THE CHILDREN'S BOOK ACADEMY
  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Mastering Great Graphic Novels >
      • 2023 Mastering Graphic Novels Registration
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
    • Books by Students
    • Our Bookshop
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship

Character Driving Plot and a Fear Busting Free Lesson from the Hero's Art Journey from Mira

5/25/2015

83 Comments

 
Dealing with fear in this awesome free telesummit put together by Kathy Scheiern
As creatives, whenever we look at that blank page, whenever we’re making decisions on where to take a character, whenever we submit our work or attend a conference, we’re facing fear. Most of us are sensitive types, many come from some kind of trauma, so facing fear is an important topic for us just as it is for many of the characters in our plot-driven stories. In my interview I talk about my background in a way that I rarely do and share a fear-busting lesson from the Hero’s Art Journey, which is my gift for the telesummit participants. There are lots of other free pressies there as well, so I hope that you’ll check it out here.

Character Driving Plot
When you write a regular blog, you're constantly wondering... what can I write about that will be really helpful for my people. So in honor of our upcoming Craft and Business of Writing Picture Books course, I decided to do a series writing about t
he main elements of writing plot-driven children’s books that we'll be going into in the course on a much deeper level. But here they are:

1.     Character
2.     Plot
3.     Pacing
4.     Voice and Language

In the following months I’m going to write about each of these, starting with character. So here goes:

Character
How well you know your characters makes a big difference in how well you write them. Physical descriptions (kept to a minimum in picture books) and shown through actions e.g., instead of “she was short” – “Angie was tired of standing on her tip toes to hug her friends” are only part of the picture.

It’s your main character(s) hopes, fears, greatest desires that really drive the story or plot. Whatever your main character’s greatest fear is–that’s what they must face and overcome.

Whoever their greatest enemy is–that’s who they must vanquish or friend.

Whatever their greatest desire–that’s what they must strive towards and attain either in that book or one of the following books if it’s a series or attain if it’s a picture book.

Their challenges become assets.

Whoever their friends are, these are either allies on the journey, or characters that they have conflict with, or characters that they must save in one way or another. 

The more you know your characters, the better that you can write them. Even if you never use most of the stuff that you know about them, your character will still come across stronger for that knowledge. Being a visual person, I like doing mind maps. So here’s one that I did for one of my stories that I’m sharing with you guys as well as a downloadable blank version that you can use with your own work. Let me know if you find it helpful.

Yours in children’s book love,

Mira

Picture
Picture
Mira Reisberg has helped MANY authors and illustrators get published. She has worn just about every hat in the industry including art director, editor, illustrator and author, and literary agent. Mira holds a PhD in Education and Cultural Studies with a focus on children's literature. She is also an award-winning children's book illustrator and writer. Watch for the upcoming Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books, which she will be co-teaching with the fabulous Kelly Delaney, an acquiring assistant editor at Random House/Knopf!

character_map_template_blank.pdf
File Size: 1522 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

83 Comments
Cecilia Clark link
5/25/2015 09:44:43 pm

Thank you Mira. This is fabulous. My own fears hold me back and it will be good to push though them. I am off to my first ever writers' conference this year and trying to move up to a more professional level as a writer and your post could not have come at any better time. The character sheet is fabulous. Thanks again. Hugs from upside down under. <3

Reply
Mira Reisberg
5/26/2015 06:00:09 am

Thank you Cecilia. Without fear there is no courage and I salute you for your courage. I hope you signed up for the lesson. It's fun and liberating.

Reply
Gail
5/26/2015 04:07:34 am

Thank you for the character template. This helps a lot. :)

Reply
Mira Reisberg
5/26/2015 06:01:39 am

Thank you for the comment. So glad that you'll be using the template!! I love making these kind of things.

Reply
Tracy
5/27/2015 05:01:54 am

Thanks, Mira. A very thoughtful post. I love the character sheet, and have already printed it and used it to better know my character in my current story!

Reply
Mira
6/1/2015 08:35:53 am

Thank you Tracy. Am so glad that you are finding it helpful!

Reply
Katrina Moore link
7/25/2015 12:28:41 am

Thanks for sharing, Mira! I love the way you've broken this down :) And thanks for the great printable resource!

