Let’s make today’s community stronger by learning about one another. 👇 In the comments, tell us ONE of these: 1. Your writing stage (idea / first draft / editing / stuck) 2. Your biggest win so far 3. One thing slowing you down right now Example: “I’m drafting chapter 2 and feeling excited but stuck on character voices.” No need to be perfect. Just share what’s real for you today.

I met with an illustrator yesterday! We are moving forward with the development of the main character to see if we can capture my vision and the mood of the book. It is actually happening!

They think the story comes first. It doesn’t. Clarity comes first. Here’s the truth I’ve learned after writing 65+ children’s books and selling over a million copies: Great children’s books are built on one clear promise, not a clever plot. Before you write a single word, answer this in one sentence: “When a child finishes this book, they should feel __________.” Examples Braver More loved Less afraid of bedtime Proud of who they are Excited to learn If you can’t finish that sentence, the book will stall. Every time. Today’s 5 minute exercise Comment with your sentence. Do not overthink it. One feeling. One outcome. I’ll reply and help you sharpen it into a book worthy idea.

Most people don’t fail at writing a children’s book because they lack talent. They fail because they wait for confidence before they start. Confidence does not come first. Clarity does. When you know who your reader is, what problem your story solves, and why it matters to that child, the writing gets easier. Not perfect. Easier. Here is a quick exercise I want you to try today. No overthinking. 1. Who is your book for? Be specific about age and emotional need. 2. What feeling do you want that child to have when the book ends? 3. What is one moment from your own life that connects to that feeling? That is your story seed. You do not need a full plot today. You do not need rhymes today. You do not need illustrations today. You just need the seed. Drop your answers in the comments if you want feedback. This is how real books actually begin.

Today I want to normalize something I see all the time. Most children’s book ideas do not fail because they are bad ideas. They stall because the author gets overwhelmed by timing, perfection, or the feeling that they are behind. If you are here and you have: • a half written manuscript • a finished draft you are afraid to show • multiple ideas but no clear next step • a book that missed a holiday window • a story you keep revising instead of finishing You are not doing it wrong. You are just in the middle. So here is today’s simple question. No pressure. No overthinking. 👉 What is the current state of your book right now? One sentence is enough. Messy is allowed. Unfinished is allowed. Honesty is encouraged. I will read every reply.