We asked picture book author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, faculty of Picture Book Plotting from A to Z: A 5-Week Online Course for Writers to answer a few questions about writing picture books. Thanks, Sudipta!
What are some things you wish you could tell your younger picture book writer self when you were first starting out?
- Visualize every line of your book. If YOU can’t clearly see how it would be illustrated (as the one who had the idea) it will be difficult for anyone else to do that.
- Be ruthless when revising. Your favorite lines might be full of flourish but not necessary for the narrative.
- Your current favorite idea is not your last idea. It’s probably not even the best idea you’ll ever have (even if it feels that way in the moment!)
A strong picture book often begins with…
- A charismatic, flawed character. Readers will connect with the flaws.
- A concept that can be clearly communicated in a 25 word pitch. That’s how you know you’ve got it clear in your own head.
- A clear marketing hook. Remember, writing is an art but publishing is a business.
What is one small change that can make your picture book much stronger?
- Draft with an eye on page turns. That’s how you make sure there is enough story and visual variety to fit the picture book format.
- Add a ticking clock. Knowing that time could run out creates a lot more narrative tension.
- You can always cut 25 more words. Well, almost always. In a traditional narrative picture book manuscript, you can always cut 25 more words.