Reply
JEN Garrett link
7/25/2015 02:01:36 am

Wonderful post, and you were great in the telesummit.

Reply
Trisha link
7/28/2015 05:10:00 am

Thank you Mira for the template. I know I will definitely be getting some use out of it.

Reply
Make Money From home link
2/15/2017 06:40:58 am

Your Driver is Here is a personal driver service, transporting customers in their own vehicle for airport and hourly service. Servicing Westchester and Lower.

Reply
Chesapeake Driving School link
5/9/2017 09:20:29 am

Do you want to learn how to drive? Take an online search for the best driving school. There are many of them that guarantee very effective driving lessons. You will be driving on your own in no time at all.

Reply
Andy1st link
3/31/2018 11:41:23 am

You will need to make sure the driving school you are thinking of learning to drive with is the right one for you. Everyone will need to be sure that they can trust the driving school they are thinking of joining and this article will help you make that all important decision.

Reply
intensive driving courses manchester link
7/31/2018 08:29:41 am

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future...

Reply
Ehtesham link
4/16/2021 04:34:15 am

I've been studying and looking at ways to improve my writing and story telling skills. Not an easy task I tell you!

Doesn't come to me naturally. Hopefully with repeated practice I'll get better.

I have the writers block with my blog too :/

Thanks for this post.

Reply
Driving Lessons Leicester link
4/16/2021 04:35:11 am

I've been studying and looking at ways to improve my writing and story telling skills. Not an easy task I tell you!

Doesn't come to me naturally. Hopefully with repeated practice I'll get better.

I have the writers block with my blog too :/

Thanks for this post.

Reply
antminer s19 link
3/26/2022 04:31:46 am

These guys are awesome

Reply
먹튀폴리스 link
3/26/2022 10:40:44 pm

It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post.This is a fantastic website, thanks for sharing. There’s no doubt i would fully rate it after i read what the idea about this article is <a href="https://fknapredak125.weebly.com/">먹튀폴리스</a>

Reply
먹튀패스 link
3/27/2022 06:44:33 am

Hello There. I found your weblog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely return. <a href="https://premisoletura.weebly.com/">먹튀패스</a>

Reply
vending ways link
5/15/2022 08:50:34 am

Vending Ways is a UAE-based leading distributor of Coin Operated Washing machines for the MENA region. We take pride in our excellent service<a href="https://www.vendingways.com/">front coinoperated washing machine</a>

Reply
entrepreneur health link
12/1/2022 06:52:44 am

Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also

Reply
เว็บแทงบอล 2022 link
1/5/2023 01:29:19 am

Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks.

Reply
bluetti solar panels review link
1/7/2023 04:04:28 am

Very nice blog and articles. I am realy very happy to visit your blog. Now I am found which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and waiting for your new post.

Reply
ซื้อหวยออนไลน์ link
1/8/2023 11:19:04 pm

Wow, this is fascinating reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I liked it a lot. Thanks for the great and unique info.

Reply
สล็อตเครดิตฟรี link
1/15/2023 12:58:30 am

Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post.

Reply
สล็อตเว็บตรง link
1/16/2023 03:08:36 am

Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work.

Reply
http://budtrader.com/arcade/members/incomefox18/activity/732926/ link
1/17/2023 11:20:59 pm

You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming.

Reply
ยืนยันเบอร์ รับเครดิตฟรี link
1/18/2023 03:12:19 am

Thank you very much for this great post.

Reply
เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ link
1/19/2023 12:05:21 am

Thanks, that was a really cool read!

Reply
BETFLIK ทางเข้า link
1/19/2023 04:10:55 am

Thanks for the blog post buddy! Keep them coming...

Reply
เว็บแทงบอล link
1/20/2023 07:13:50 am

Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbour were preparing to do some research about that. We got a good book on that matter from our local library and most books where not as influensive as your information

Reply
เบทฟิก link
1/21/2023 12:27:34 am

Excellent post. I was reviewing this blog continuously, and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information especially this page. Thank you and good luck.

Reply
토토벳나비 link
1/21/2023 04:08:26 am

useful information on topics that plenty are interested on for this wonderful post.Admiring the time and effort you put into your b!..

