Guidelines for Crafting Children's Illustrated Stories: Settings, Props, and Storylines (Continuation)
In the "Writing Articles" section, we delve into the writing process and offer tips for authors, with insights from award-winning author Yvonne Blackwood.
Yvonne Blackwood, a renowned author, world traveler, and retired banker, began writing her famous children's book series "Nosey Charlie" with half of the plot already worked out. The story revolves around a family of squirrels living in a city park during the fall season.
To bring her stories to life, Blackwood requires essential tools such as a computer, printer, reams of paper, and a thesaurus and dictionary. She advises authors to write two manuscripts initially, and to draft the plot, including a beginning, middle, and end to introduce, build up, and resolve conflicts.
The plot serves as a guide but may need changes for logical consistency. Blackwood completed the plot for "Nosey Charlie Comes To Town" through her imagination and the percolation of ideas. She has also published adult books, including "Into Africa A Personal Journey," "Will That Be Cash or Cuffs?," and "Into Africa, the Return."
When it comes to creating a writing space, Blackwood emphasises the importance of a dedicated space free from distractions. This space should be customised to suit personal preferences, with ergonomic furniture, organised materials, and a variety of writing tools. A comfortable workspace is essential for writing, boosting focus and productivity.
For children's book authors, integrating illustration planning materials into the workspace is crucial. This includes sketches or reference sheets, as visual consistency and layout planning are critical parts of the process.
In summary, a writing workspace that optimises comfort, reduces distractions, suits personal preferences, and supports a sustainable writing habit is essential for children's book authors to be productive and inspired. By following these tips, authors can create a space that fosters creativity and encourages the writing process.
In her writing journey, Yvonne Blackwood recommends authors to not only focus on crafting captivating stories but also creating a suitable lifestyle that supports their work. For instance, she underlines the significance of having a dedicated home-and-garden workspace, free from distractions, that promotes comfort, creativity, and productivity, thereby enhancing the lifestyle of a writer. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of having a well-organized workspace adorned with essential tools like a computer, printer, reams of paper, a thesaurus, and dictionary, for both children's literature and lifestyle writing.
){kind=link}