You are a writer.

 

I used to think that I needed a published book in order to be considered a writer or author. I have learned through my author journey that the moment you are taking ideas from your brain and transferring them to paper or the computer, you are a writer.

 

This applies to anyone reading or listening to this article, but for today, I’d like an adult to share this with a child in their life.

 

We all have stories to tell. Grab a pencil and a notebook and let’s get to work!

 

If you already have an idea for a story, begin by making a list or a story web to get started. If you do not have an idea, take a moment to go on a walk with an adult or sit quietly in your neighborhood. What do you notice? Sometimes what you see, smell or hear can trigger an idea for a story.

 

After you warm your brain up by making a list or a web, flip to the next page and make three boxes. Fill the boxes with words or pictures of what will happen at the beginning of your story, in the middle, and at the end.

 

Next, turn to a new page and think of a really great hook or attention grabber. Sometimes writers start by asking their readers a question or using a sound word such as Boom! Bang! Pow! to make the reader wonder what made that sound.

 

After you grab the reader’s attention, give them more information. Instead of saying, “the dog,” describe the dog. What does it look like? What does it feel like? Adjectives, or describing words, help paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

 

As you move towards the middle of your story, typically, your main character runs into a problem. Tell us about the problem and why it is a problem for your character. Don’t forget to use adjectives.

 

Here comes the tricky part, solving the problem. What do your characters do to solve the problem and what happened now that the problem is solved? After the problem is solved, a good writer wraps up the story with one final sentence. Have you ever watched a show that ended with the words, “To Be Continued…”? We do not want to leave our readers wondering. Remember how you started your story with a hook? Now we need to wrap it up with a bow.

 

Congratulations! You have your first draft of your story! The hardest part is getting the first set of words written down. Now you have the opportunity to reread it and add details or take away information as you edit and revise. You can also share it with other readers and writers to see if they have any questions about your story or suggestions of information to add to make your story even better.

 

The final step is deciding if your story needs illustrations or if you would like the reader to imagine the story in their mind. Both options are completely fine!

The way you become a better writer is through practice. The best part of writing is that it does not have to be perfect! Even authors with published books have to practice writing and edit their stories. Another way to become a better writer is by reading as many books as you can. Visit your local library with an adult and curl up together as you enjoy stories about dragons, sports, friendships, traveling, music and everything in between. I encourage you to enjoy writing about your life and the world around you as often as you can.

Happy writing!

 

 

Christina Dankert is a children’s book author, elementary educator and literacy enthusiast. As an educator, she believes books are a beautiful way to continue to learn and grow. She believes all children should be able to find themselves in picture books. It is through children’s literature and reading to the children in our lives, that will change the world. Find Christina, and her book, The Kindness Machine at www.christinadankert.com/