Just as students rely on school supplies like pencils and notebooks to excel in school, aspiring authors need the right supplies to craft a successful children’s book too. While all you *really* need is an idea and the desire to start, here’s a list of essential supplies for writing your children’s book to enhance the process:
- Paper, Pen, or Laptop
- A Quiet Space To Write
- Designated Time To Write
- The Right Mindset: "I CAN" Attitude
- The Children’s Book Masterclass
- A Mentor or Community
- A Strong WHY
Paper, Pen, or Laptop
The first step in your writing journey is deciding how you want to write, whether that be with paper and pen or on your laptop. Many writers find a blend of both, using paper for initial brainstorming and then transitioning to a computer for drafting and editing.
Regardless of your chosen method, stay organized. When working strictly with paper, keep your notes and drafts in a journal or folder. The same thing goes for working on a laptop—use digital folders and create clear, descriptive files for your brainstorms, outlines, drafts, and revisions.
Pro tip: if you choose to go digital, be sure to back up your documents on an external storage device as often as possible.
A Quiet Space To Write
You need a quiet space to think and imagine. It could be your office, your favorite chair by the window, or your favorite coffee shop. If you feel inspired by being in a new place, consider booking a weekend trip for yourself and commit to writing the entire time. I did a one-night stay in a hotel for my second book and was able to write the first draft of my entire manuscript. Create the creative space in which you will thrive.
Designated Time To Write
There’s an old saying that goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” I’m here to tell you, nothing will be more true when it comes to writing a children’s book. You must dedicate specific times just for writing even if it’s only 15 minutes a day! Whether it’s the quiet of the early morning, the peaceful hours after bedtime, or a moment on your lunch break, find times that make sense in your life and keep the promise to yourself to get it done. Without giving yourself dedicated time to sit down and write, it can be easy to let another day go by, then a month, and then six months before you’ve even reviewed your progress.
The Right Mindset: Have an "I CAN" Attitude
Your ability to write a children’s book hinges on your mindset. This means the phrase “I can’t” is no longer in your vocabulary. Like any skill, writing will come with new challenges and development. Junot Diaz once said, “Even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway.” This is the essence of the “I CAN” attitude.
You may not love every word you write, but you have to trust the creative process. By telling yourself, “I can,” your heart and mind will start to believe it. The story is rooted within you—the more you write it out, the more it will reveal itself to you. Believe you can, and then do it. You can always make revisions.
The Children’s Book Masterclass
If you’re looking for a clear roadmap on how to write, publish, and launch your own children’s book, consider taking the Children’s Book Masterclass. This 10-week self-paced course walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
Throughout this guided course, you’ll learn how to:
- Get clear on the big picture
- Do a deep dive into characters that children love
- Make your book a page-turner
- Understand why less is more
- Polish your story to perfection
- Uncover the role and importance of illustrations in children’s literature
- Work with a designer and get your book printed
- Market your book
- Build a professional website
- LAUNCH the debut of YOUR children’s book!
Learn more about Children’s Book Masterclass.
A Mentor or Community (To Support You & Ensure You Keep Going)
The act of writing may be a one-person job but that doesn’t mean it has to be a lonely road. Finding a mentor or joining a writing community can offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement throughout your author journey. Lean on like-minded people or organizations that can offer support during challenging times and excitement during the wins!
A Strong “WHY”
Your “why” is the reason you will keep going through the days when you would rather stay in your comfort zone. Many of us want to write a children’s book that will have a lasting impact, inspire young readers, teach valuable lessons, and fuel imagination. Reflect intently on your ‘why’ and be as specific as possible so it sticks no matter what. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What impact do you want to have?
- Who do you want to reach?
- What message do you want to share?
The clearer your "why," the stronger your motivation will be. Then, on the days that you feel like “you can’t,” your why will remind you exactly why you can.
Conclusion
Believe that now is your new beginning. You CAN write an amazing children’s book. With this list of essential supplies, you’ll set yourself up for success—from the very first word to the day you publish.
Now, grab your writer's “supplies” and get ready—your first day of class is approaching!
Join my free training, How to Write a Picture Book Children Will Love (and Parents Will Buy!) to learn the secrets to accomplishing your dream of being a published author.
I’m passionate about giving back. That’s why a portion of every Children’s Book Masterclass sale goes to Pencils for Promise. Here at Miriam Laundry Publishing, our goal is to build a school in Guatemala. Together, we can create a brighter future one book and one classroom at a time. Imagine the possibilities you can create with your published book!
FAQs
What does every children's book need?
For a children’s book to be a story, it must have two elements: a character and a problem. A character is who the child is going to connect with and follow their journey. The problem is the challenge or obstacle that the character must overcome. If there’s no problem, then there’s no way for the character to grow or learn by the end of the story.
What program to use to create a children's book?
If you're looking for a program to guide you through creating a children’s book, look no further than the Children's Book Masterclass. This comprehensive course provides step-by-step instructions from brainstorming to publishing, ensuring you have the support and tools needed at each stage. It's designed to help you craft, refine, and launch your book with confidence.