1. Read everything. The neighborhood librarian should be your best friend. Ask her what kids are reading and you read it too, especially the types of books that you want to write. Now, start writing, even if it's just ideas or memories.
2. Study the craft of writng. There are tons of books on how to write. My favorite is Picture Writing by Anastacia Suen. And keep writing.
3. Keep writing.
4. Hang out with other writers. Join a critique group, toughen up and share your work. Join groups like the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. And keep writing.
5. Be persistant. It took me years of rejections before I became a published writer. Most writers have a file full of rejection letters. Some writers paper their walls with them. You don't have to go that far, but you do have to work hard and persevere. And keep writing.
Follow these steps and those rejections will turn into ACCEPTANCES!
. . . Gwendolyn Hooks
