What I Wish Everyone Knew About Picture Book Pacing
Secrets to nailing rhythm, breath, and page turns.
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.
The Magic of Motif: How Repeating Elements Give Picture Books Power
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
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)
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
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
Forget perfect protagonists—quirks and flaws win hearts.
Plot Twists: How to Surprise Readers in 500 Words
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…
Cranky Crocodiles & Brave Brussel Sprouts: Why Character Contradictions Work
Readers love characters who surprise them—here’s how to build one.
Steal This Strategy: Use Unexpected Details & Build Unforgettable Characters
When it comes to picture books, characters are the heart and soul of the story. A compelling, unforgettable character can transform a good book into a great one. But what…
How to Brainstorm Picture Book Ideas Like a Stand-Up Comedian
Why comic timing, exaggeration, and the unexpected will work wonders for kidlit
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.
Learn more about me →
Recent Posts
Newsletter
Get writing tips delivered to your inbox weekly.