How I Create My Children's Books - A Peek Behind the Scenes

Hi there, book lovers.

Writing children's books is a magical journey, filled with imagination, creativity, and lots of love. Since I began my adventure as a children's book author, I've cherished every moment of bringing my stories to life. Today, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how I create my books, from the initial spark of an idea to the finished product.

1. Finding the Perfect Story Idea

Every book starts with an idea. Inspiration can strike from everyday moments like watching TV, browsing the internet, or reflecting on childhood memories. Other times, I imagine magical places where animals converse, gardens hide secrets, or small acts of kindness lead to significant changes.

For instance, Geoffrey the Giraffe Who Wanted to Be Small was inspired by the notion that everyone, regardless of size or shape, has something unique to contribute.

2. Writing the Story

Once I have a solid idea, I dive into writing. Since my books are aimed at young readers, I concentrate on:

 

·         Keeping the language simple and engaging.

·         Creating a fun story that also gives a gentle lesson.

·         Incorporating rhythm and repetition where it fits, making it easier for kids to follow along.

·         I also divide my stories into short, easy-to-read sections to keep little readers interested.

3. Illustrating the Story

This is where my passion for design shines. I use Canva and sometimes AI-generated illustrations to create vibrant, eye-catching visuals for my books. I play around with colors, characters, and backgrounds to ensure every page is visually appealing and enhances the story.

Illustrating is one of my favorite parts because it brings the story to life. Watching a character evolve from a mere idea I have in mind to a fully illustrated page is incredibly rewarding.

4. Formatting and Publishing

Once the writing and illustrations are finished, I format my book into a polished layout. I save my work as PDFs and PNGs in Canva before getting them ready for publishing on Amazon and Etsy.

I take care of every aspect of my book's creation, from writing and illustrating to marketing. It’s a lot of work, but seeing children enjoy my stories makes it all worthwhile.

5. Sharing My Books with the World

Once my book is complete, I turn my attention to getting it into the hands of readers. I promote my work through:

·         My blog and social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook.

·         Book review sites to gather feedback.

·         Etsy and Amazon for direct sales.

Spreading the word about my books is an ongoing journey, and it is wonderful to connect with readers who share my passion for stories!

Looking Ahead

At the moment, I’m working on an exciting new book that features 10 different stories for kids ages 3 to 12 years old:

A Sprinkle of Magic, A Dash of Adventure: 10 Stories for Curious Minds
“From fairies to furry friends, stories that spark joy and imagination”.

Each story is full of adventure and wonder. This collection includes a little bit of everything, from a fairy who loves to help others to tales about a frog, a Jack Russell, gnomes, dwarves, and many more captivating characters. I can’t wait to share more details soon!

If you’re a fan of children's books or know a young reader who would enjoy a magical adventure, be sure to check out my latest titles on Amazon and Etsy.

Do you have any questions about my books? Feel free to visit my Contact page. I’d love to hear from you.