GreatStorybook

Actionable Information and Creative Inspiration for Writers and Illustrators. From Baby Books to YA Novels.

My Storybook Process (Part 2): creating new characters

This entry is part 2 of 10 in the series My Storybook Process

As I hit week two of creating the first Bunny and Witch storybook, there are already things that I’m creating and then throwing out. The part of me that created the stuff that goes in the trash is just going to have to accept that. This week is about the first stage of finding the characters I want in these books. The idea of them doesn’t quite exist yet.

My Storybook Process (Part 1): creating a new thing

This entry is part 1 of 10 in the series My Storybook Process

A daring series I’ve decided to tackle for you: I’ll walk you through my storybook process by creating a new story online – every step.

Dialogue and Other Words: Pacing in an Illustrated Storybook

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Power Up Your Dialogue

In an illustrated storybook, there are two main writing tools that determine the pacing of your story, and one thing that determines when you use them. Here’s how to make the pacing of your storybook shine like the cinema.

Writing Details: get from blah to awe

This entry is part 1 of 7 in the series Devil in the Details

There’s a fine line between giving readers the details they need to more fully experience a story and overloading them with more wordage than they really want. So how do you as the writer figure out what is working and what is garbage? Here’s just ONE really sharp way to go about it.

Writing Awesome Dialogue

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Power Up Your Dialogue

Here are 10 reasons writing dialogue and talking are not at all the same thing. Get tips on what to avoid and what to do when you want to write strong dialogue that moves action forward while revealing character.

Story Adaptation: getting your book to the stage

This entry is part 5 of 9 in the series Theatre

Adapting a storybook manuscript for a stage performance is a great way to test your dialogue, characters and story on an audience before you publish. Here’s how and why I love directing Kids Theatre.

Costuming #3: Performing Magic on a Shoestring Budget

This entry is part 8 of 9 in the series Theatre

Here are four different ways you can dress your characters for a stage production – even if you have a really tight (or non-existent) budget.

An Interview with Sheryl Hershey

This entry is part 6 of 10 in the series GSB Interviews, Interesting People

Sheryl Hershey’s debut children’s book, Lila and the Dandelion, has encouraged hearing children to learn sign language, it has invited teachers to use the book inside their classrooms, and most recently, Nick Baker, a talented musician (who is autistic and blind) is currently writing a song about Sheryl’s book. Find out in this interesting talk with Sheryl what it is she is doing right!

Costuming #2: Literal, Conceptual or Literal-Conceptual?

This entry is part 7 of 9 in the series Theatre

Thinking about how you want to convey a character is key in costuming them properly for the stage. Here are the 3 primary ways to conceptualize a character costume for your next production.

Self Publishing: design for success

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Self Publishing nuts and bolts

If you’re considering self-publishing as a way to get your book on the market, there are some important details you need to know about the design of your book. Pitfalls and perks of self-publishing.