Category: Uncategorized

Mastering Dialogue Tags: A Guide to Clear & Effective Attribution

Emma Walton Hamilton March 4, 2025

A critical component of writing strong dialogue—and something that editors are particularly meticulous about—is the dialogue tag, also known as a speech tag or attribution. This is how we identify…

Character Voice 101: Writing Dialogue That Pops

Emma Walton Hamilton February 25, 2025

In picture books, dialogue is often sparse—but every word counts. The way your characters speak should reflect their personality, age, and emotions. And each character’s voice should be distinct. If…

Sidekicks, Villains, & Extras: Adding Depth to Your Supporting Cast

Emma Walton Hamilton February 18, 2025

While the hero takes center stage in a narrative fiction picture book, the supporting cast also plays a crucial role in enriching the story and moving the action forward. From…

When Inspiration Strikes: What To Do Next

Emma Walton Hamilton February 11, 2025

You’ve had a burst of inspiration for a picture book idea—now what? It’s important to capture that idea and nurture it into something more substantial. Here’s how to take the…

What A Character!

Emma Walton Hamilton February 4, 2025

Great picture book ideas often start with an unforgettable character. Whether it’s a mischievous pigeon, a determined little girl, or a lovable bear, memorable characters draw readers in and keep…

From Theme to Story: Turning Abstract Ideas into Specific Stories

Emma Walton Hamilton January 28, 2025

Themes are the big ideas that give stories depth and meaning… that make them resonate long after the first read. But when it comes to picture books, it’s important to…

The Mash-Up Method: Creating New Ideas by Combining the Unexpected

Emma Walton Hamilton January 21, 2025

Sometimes the most original ideas come from combining two completely unrelated concepts. This “mash-up” approach invites you to think outside the box and create something fresh and surprising. By juxtaposing…

Mining Childhood Memories for Story Gold

Emma Walton Hamilton January 14, 2025

The best picture books resonate because they capture universal truths about childhood. One way to tap into these truths is by mining your own childhood memories for ideas. What were…

What If? The Golden Question for Picture Book Ideas

Emma Walton Hamilton January 7, 2025

One of the best tools for developing picture book ideas is the question “What if?” This simple phrase unlocks endless possibilities for storytelling. It invites your imagination to explore new…

From Spark to Story: A New Year of Generating Picture Book Ideas

Emma Walton Hamilton January 1, 2025

The start of a new year is a perfect time for fresh beginnings—and for picture book writers, it’s the ideal opportunity to plant seeds of inspiration that can grow into…

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Category: Uncategorized

Mastering Dialogue Tags: A Guide to Clear & Effective Attribution

Character Voice 101: Writing Dialogue That Pops

Sidekicks, Villains, & Extras: Adding Depth to Your Supporting Cast

When Inspiration Strikes: What To Do Next

What A Character!

From Theme to Story: Turning Abstract Ideas into Specific Stories

The Mash-Up Method: Creating New Ideas by Combining the Unexpected

Mining Childhood Memories for Story Gold

What If? The Golden Question for Picture Book Ideas

From Spark to Story: A New Year of Generating Picture Book Ideas

Writing Courses

Latest from the Kid Compass Blog

Mastering Dialogue Tags: A Guide to Clear & Effective Attribution

Character Voice 101: Writing Dialogue That Pops

Sidekicks, Villains, & Extras: Adding Depth to Your Supporting Cast

When Inspiration Strikes: What To Do Next

What A Character!

From Theme to Story: Turning Abstract Ideas into Specific Stories

The Mash-Up Method: Creating New Ideas by Combining the Unexpected

Mining Childhood Memories for Story Gold

What If? The Golden Question for Picture Book Ideas

From Spark to Story: A New Year of Generating Picture Book Ideas

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