Marie Lee’s Book Top Tips for Writers: Overcoming Writer’s Block in Children’s Book Writing
Writing for children can be one of the most rewarding paths for authors, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the most common issues writers face is writer’s block, that frustrating mental roadblock that makes it hard to turn ideas into words on the page. Children’s book writer Marie Lee knows this feeling all too well. With years of experience in storytelling for young audiences, she’s developed some effective strategies to overcome writer’s block and keep the creative process flowing.
In this post, we’ll walk through Marie Lee’s top tips for conquering writer’s block in children’s book writing. Whether you’re creating a picture book, chapter book, or middle-grade novel, these tips can help you move past any mental blocks and rediscover the joy of storytelling.
1. Reconnect with Your “Why”
Before you start writing, it can be incredibly helpful to remind yourself why you chose to write a children’s book in the first place. Is it because you want to spark kids’ imaginations? Are you excited to pass down life lessons in a fun, engaging way? Marie Lee believes that remembering your core motivation can reignite your passion for writing. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of drafting a story, but keeping your ultimate goal in mind can make each hurdle feel worth the effort.
Tip: Write down your purpose or “why” for writing the story. Keep it somewhere visible as a reminder whenever you feel stuck.
2. Start with a Small, Simple Goal
One of the main causes of writer’s block is setting overly ambitious goals that make the writing process feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on finishing the entire book, Marie recommends breaking down the work into smaller, more manageable goals. This could mean writing a single paragraph, describing one character, or even sketching out a scene idea.
Tip: Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and commit to writing during that short period. Even a small step forward can build momentum, and once you start, you may find yourself inspired to keep going.
3. Get to Know Your Characters
Sometimes writer’s block stems from not fully understanding your characters. In children’s books, characters play a central role in keeping young readers engaged. Marie Lee suggests spending time “getting to know” your main characters as a way to feel more invested in the story. Ask yourself questions about them: What do they like to do? What are their biggest fears or dreams? How do they handle challenges?
Tip: Write a short “diary entry” from your character’s perspective. By thinking like them, you may discover new ideas and directions for your story.
4. Change Your Writing Environment
A change of scenery can work wonders for creativity. Marie Lee Book believes that sometimes a new setting can provide the mental refresh you need to get inspired again. If you’ve been working at your desk, try taking your notebook to a park, a cafe, or even just a different room in your house. New sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your brain and help you think about your story in new ways.
Tip: If you can’t leave your usual space, consider making small changes, like adding plants, changing lighting, or listening to background music. Even these small adjustments can make a big difference in shifting your mindset.
5. Embrace Freewriting and Brainstorming Sessions
If you’re feeling particularly stuck, try letting go of the idea of writing perfectly. Marie Lee suggests doing “freewriting” sessions where you write whatever comes to mind without judgment. This can be especially helpful for children’s book writers because it allows you to play with different ideas, word choices, and story directions without any pressure to make it perfect.
Tip: Set a timer for five minutes and start writing without stopping. Write down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems unrelated. You may be surprised at the creative ideas that emerge from these unfiltered thoughts.
6. Read Other Children’s Books for Inspiration
Inspiration often comes from seeing what other authors have done in your genre. Marie finds that reading other children’s books helps her remember why she loves writing for kids in the first place. Reading books that are similar to your project can also give you new ideas, show you different storytelling techniques, and spark your imagination.
Tip: Pick up a few of your favorite children’s books or new titles by other authors. Take note of what works well and think about how you could adapt those techniques to your own story.
7. Take a Break and Recharge
Writing requires mental energy, and sometimes the best way to overcome writer’s block is to step away from your work and let your mind rest. Marie Lee advises writers to embrace breaks rather than push through frustration. Sometimes, the solution to a writing problem comes when you’re away from your desk, engaging in another activity.
Tip: Go for a walk, cook a meal, do some gardening, or engage in a hobby you enjoy. Allow yourself the time to recharge, and you’ll likely return to your writing with a clearer mind.
8. Use Prompts to Get Started
Writing prompts are a great tool for overcoming writer’s block. Marie often turns to prompts to get her creative juices flowing, even if it means writing a scene or story that’s completely different from her current project. The goal is simply to get words on the page, which can help you work through mental blocks and refocus on your story.
Tip: Here’s a prompt to get you started: Imagine your main character finds a magical object in their backyard. What do they do with it? Write for ten minutes and see where it leads.
9. Accept Imperfection and Move Forward
Sometimes writer’s block happens because we’re so focused on making every word perfect. But perfectionism can be the enemy of progress. Marie Lee advises writers to accept that the first draft is just that—a draft. It doesn’t need to be perfect. You can always come back to edit, refine, and polish later.
Tip: Give yourself permission to write a “messy” first draft. The key is to keep writing, even if you’re not completely satisfied with what’s on the page. You can revise and improve it later.
10. Reconnect with Your Audience
Finally, remember that you’re writing for kids, an audience that thrives on imagination, curiosity, and wonder. Marie suggests taking some time to remember what it’s like to see the world through a child’s eyes. Reconnect with your own inner child or spend time with children to observe how they talk, play, and explore. This can help you capture the right tone, language, and themes for your story.
Tip: If possible, read parts of your story to children or get feedback from parents. Seeing their reactions can be a great reminder of who you’re writing for and can motivate you to keep going.
Final Thoughts
Writer’s block is a common hurdle, but it doesn’t have to stop you from creating the story you want to tell. By following Marie Lee’s tips, you can break through creative roadblocks and keep moving forward. Remember, writing a children’s book is a journey, and each step brings you closer to creating a story that will inspire young readers for years to come.