December 8th, 2011 | Author: admin
Coach Teresa, How do I fix my children’s story? Agent says it’s too episodic.
In my previous blog post about how to remedy an episodic storyline . . . here’s an argument from one of my clients who writes children’s books . . .
“But kids aren’t that sophisticated, are they? Shouldn’t stories for that age group be episodic?”
Coach Teresa here . . . Kids know what a good story is, especially if they’ve read the timeless classics (to name a few: The Hobbit; The Wind In the Willows; Charlotte’s Web; The Phantom Tollbooth; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. What are other memorable children’s books? Wordsworth the Poet by Frances Kakugawa is a contemporary favorite of mine )
Also, keep in mind that a children’s story has to hook adults (agents, acquisition editors, publishers, booksellers, reviewers, shoppers). How do you hook adult-readers, even if you choose to be your own publisher?
Answer: Create memorable characters and follow screenwriting teacher Terrel Seltzer’s advice: “Someone we care about wants something badly and is having a terrible time getting it.”
Here’s my post from May 26, 2011 about Terrel
I encourage you to set the stage. Give the reader sensory details—not only sight and hearing but also taste, smell and touch.
To create a story with thematic significance, let your metaphors / similes / inferences move your story forward or provide clues.
Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”
Want to attract agents & publishers? Want to be your own publisher?
Email: Teresa_LeYung at yahoo.com
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan loves to edit:
- novels & memoirs with feisty protagonists and universal messages;
- children’s novels that help young readers understand their feelings and build self-confidence
Posted in About Teresa Jade LeYung aka Teresa LeYung Ryan, Art / Craft / Teaching, Children's Books, Story Continuity/Themes/Archetypes/Writing/Editing, Writer's THEMES and Platform, writing-career coach / manuscript consultant / writing coach / editor/ book doctor / author / writer's life / publisher | 
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