Character, Emotion and Action
Kelly Delaney Editor at Random House Knopf and Dr. Mira Reisberg Acquiring Editor and Art Director at Clear Fork/Spork walk you through Character, Emotion and Action--the three integral aspects of children's books that create interest and hook the reader.
ONE: Character
This is where it all begins. whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction - your main character(s) or subject is key. You need to start with this first critical element and then let it guide you through your writing.
This is where it all begins. whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction - your main character(s) or subject is key. You need to start with this first critical element and then let it guide you through your writing.
TWO: Emotion
If the reader doesn't feel for your character(s), or care for them or your subject, you have a dead story.
No one will want to read on. No one will empathize. No one will care. No one will be curious enough to want to find out more or even more importantly, desperately want to turn the page to find out... WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
It is important that you pay attention to your character's feelings and fears as well as how you want your readers to feel about your subject or characters. Be prepared to evoke some emotions and make us care!
If the reader doesn't feel for your character(s), or care for them or your subject, you have a dead story.
No one will want to read on. No one will empathize. No one will care. No one will be curious enough to want to find out more or even more importantly, desperately want to turn the page to find out... WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
It is important that you pay attention to your character's feelings and fears as well as how you want your readers to feel about your subject or characters. Be prepared to evoke some emotions and make us care!
THREE: Action
The famous educational theorist Paulo Freire once said something to the effect of words without action is just blah. Now he was referring to activism to help poor people and children around the world. But the same can be true of storytelling.
If you just have talking heads, and not much happening, your story will be as flat as a flounder. This is where plot or action comes into play. You want to engage your reader by making things happen. Things that connect to your characters or topics. Things that get your reader's hearts beating or mind's racing with excitement, fear, empathy, humor, or just plain curiosity or delight.
So we'd like to encourage you to go through your manuscript and see where you can use the Writer's Trifecta to heighten the strength and appeal of your characters, add more emotion and make the reader feel for or against your characters, and add more action to keep us on the edge of our seats.
The famous educational theorist Paulo Freire once said something to the effect of words without action is just blah. Now he was referring to activism to help poor people and children around the world. But the same can be true of storytelling.
If you just have talking heads, and not much happening, your story will be as flat as a flounder. This is where plot or action comes into play. You want to engage your reader by making things happen. Things that connect to your characters or topics. Things that get your reader's hearts beating or mind's racing with excitement, fear, empathy, humor, or just plain curiosity or delight.
So we'd like to encourage you to go through your manuscript and see where you can use the Writer's Trifecta to heighten the strength and appeal of your characters, add more emotion and make the reader feel for or against your characters, and add more action to keep us on the edge of our seats.
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: When does the class start?
A: Whenever you want: it's an instant access course!
Q: When does registration end?
A: Registration for our instant access courses is ongoing.
Q: What will I need?
A: Computer and Internet access, a great attitude and open mind, and a willingness to play with language and ideas.
Q: Are there any specific time requirements?
A: Nope
Q: What do I do if I have further questions?
A: You can call Mira directly CALIFORNIA time at 503.256.0152 or email mira@childrensbookacademy.com with "Children's Picture Book Course Question" in the subject head
Q: How long does the course stay open after it ends?
A: Students have an additional 6 months or more access to the course after it ends.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: Sorry, there are no refunds. Because we give bonus passwords at the time of purchase, it is impossible to offer refunds. We appreciate your understanding. However, we do offer a 100% learning money back guarantee, that if you read the lessons, participate during the course, and do the work, and at the end of a year, don't feel that you learned a lot, we will refund your money in full.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: When does the class start?
A: Whenever you want: it's an instant access course!
Q: When does registration end?
A: Registration for our instant access courses is ongoing.
Q: What will I need?
A: Computer and Internet access, a great attitude and open mind, and a willingness to play with language and ideas.
Q: Are there any specific time requirements?
A: Nope
Q: What do I do if I have further questions?
A: You can call Mira directly CALIFORNIA time at 503.256.0152 or email mira@childrensbookacademy.com with "Children's Picture Book Course Question" in the subject head
Q: How long does the course stay open after it ends?
A: Students have an additional 6 months or more access to the course after it ends.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: Sorry, there are no refunds. Because we give bonus passwords at the time of purchase, it is impossible to offer refunds. We appreciate your understanding. However, we do offer a 100% learning money back guarantee, that if you read the lessons, participate during the course, and do the work, and at the end of a year, don't feel that you learned a lot, we will refund your money in full.
Within this workinar you'll learn all you need to know to create truly compelling KidLit!
