by Michael Mahin | Blog, Children's Writing, Picture Books, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
I am a self-professed, craft-book addict. I love reading about writing. Yes, it is probably a form of procrastination, but at least it is a productive form. For me, while many ideas are similar between books, hearing them explained in different ways is often the... 
by Michael Mahin | Children's Writing, Creativity, Picture Books, The Writing Process, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
No matter what kind of writer you are, exploring childhood memories can be a rich source of material. Exploring these memories is especially important for children’s writers because they put you in touch with emotions that you had as a child. Remembering how you... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, Character Development, Characterization, Children's Writing, Picture Books, Story Development, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
Without memorable characters, your story is dead in the water. Nothing can save it. Not a great plot. Not a great premise. Not a great climax. Why? Because if readers don’t like your characters, they will not care what happens. The good news is, the fix is... 
by Michael Mahin | Children's Writing, Picture Books, Story Development, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
Some of you might be surprised to hear that picture books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar have a structure. But the fact is, they do. According according to Eve Heidi Bine-Stock, “Both concept books and picture storybooks employ very distinctive structures that, once... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, Children's Writing, Picture Books, Story Development, Structure, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
Crafting narratives that flow and feel natural is one hallmark of great writing. It’s one of those things: you know it when it’s working. And, of course, you know it when it isn’t. Something feels off. The problem for most writers isn’t simply...
