BellaOnline Forums Career Writing for Children How do I get started writing children's books?

I want to get started writing children's books, but I don't know where to start. Do I need a degree in English, writing, journalism, etc...?

I want to cater my books from infant to 10 years; simple books with lots of pictures. I would like to do all my own illustrations. I'm a fantastic artist. This would be more of a side career for me. I am a 23 year old child psychology major, elementary special education minor. How should I go about this? I don't know where to start!

You do not need a degree to write books but it might be helpful to take some college writing courses. Other than that, decide what age group you want to write for first.

Then do an outline. Start with characters. Do you want animals, people, monsters, etc.. to be your characters? A mixture of both? Write down a plot or a storyline that you think would appeal to children and go from there. You can add or change things as you go. Also start reading some childrens' books to get an idea how they are written. Some exampes could include:

The Giving Tree

Good Night Moon

Flat Stanley

Mike Mulligan and His Steamshovel (a fave of mine when I was a kid.)

Paddington

The Berenstain Bears

Visit your local library and read some books written for the ages you ant to write for.

I hope this will answer some questions you have and there are others who will offer advice too. Good luck.

Some wonderful books have come from illustrators Here's an article with a few tips. How To Start Writing Children's Books

Also, if you have the chance to student teach for your minor, you can get some valuable first hand inspiration for subject matter.