Journey to Kidlit/From Idea to Finished First Draft

  • $197

From Idea to Finished First Draft

  • Course
  • 22 Lessons

You have the idea. All you need's the finished draft. Use this course to help you go from idea to finished first draft with confidence.

Contents

Welcome! Let's get you from idea to finished first draft

I'm so glad you're here! This course will walk you through the very first writing steps, so you can start typing your first draft with confidence and clarity. Let’s get those ideas out of your head and onto the page!

Quick Note Before You Start
Breakdown of POV (Point of View) & How to Choose the Right One for Your Book
3 Types of Story Tense & Choosing the Right One for Your Book
Setting Up Your Story Manuscript as a Typed Document

Plotting Your Story

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.

The 3 Plot Outlines to Choose From
The Plot Points All Stories Must Include
Factors to Consider, Subplots, and Different Plot Ideas to Try
Plot out Your "Story Beats" Using the Hero's Journey (Universal Plot)
Picture Book Plot Examples + How to Use the Rule of 3

Making Your Writing Shine

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.”

Finding Your Storytelling Voice
How to Use "Active" Storytelling instead of Passive
Controlling Your Story's Pace
Adding Rhythm & Fun Writing to Your Book (without Rhyme)
3 Places to Add Your Character's Personality to Your Story
Writing Characters: Creating Backstory and Knowing When to Cut or Combine
2 Writing Exercises to Help Make You a Better Writer

Advanced Writing Techniques

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.

Writing Techniques to Ground the Reader and Get Them Flipping Pages
Writing Good Dialogue
How (and When) to Use Back Matter in Your Picture Book
BONUS: Writing for the Nonfiction Market with Ciara O'Neal

Start Writing Your First Draft!

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.

Great Job! Here's What to do Next
How Did It Go? (Share Your Progress)