Since I have started my children & teens writing course with the Institute of Children's Literature, I have begun to take my writing seriously.
I've ordered a book through the bookstore, called, "The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books." So far, I have read a few chapters of it, and I believe it will be a great book that will help me to learn. I am open and ready for it all. Everything that can be taught, I want to learn.
I requested a sample of the Highlights magazine for kids, so that I would know what they are all about, and what they publish. Get ideas on what they would like, and what they wouldn't like. I got the magazine this past week, and skimmed through it. I intend on reading and taking notes on it later.
Right now, at the Institute, I have completed my first assignment and waiting for my instructor to send it back, with edits. I am sure that there will be red marks all over it. In fact, I may have to write the story again. After I wrote the story, printed it, before putting it in the envelope I read it again, and I seen several areas that I messed up on. 1.) the MC didn't solve her problem on her own. Her mother brought the solution. That is one mistake. 2.) The solution doesn't really make sense, because I forgot to add a part in there. It has an ending, it just doesn't explain how the solution came. When I was finished reading it, I was confused. Wondering what happened. I am sure that a child would be confused if I was.
So, yes. I am prepared to write another story, if I have too.
What I am wondering though, is this:
Where do writers get their inspiration for their stories?
Where do they get their ideas?
Is it just a passing thought, that just pops in their head?
Or is it more than that?
