More Thoughts on Picture Book Characters

I wanted to spin off my last about picture book series. One of my critique group partners, Ryan, commented on how writing an existing character into another story and thinking in terms of series for any character you create can add to the development of that character. I agree 100%.

This got me thinking about one of my manuscripts. I worked on this story while taking an on-line writing class. The class was on story structure and primarily focused on novel writing. I knew my story would always be a picture book story, but as part of the class I created an in-depth plan for the story, plot and characters. I think expanding on the idea of these elements helped me bring more to my MC and his story. This particular manuscript (while it hasn’t sold—yet), has brought me some positive feedback from editors and agents.

Editors and agents want to feel a connection with our character(s), and isn’t that the challenge in the 500 word PB manuscript? Especially if you aren’t the artist and can’t add the artistic details you imagine n your head.