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... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, Character Development, Children's Writing, Picture Books, Story Development, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
Whether you like to plan out your stories first, or whether your “story” is something you discover after your first draft, being able to identify what kind of story problem you are exploring is a critical step in refining and focusing your narrative....
