Writing Tips & Insights

Brain Burps Blog

Thoughts on picture book writing, publishing advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiration for writers and readers of all ages.

How to Write a Picture Book That Resonates with Preschoolers

Katie Davis August 27, 2025

Proven strategies for emotional engagement in early childhood stories Writing for preschoolers isn’t about flashy words or complex narratives—it’s about heart, rhythm, and connection. From the moment a child hears…

What Makes a Picture Book Concept Fresh in a Crowd of Lookalikes?

Katie Davis August 20, 2025

Learn how to twist, flip, and reinvent classic themes into irresistible new ideas.

The Secret Power of Secondary Characters in Picture Books

Katie Davis August 13, 2025

When crafting a picture book, much attention is given to the protagonist—their journey, challenges, and growth. However, secondary characters—those sidekicks, grumpy neighbors, or quirky animals—often hold the key to enriching…

What I Wish Everyone Knew About Picture Book Pacing

Katie Davis August 6, 2025

Secrets to nailing rhythm, breath, and page turns.

The Magic of Motif: How Repeating Elements Give Picture Books Power

Katie Davis August 2, 2025

Discover how echoing words, ideas, or images adds heart and cohesion. There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when a picture book loops back on itself—when a word, image,…

Writing Funny Picture Books Without Trying Too Hard

Katie Davis July 30, 2025

Humor mistakes to avoid—and what really makes kids laugh Let’s face it: writing funny picture books is a tightrope act. Lean too far into the joke, and you risk sounding…

How to End a Picture Book So Readers Sigh, Laugh, or Cheer (Not Shrug)

Katie Davis July 23, 2025

Crafting the perfect ending for a picture book is akin to delivering the punchline of a joke—it needs precision, timing, and emotional resonance. A well-executed conclusion leaves young readers with…

Meh to Marvelous: 5 Easy Fixes for Flat Picture Book Manuscripts

Katie Davis July 18, 2025

Every picture book writer aspires to create stories that captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression. However, there are times when a manuscript feels lackluster or uninspired. In other…

The Unexpected Hero: How to Create Main Characters Kids Want to Cheer For

Katie Davis July 16, 2025

Forget perfect protagonists—quirks and flaws win hearts.

Plot Twists: How to Surprise Readers in 500 Words

Katie Davis July 14, 2025

In the realm of picture books, where brevity is key (target word count: 500), crafting a compelling narrative within a limited word count is such a challenge! Yet, incorporating a…

About the Blog

Welcome! I'm Katie Davis, a children's book author with a passion for helping writers bring their stories to life. Here you'll find tips, tricks, and tales from my twenty years in publishing.

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