She has spent much time over the years reading manuscripts for various publishing houses and shared some valuable insights into what not to include in your story! Although there are other writing tips on her website, I didn’t find this info, so I hope she won’t mind me briefly sharing with you her advice, which is predominantly focused on what to do before you submit your manuscript.

Think about your story

She talked about it being child-centred and age appropriate for your audience, with an affirming story that your reader can relate to and finishing with a satisfying ending that doesn’t leave young readers confused.

Editing your story

She spoke of the importance of your reader’s ability and to keep them feeling confident as a reader, don’t over complicate. Visualising how your story will flow on each page and what parts can be illustrated is useful be sure to include dialogue, kids look for the talking parts.

Most importantly, have fun with your story, write what you enjoy and don’t forget to entertain!

The event was attended by a some of New Zealand’s movers and shakers in the Children’s Writing scene. Although, I’m new to this networking thing so I’m not yet sure who’s who and to be quite honest, I’m not so great at working a room! But I did take lots of notes and retained plenty of info to share with all of you

It was also mentioned that Wellington is emerging as a centre for Children’s Publishing in New Zealand, with Scholastic expanding their branch, Penguin having moved in on the scene, Gecko Press going strong and a few newcomers to the market as well. It looks promising for the Children’s market here, with around 40% of New Zealand published books being in the the Children’s & Educational area.

More writing related help and information will be added to my writing page over the coming month.

The Catnapping Cat

Judy Allen

Illustrated by Philip Giordano

Published by Hodder Children’s Books

This Catnapping Cat follows his witch as she searches high and low for the perfect place to sleep, all the time he is dreaming of a great spot to snooze, but will he get to it before the night is through?

An absolute pleasure to read! The words roll of the tongue and build a beautiful story, enhanced by large, colourful illustrations which give a great ambience to this well crafted text.

“I’ve cast thousands of spells” said the witch to her cat

“I’ve flown twice round the world and my battery’s flat.

It’s been a long day. I need a good rest.

I wonder what kind of place would be best”

A fantastic read-aloud book – Highly Recommended!

Paeony Lewis

Illustrated by Brita Granstrom

Published by The Chicken House 2008

This is a great story about bedtime told by Florence and her monkey, Arnold, as they do their best to get to sleep. It also includes some useful tips on bedtime routines to make getting to sleep a little easier.

Highly Recommended!

I shall let you know soon what I thought to them but for now, I am just happy to be reading some lovely books in my snug little spot…

Peace at Last

Jill Murphy

Published by Macmillan Children’s Books

Daddy bear is having trouble sleeping and tries to find another place to sleep but there are many noises that keep him awake in the night. This story has a great flow to it and is very easy for children to join in with and anticipate what might happen next.

It is a wonderful tale that many families can relate to and is an enjoyable and fun bedtime read.

“Snore Snore, Snore Snore!” went Mummy Bear

‘”Oh no, I can’t stand this!” said Daddy Bear and he got up and went to sleep in Baby Bear’s room.

A family favourite – highly recommended!

Dear Zoo

Rod Campbell

Published by Campbell Books

This is a lovely story of a child looking for the perfect pet, and entertains the notion that many children dabble with – what if I had a pet from the zoo? Now published in a 25th anniversary edition this lift-the-flap book has certainly been a family favourite of ours for many years.

Personally I loved this book, and used to enjoy reading it to my sister when she was little, but now she’s all grown up and I’ve just bought this one for my nephew to carry on the tradition!

I am mum and head honcho of rather small family, only three of us. After toying with the idea of writing for children for a few years now, I am in a fortunate position of having a wonderfully supportive family behind me saying, Go For It! So  I am throwing caution to the wind to make my way in the world of Writing for Children and taking the plunge to give it the best go I’ve got. Life’s too short to end up wishing you could have done something different, so now I am!

So join me as I learn the ins and outs of my writer’s life and the publishing world.