Reply
เว็บสล็อตแท้ link
1/21/2023 05:14:03 am

I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories.

Reply
스포츠중계
1/21/2023 05:44:08 am

useful information on topics that plenty are interested on for this wonderful post.Admiring the time and effort you put into your b!..

Reply
samad rick
1/22/2023 03:49:35 am

I went over this web site and I think you have a lot of great information, saved to fav (:. <a href="https://reloads-supply.com/product/imr-4320/">imr4320</a>

Reply
imr4320 link
1/22/2023 03:50:31 am

Regards for this terrific post, I am glad I discovered this site on yahoo.

Reply
BETFLIK เครดิตฟรี link
1/22/2023 03:56:03 am

Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information!

Reply
สล็อตเว็บใหญ่ link
1/22/2023 11:58:11 pm

Thanks for sharing us.

Reply
เว็บสล็อตแตกง่าย 2023 link
1/23/2023 03:24:06 am

I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories.

Reply
cci no 11 percussion caps link
1/23/2023 09:50:17 pm

I discovered a great deal of interesting stuff in your blog especially it’s dialogue

Reply
Duniacash link
1/24/2023 01:39:34 am

This article is simply phenomenal! It's got all the great components of an incredible article and I am truly simply content to peruse this. A commendable article to peruse! Not an exercise in futility whatsoever

Reply
꽁머니 지급 link
1/24/2023 05:35:09 am

Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job!

Reply
เว็บบอลออนไลน์ link
1/26/2023 02:45:27 am

Thanks for an interesting blog. What else may I get that sort of info written in such a perfect approach? I have an undertaking that I am just now operating on, and I have been on the lookout for such info.

Reply
먹튀검증 link
1/28/2023 01:11:07 am

Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information!

Reply
Monthly SEO Packages link
1/29/2023 02:53:55 am

Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive!

Reply
Buy pbn backlinks link
1/30/2023 03:53:56 am

Your work is truly appreciated round the clock and the globe. It is incredibly a comprehensive and helpful blog.

Reply
furniture stores link
2/7/2023 02:37:35 am

Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information!

Reply
Buy Guest Posts link
2/9/2023 03:20:11 am

A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a one.I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.

Reply
cassinos astropay link
2/18/2023 03:27:46 am

It is the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. It has proved utmost beneficial for me.

Reply
sports handicapper picks link
2/18/2023 04:28:33 am

I found this is an informative and interesting post so i think so it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.

Reply
BETFLIX link
2/19/2023 02:38:49 am

I love the way you write and share your niche! Very interesting and different! Keep it coming!

Reply
Satta king 786 link
2/20/2023 12:43:01 pm

The <a href="https://satta-king-786.org/"rel="nofollow">Satta 786</a> could be a game of likelihood wherever you'll earn your cash on some random numbers and if your chosen numbers are unit elite because of the winning numbers, you'll win a prize. many of us play to win big bucks with no labor. they require to win a large quantity long. The history of those games is older than the history of India's independence.

Reply
สล็อตแตกง่าย link
2/20/2023 11:00:40 pm

Wow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon.

Reply
แจกเครดิตฟรี link
2/22/2023 12:09:33 am

Thanks for picking out the time to discuss this, I feel great about it and love studying more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. Thanks for such a valuable help again.

Reply
made to order sofa link
2/23/2023 03:23:13 am

Wow, this is really interesting reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I like it.

Reply
BETFLIX link
2/25/2023 12:46:42 am

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.

Reply
เครดิตฟรีล่าสุด link
2/26/2023 12:08:51 am

Wow, this is really interesting reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I like it.

Reply
watch movies link
2/27/2023 02:34:51 am

nice bLog! its interesting. thank you for sharing....

Reply
เว็บสล็อตแท้ link
2/27/2023 10:50:11 pm

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

Reply
BETFLIX เว็บตรง link
2/28/2023 11:48:38 pm

Im no expert, but I believe you just made an excellent point. You certainly fully understand what youre speaking about, and I can truly get behind that.

Reply
Dofollow link
2/28/2023 11:54:32 pm

I found the practical tips and best practices shared in this post to be incredibly useful and relevant to my work.

