What Real Authors Learned While Writing Their Children’s Books (& How You Can Apply Their Lessons  Too)

Sometimes, the best motivation often comes from hearing someone else say, “I did it—and so can you.” It makes your goal feel more possible and gives you the motivation—and idea—for how to get there yourself. 

They say hindsight is 20/20, and it’s true—once you’ve walked through something, you can clearly see how far you’ve come and how you might help someone else do the same.

When I first started writing my own children’s book, I had no idea what I was doing. I was passionate, but I lacked direction. Over the years, through a lot of trial and error, I discovered a system that works. Not just for me, but for the hundreds of authors I’ve had the privilege of helping through my children’s book writing program, the Children’s Book Masterclass (CBM).

In this blog, I’m sharing real lessons authors learned while writing their children’s books through CBM. From the support they received to the transformation they experienced, these six lessons are ones you can take with you, no matter where you are in the writing process.  

6 Lessons To Carry With You While Writing Your Children’s Book

As you’re writing your children’s book, consider these lessons. I’ve also included real advice from real authors who took our CBM course. 

Lesson 1: Support Makes All the Difference

Writing a children’s book can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Having a writing community can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a group of your friends, a Facebook group, or a local writing group in town, being able to share your process with others makes your writing journey feel less lonely—and I promise, a lot more fun!

Try This: Make a list of three people you can share your writing goal with for accountability. 

One CBM Author Said: “Miriam and her team are just amazing. They are very supportive and always there to respond to questions and comments. She has such a warm presence throughout her teachings and live videos that she was definitely the best author who helped me continue my children's book author journey.”

—Sandy Mak

Lesson 2: Clarity Comes From Action

People often think writing is a solitary effort, but it doesn’t need to be. Even the best writers need guidance, editing, and feedback. You do not have to figure everything out on your own. You just need to be willing to take the first step. 

Try This: Sign up for a writing course or find a mentor to learn from who has already walked the path before you. 

One CBM Author Said: “I would say that CBM is for anyone who has wanted to write a children's book, but has no idea how to get started. There is a whole world of knowledge and information that was demystified and that I didn't even know existed.”

—Khursheed Sethna

Lesson 3: Confidence Grows as You Keep Going

Confidence isn’t always something you “just have.” Sometimes, it’s something you develop. Think about the first time you got behind the wheel during driver’s ed. You probably didn’t feel totally at ease, but with time and practice, that changed. Your writing works the same way. The more you do it and the more time you dedicate to it, the stronger your confidence becomes. 

Try This: Be your own advocate. When the negative voice tells you to give up, don’t listen to it. Instead, talk back. Replace that self-doubt by speaking a more positive message to yourself. 

One CBM Author Said: “The Children's Book Masterclass has given me the tools to be confident in writing, publishing, and marketing my book. I would have spent many stressful hours researching all the information that this class provided.”

—Brian Williams

Lesson 4: Small Steps Add Up 

If you’re waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan, it might be a while. Consider someone who is training for a marathon. They don't wait until they feel perfect to train. Instead, they lace up and run, even if it’s just a few miles that day. They know their end goal is worth it, so they stay consistent and show up. You don’t need to write your entire book today—or even this month. But you do need to take the next small step. 

Try This: Do something today that furthers your goal. Write one paragraph. Watch a TED Talk. Post on Instagram. Every step you take puts you one step closer to your finish line. 

One CBM Author Said: “Over the past two weekends, I watched the first 5 modules of MLP's Children's Book Masterclass. Wow! Sharon Jennings is an absolute wealth of knowledge! I stepped away from each 2-hour session feeling like I'd spent time with a ‘Children's Book Jedi Master!’... It’s overwhelming, but I know a quality book will be the end result.”

—Wade Bergner

Lesson 5: Transformation Happens Along the Way

Transformation happens both internally and externally. Yes, you may have a goal to publish a book, but there’s more taking place. With every draft, decision, and breakthrough, you’re changing too. Oftentimes, we don’t even realize it’s happening within us. When you take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come, you might just realize you're not the same writer—or person—you once were. 

Try This: Think of where you were one year ago. What have you accomplished? How have you grown since then? Take time to reflect and appreciate all you have done for your dreams. 

One CBM Author Said: “Taking CBM made me come alive with the idea of publishing my children’s book after 50 years of dreaming of it… Passion! Gosh, who could ask for more?”

—Roberta Wright

Lesson 6: You’re Allowed To Invest in Your Dream 

Your story is on your heart for a reason. Investing the time, energy, and money into bringing it to life is not silly—it’s brave. It is okay to take your dream seriously, and it is definitely okay to trust that it is going to be valuable to young readers. 

Try This: Ask yourself, “Would I have benefited from this story if I had heard it when I was a child?” (Odds are, you’ll say yes!) If that’s the case, it already means it’s worth pursuing. 

One CBM Author Said: “There is valuable information in this class that will save you hours of research time, money, and frustration.”

—Brian Williams

Every Author You Admire Started Right Where You Are

There are a lot of steps to writing and publishing a children’s book—but it’s not just about the finished product. The lessons you learn along the way matter, too. If you’re looking for the same support, structure, and guidance that the authors above experienced, that’s exactly what you’ll find inside Children’s Book Masterclass (CBM). 

But before you decide if it’s the right fit, why not take the first step?

Join my free training where I’ll walk you through the three secrets that have helped 4,000+ authors write and publish their children’s books.