New and emerging writers often make the same mistakes over and over. It's because they don't fully understand the principles of real storytelling.
We weren't taught much in high school that would make us great storytellers, but one thing was (almost) right.
The story outline. *Gasp!*
The outline I mean looks like this; Introduction --> Rising Action --> Climactic Event --> Falling Action --> Resolution
This outline is actually based on ancient storytelling principles and human psychology. It's step by step and it's duplicable.
Here are the 7 Biggest and Deadliest mistakes writers make:
Deadly Sin #1 Pictures Do NOT Tell the Story
Deadly Sin #2 Show Don't Tell
Deadly Sin #3 Marry Logic With Creativity
Deadly Sin #4 Action, Action and More Action....
Deadly Sin #5 Don't Make Assumptions
Deadly Sin #6 Create a Real Story Around the Lesson
Deadly Sin #7 A Few Words on Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
The Extra Sin: An All Encompassing Example
BONUS: The 8 Most Popular Kids Book Themes
By simply avoiding these 7 common (and deadly) mistakes, you'll instantly write a better children's story.
You'll even see examples from manuscript critiques the author has given her clients.
So get ready for clarity in your writing process. It takes work, but this process will get you there faster by helping you to avoid the most common mistakes new children's book authors make.
I wish you many imaginative tales. Red Robbin
