in chronological order and avoid “flashbacks”.

Characters:
before you begin writing, know your characters thoroughly.

Identify your characters with one or more traits but don’t give a full blown description.

Setting:
set your story in a place and time that will be familiar.

Style and Tone:
write simple and directly, in short words, sentences and paragraphs.

Use language that creates an atmosphere or tone suited to your story.