In this conversation, Terrie Hellard-Brown and Lee Ann Mancini explore the vital aspects of discipling and disciplining children in a Christian context. They discuss the importance of obedience, respect, and honor, and how these concepts can be taught to children. The conversation emphasizes the difference between transforming a child's heart and mere behavior modification, advocating for positive reinforcement and effective communication. They also address the challenges of gentle parenting, the necessity of consistency in discipline, and offer hope for parents who feel they have started too late in their children's spiritual upbringing. The discussion concludes with insights on building a strong foundation for children and overcoming parental guilt.

Episode 287: Lee Ann Mancini and Discipline and Discipleship for Our Children

Welcome to Day 1 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff! 🎉This is a 5-part writing challenge to teach you how to start successfully writing a children’s book.

My goal of this challenge is to have you end with a finished draft of your story idea.

Today we're diving into one of the most important parts of writing a children's book—choosing the right story idea. You'll learn how to find an idea that inspires YOU and connects with young readers (and the market too). 💡

👉 By the end of this video, you’ll know:
 • What makes a strong, marketable story idea
 • How to match your passion to your reader
 • Where to look when you feel stuck or uninspired

📘 Grab the $9 Companion Workbook to follow along and take real action each day: https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook

 ✅ And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of this 5-day writing challenge!

TIMELINE:
0:01 - Welcome to the Kidlit Story Kickoff
0:40 - What to expect inside this special challenge
1:30 - The POLISH method we'll use inside this challenge
2:50 - How to Choose Your Story Idea
4:10 - 3 Ways to Begin Finding "Good" Story Ideas
5:30 - The Children's Book Categories to Choose from based on Your Target Reader
7:50 - How to "Vet" Your Story Idea and know it's marketable
8:40 - 2 Signs you need to Choose a New Story Idea
10:20 - Examples of Comp Books for a Story Idea
12:30 - Next steps to take

Day 1: How to Choose the Best Story Idea for Your Children's Book (Kidlit Story Kickoff)

Last week, we talked about “Refugee,” Alan Gratz’ tale of kids fleeing violence and political oppression around the world. It’s a tough read. I had to put it down a few times. But how difficult is it to write a book about a tough subject? We asked Alan Gratz.

An Interview with Writer Alan Gratz

Today is all about plot and your story’s structure! 📚 In Day 4 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff, we’ll outline your plot from start to finish using proven frameworks that work for all kinds of children’s books.

📌 Inside this lesson: 
• How to pick the right plot type (Classic, Midpoint, or List)
 • What your main character wants and what’s in their way
 • A simple formula to map your story’s beginning, middle, and end

📝 Grab the $9 Companion Workbook and fill in your plot map as you go: https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook

 🔔 And make sure you’re subscribed — the next video will help you bring your draft to life!

TIMELINE:
0:01 - Welcome to Day 4 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff
0:14 - What to Expect in Today's Plotting Lesson
1:27 - The Definition of a Plot
2:15 - The #1 Things You Need (Because it's what Drives Your Plot)
2:45 - The 3 Plot Types to Choose From
3:20 - A Breakdown of Each Plot Type
5:54 - The Question Your Plot Must Answer
6:17 - Examples of Plot in Picture Books
12:02 - What to do Next


LINKS FOR EPISODE:
https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook

Day 4: How to Build the Perfect Plot for Your Children's Book (Kidlit Story Kickoff)

In this engaging conversation, Terrie Hellard Brown interviews children's book author Maria Antonia about her latest book 'Runaway', inspired by the true story of a sheep named Shrek. They discuss the themes of fear, trust, and the role of shepherds in children's lives, as well as Maria's other works and future projects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of faith and the lessons that can be drawn from children's literature.

Episode 288: Maria Antonia and the Shepherd Heart of God

The podcast where middle school readers talk about books.

Brooke Van Sickle is the best-selling author of Picture Book Perfection: How to Write a Children’s Book that Sells and the founder of Journey to Kidlit, a global online resource that helps aspiring children's book writers learn how to craft and publish their own stories.

New tracks tagged #kidlit