You made it! You’ve got everything you need to dive into writing your story—the part you’ve been waiting for. This module will walk you through those very first steps, so you can start typing with confidence and clarity. Let’s get those ideas out of your head and onto the page!

Plot. For most writers, it’s the word that makes the cursor blink a little louder. But plotting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this module, we’ll break down what plot actually is, how it works in children’s books, and the simple frameworks you can use to outline a story that actually works—from picture books to novels. Click continue to begin the first lessons!

Writing a draft is step one. Writing a story that works—one that kids want to read again and again—takes intention and craft. In this module, we’ll talk about how to bring out the best in your writing: from voice and action, to character and theme. Grab your workbook and let’s take your story from “done” to “standout.”

Ready to level up? In these bonus lessons, we’ll tackle specific skills (like writing dialogue and choosing a great title), explore the latest tools (hello, AI!), and pull back the curtain on what it takes to publish nonfiction for kids. Consider this your “grad school” for children’s books. Click continue to dive into the first lessons.

You’ve worked through the essentials—plot, character, and craft. Now it’s time to do the thing that makes you a writer: draft your story.

If you haven't already, it's time to move from “planning” to “doing.” Use our Plot Analyzer to check your outline, then start building your manuscript, one sentence at a time. No pressure for perfection—just focus on getting words on a page so we can begin editing them in the next course section (3 Kidlit Writing 101: Editing Your Story). Click continue to get your next steps.