How I Write Picture Books

©Jeannie St. John Taylor

The basic ingredients:

¨      A great idea, best if it makes you want to laugh or cry

¨      A maximum of three characters

¨      A single point of view

¨      A desperate problem

¨      50 -1,300 words

¨      14 double page spreads

¨      A beginning, middle, and end

My first draft:

1.      I number each double page spread as I write. In every spread I try to:

¨      Visualize a different picture for each spread. (If the setting stays static all the way through, I have a magazine story rather than a picture book.)

¨      Keep the conflict strong. I ask myself, “What does the character want that he can’t have, and why can’t he have it?”

¨      Pose a question for the reader—not a literal question, something to make the reader want to turn the page.

¨      Keep each spread approximately the same length.

2.      In the very first spread I attempt to:

¨      Introduce setting, conflict, and the main character in the first sentence.

¨      Show what the point of view character wants and why he can’t have it.

¨      Introduce the other characters.

3.      I continue writing spread by spread—in order. In each successive spread, I work hard to intensify the problem, gradually building tension as the book progresses.  

4.      After I finish spread seven, I skip to the end and write spread fourteen, the last spread. I resolve the story on this spread to guarantee a satisfactory ending for the book.

5.      Next, I back up to double spread thirteen and write the climax, the part of the story where all seems lost. (I write in this particular order to ensure I don’t drag out the ending. I keep it brief for maximum punch.)

6.      I return to the middle and start filling in the gap between spreads seven and thirteen. At this point, I know if I need to add or delete material. If the book will be too short, I add an incident not planned earlier, or I go back and separate one of the middle spreads into two. I adjust things to make sure I can still see a different picture in each spread. I continue intensifying the conflict.

7.      I decide whether or not I want an optional single page spread fifteen. If fourteen completes the book satisfactorily, I leave spread fifteen blank. The artist will include a spot illustration on fifteen.

8.      The rewrite begins:

¨      I go over the entire manuscript, smoothing and adjusting it.

¨      I ask people to read and give me feedback.

¨      I tighten the writing and cut out adjectives and adverbs.

¨      This process may take you weeks. It often takes me months.