THE EVERYTHING_® GUIDE TO WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS 2ND EDITION

Dear Reader,

My parents were storytellers. My father described in detail the pig that tried to gobble him down (nonfiction), and the adventures of a brother and sister, Jack and Tack (fiction). My mother inspired with a picture book about a little train engine, and later with books about the mysteries of deer and dogs and horses. I told my own children stories of a bullfrog who rescued a baby, and of an alabunny (half gator and half bunny) who saved the frozen swamp.

In my career as a professional writer, enthusiasm for children's stories has seemed to guide my pen. I have written books about children living in the woods, living in haunted houses, and even living on the moon!

Our daughter Eva entertained the family with stories of fairies; later she became my editor, and eventually my writing partner.

In this book we share what we have learned: how to capture your best ideas, develop them, and present them to the publishing world. Writing for children begins with stories in your heart. We help you bring those stories to life and share them with others.

Sincerely,