The next misconception is one of the worst mistakes that a children’s book writer can make

Too Preachy

Misconception – I have far more experience as an adult and I know more than a child reader so I want to write books that will teach a child good behavior.

Kids hate being preached to, just the same as adults do. They want a book that has great characters, and fabulous, exciting plots. Many of the best children’s books do have a message; these are shown through the characters in the story together with a strong plot. Writing down to a child is a waste of time – these are the most demanding of readers, the most curious, attentive, eager to learn. They are sensitive, observant and quick and they are probably the most congenial of all readers.

Stereotyping

Misconception – All kids are the same; it’s been a while since I really talked to one but they’re all quite straightforward.

The most important characters you will write will be teenagers or younger children. You might also write about cuddly puppies and fluffy kittens, roaring dragons or witches, and ghosts. Kids like reading about characters their age or a little older so, if your target audience is 9 to 12-year-old, the main character will be 12 or 13. For teenagers, your character will be at least 16.

So how do you, as a writer, create a character that is realistic? Not by stereotyping, that’s for sure! You need the skills of an adult book writer, you need to be empathetic, and you need to be curious and understanding about human nature. You might need to go back to your own childhood and remember how you used to observe and understand children. In short, you need to live your characters to understand them.

Let’s say your character is a 13-year-old named Karen, she has straight blond hair and grey eyes and her smile is dazzling. You need to know more than that though. Who are her parents? Her best friends? Enemies? Does she have any sisters or brothers? What is she like at school? Are her grades good? Is she bullied? What does she wear? Watch on TV or read? You get the picture; while you answer these questions and more you will begin to get to know your character and you will see that you cannot write a one-size-fits-all character.

Imagine you are an actor or actress; you are playing a part in a movie, the part of your main character. Put yourself in her shoes and write down everything that you feel or see. If your character is meant to be angry, think of a time when you were angry and write down the emotions you felt. If you can do this with all your characters, you will end up with a book that readers can truly resonate with, that your target audience will understand and will, on some level, be able to identify with.

Don’t do this and you end up writing a book that you try to fit all types of reader – it won't work.