Reply
Liba Weight Loss Reviews link
3/1/2023 02:57:29 am

Here's how to get that saying of your very own. Let's activate your Liba Weight Loss
click here - https://www.exposedmagazine.co.uk/featured-articles/Liba-reviews-weight-loss-pills-Liba-uk-capsule-ingredients-and-advantages-you-must-read-this/
more blog
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/Liba-reviews-Liba-weight-loss-scam-or-legit-what-uk-customers-have-to-say-dragons-den-diet-pill--news-262746

Reply
สล็อตแตกง่าย link
3/2/2023 12:42:13 am

Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

Reply
สล็อต เว็บใหญ่ link
3/4/2023 01:31:42 am

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.

Reply
Up game king link
3/4/2023 09:08:12 pm

<a href="https://blacksatta-king.in/"rel="nofollow">Up game king</a> is a probability game where you can bet your banker on random numbers and if the numbers you draw are said to be a winning number you can also win money. It is a very popular illegal game in India. Many people play it to attract a large number of capitalists without hard work. You want to make a huge sum overnight.

Reply
เว็บสล็อต อันดับ 1 link
3/5/2023 03:19:25 am

nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this!

Reply
latest news link
3/5/2023 11:59:29 pm

Thanks for such a great post and the review, I am totally impressed! Keep stuff like this coming.

Reply
แจกเครดิตฟรี 100 link
3/7/2023 12:50:47 am

Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up.

Reply
แทงบอลออนไลน์ link
3/11/2023 12:51:38 am

You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant!

Reply
คาสิโนออนไลน์ เว็บตรง link
3/13/2023 04:31:45 am

I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.

Reply
บาคาร่า เว็บตรง link
3/16/2023 01:26:24 am

It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here!

Reply
สมัคร BETFLIX link
3/18/2023 02:18:47 am

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.

Reply
BETFLIK ทางเข้า link
3/19/2023 04:28:20 am

I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this..

Reply
kiss918 link
3/21/2023 01:42:14 am

thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it..

Reply
wikipedia thrive link
3/21/2023 10:13:45 am

Wikipedia has managed to thrive as a reliable source of information over the years, thanks to its commitment to collaboration and accuracy. Its community-driven approach to content creation and verification has set a high standard for online knowledge sharing platforms.

Reply
best dissertation writing services link
3/21/2023 01:16:43 pm

The best dissertation writing services can be a game-changer for students who are struggling with their dissertations. These services offer expert guidance, support, and customized solutions to help students achieve academic success. With the help of these services, students can take the first step towards a successful academic journey.

Reply
pussy888 link
3/22/2023 12:51:02 am

I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting.

Reply
mega888 apk link
3/22/2023 02:27:10 am

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

Reply
mega888 original link
3/22/2023 04:02:32 am

I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it..

Reply
mega888 link
3/22/2023 05:52:03 am

Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style.

Reply
slotsite link
3/22/2023 08:52:27 pm

I was looking for another article by chance and found your article <a href="http://clients1.google.com.uy/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ftojino.io/">slotsite</a> I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.

Reply
카지노사이트 신규회원 무료 쿠폰 link
3/25/2023 03:43:17 am

I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting.

Reply
Buy pbn backlinks link
3/25/2023 05:14:45 am

Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our  awesome bloggers!!

    Here's our lineup:
    1st Mondays begin with awesome multi-published former student Shirin Shamsi who will be focusing on Muslim and cultural kidlit.

    2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books.
     

    3rd Mondays will feature
    Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer, man of mystery, and professional magician among other things.

    4th Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info.

    And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break

    Enter your email address to follow this blog:

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

Picture
Discover
Why Us?
Courses
Blogfish
Book Shoppe
About Us
Meet the Academy Faculty
Community
Contact Us

Privacy Policy
Join Us
Social Media
Join our Community and receive a fabulous free gift, yummy newsletters, scholarship info, contests, and more!

Like us on Facebook 
Join our interactive FB Group  
Find us on Twitter 
Follow us on ​Instagram  
Look for us on Pinterest
​
Watch us on YouTube
© 2012-2021  All content on this website is copyrighted. Sorry, all courses are non-refundable.
  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Mastering Great Graphic Novels >
      • 2023 Mastering Graphic Novels Registration
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
    • Books by Students
    • Our Bookshop
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship