Children’s Author Margot Finke Talks about Writing for Children

SL: Do you have any kind of process you use regularly to come up with ideas for stories and books?

MF: Seems that for me, going to bed is the ideal way of thinking up plots and characters. As soon as I turn off the light, and my head hits the pillow, story ideas pop into my head. Unless I sneak into the bathroom and write them all down (pad and pencil there, at the ready), I will never get to sleep!

SL: What is the hardest part (for you) of writing a children’s book?

MF: Writing for me comes easily, especially in rhyme. I received a double-dose of the rhyme and meter gene!! Promotion is the most “time stealing,” and difficult part of writing any book. Yet you need sales if you want kids to read your books. Few publishers today offer much Promo help or guidance. This is where connections in online writing and promo lists are invaluable. Join groups that are helpful in the areas you need to learn more about and pick the brains of their members.

SL: What do you think are your greatest strengths as a writer?

MF: Hmmm . . . I like to paint word pictures in young reader’s heads. This requires using powerful and evocative words, plus tight writing. I keep it simple for picture books. Leave small details to the illustrator. A good pace and focus are mandatory for all my manuscripts + an ending that ties up any loose ends.

SL: When you are going to write a book, how much planning do you do ahead of time? For example, do you make a complete outline of the book? For longer books, do you interview your characters or create character profiles to get to know them better?

MF: I am a Panster! – especially when working on books for young teens. Getting that first page just right is vital. Can’t count the times I rework that first page. The rest comes to me as I go along, with lots of in-bed nighttime help, and bathroom scribbling. But this is just me. There is no right way! Whatever gets your juices flowing and your plot moving? NOTE: Knowing when to “cut” that long description, where to UP the pace, and how to create a powerful voice, is all something that comes with practice, peer review, and time. A great Critique group can be most helpful and supportive.

SL: Voice is very important in children’s books. Do you have any tips for creating strong character voices?

MF: For toddlers and the very young, a few words, redolent with meaning, is all you need. For this group, the illustrations are more important. They help littlies learn the words. One or two characters only – or numbers or letter identifications. Preschool and older love simple tales that end happily. Animal characters or kids they can identify with also work well. A character who leads with good vibes and honesty shows strength. Kids love actions that defeat a bully or bad guy.