Artistic Adventures with Victoria

Why write children’s books?

Why write children’s books? What makes a good children’s book? These questions came to mind as I started this project of creating stories for children. For me, the answer lies in the powerful impact stories can have on young minds. Writing children’s books provides a wonderful opportunity to craft tales that ignite wonder, spark curiosity, and teach valuable life lessons. A truly good children’s book can transport children to captivating worlds, where relatable characters and engaging stories foster their love for reading.

Story or Illustrations

When it comes to writing children’s books, I often find myself pondering how to start. Children’s book structure plays a crucial role in capturing children’s attention and imagination. Picture books follow a unique format that combines concise storytelling with captivating illustrations. I sometimes encounter the challenge of making suitable illustrations that align with my vision, making it a limiting factor in the creative process. At times, I find myself compelled to adjust the storyline as the illustrations do not align seamlessly with the story. I work on both – story and images – simultaneously.

My process begins with the decision of whether to write a fantasy or non-fantasy book. In the case of the book series ‘The Adventures of Alexia and Phoebe,’ I opted for a blend of both. The protagonist, Alexia, comes from our world, while her companion, Phoebe, originates from a magical realm. Initially, I chose Pegasus as the character for this magical realm. As a brief side note – I understand that you may know Phoebe as a unicorn, but in the early stages, she wasn’t one. Later, I’ll dive deeper into the character development. But for now, let me share the challenge I faced with the Pegasus character. Below you can find a few pictures of the issue. I hope you find them amusing.

After selecting the setting and developing the characters, I begin drafting the plot. While the plot may undergo changes during the process, it serves as a solid starting point for me. The first book in the series revolves around a grand adventure in the real world – the journey of making friends. This storyline also provides an opportunity to introduce the characters and offer readers insights about them. The plot of the first book is straightforward: Alexia’s family has recently moved to a new city, and she finds herself feeling a bit lonely. With a passion for outdoor exploration, she longs for a companion to share these experiences with. In the book, she encounters Phoebe, and a beautiful friendship is forged. It’s a simple yet heartfelt tale.

Summary

I hope I have explained my general process for writing a children’s book. To sum it up, I strive to create engaging characters and build a captivating plot that sparks curiosity. I draw inspiration from everyday life and try to stay connected with my inner child. I hope these practices allow me to continue writing for younger readers. Writing for children is a privilege, and it brings me immense joy to share stories that entertain, inspire, and instill a love for reading.