Screenplay Structure for Beginners: A Simple Way to Stop Overthinking
Struggling with screenplay structure? Learn a simple, beginner-friendly way to structure your story without overthinking it.
From Idea to Screenplay: The First 5 Steps Most Beginners Skip
Struggling to start your screenplay? Discover the first 5 steps beginners often skip and how to build a strong foundation for your script.
How to Make Children’s Stories Sing (Humour + Rhythm Guide)
Some picture books feel flat… others come alive the moment they’re read aloud. The difference often comes down to two powerful elements—humour and rhythm. When used well, they transform a story into something children want to hear again and again. This guide shows you how to build both into your writing with intention.
The Read-Aloud Magic Every Children’s Writer Needs
The picture books children ask for again and again all share one thing—they sound good out loud. If your manuscript feels flat or clunky, the issue may not be your idea, but how it flows when spoken. This guide shows you how to write for the ear, not just the eye—so your story truly comes to life.
How Children’s Stories Really Fit Into 32 Pages
Picture books might be short—but they are incredibly precise. If you’ve ever wondered how a story fits into just 32 pages, this guide breaks it down step by step. From story arcs to spread-by-spread structure, you’ll finally understand how to shape a manuscript that actually works.
The Secret Engine of Great Picture Books: Master Page-Turn Pacing
If your picture book feels flat… if children lose interest halfway through… the issue may not be your idea—it’s your pacing. Page-turn pacing is the hidden engine of great picture books. Learn how to create anticipation, tension, and momentum so your story keeps young listeners hooked from beginning to end.
What Every New Picture Book Writer Must Understand First
Most beginner picture book manuscripts don’t fail because the idea is bad—they fail because the writer doesn’t fully understand the child they’re writing for. If you want to create a story children ask for “again!”, this guide breaks down exactly what ages 3–7 need—from word count to emotional clarity—so your manuscript actually lands.
Poetry Writing for Beginners: How to Write Poetry Even If You’re Not a Poet
Many people believe poetry is something reserved for literary experts or complicated language. The truth is far simpler. Poetry often begins with ordinary moments — the smell of rain, a quiet morning coffee, or a memory that refuses to fade. This beginner-friendly guide explores how anyone can start writing poetry using simple words, small observations, and honest expression. You don’t need to call yourself a poet to write a poem — you only need to notice the world around you and give yourself permission to write.
Weird Places to Find Character Inspiration
The most convincing characters often come not from writing exercises but from everyday, slightly uncomfortable places — waiting rooms, queues, car parks, op shops, libraries and even local Facebook groups — where people drop their performance and reveal their habits, anxieties and tells. By observing ethically and looking for patterns in behaviour (not individuals), writers can build more believable, textured characters than any questionnaire could create.
A Beginners Guide to Writing Contemporary and General Fiction
Contemporary fiction is just stories about real life — and kids know plenty about that already.
You don’t need dragons, dystopias, or dazzling twists to start. You need curiosity, attention, and permission to notice the world you’re already living in.
How to Involve Kids and Teens in Your Book Launch Without Chaos
People think involving young readers will turn their launch into a circus (which, honestly, wouldn’t be the worst thing). But children aren’t walking whirlwinds.
They’re mini-creatives who can be enthusiastic co-hosts or tiny event planners with unexpected leadership skills and the occasional pocketful of crumbs.
How to Spark Your Young Writer’s Joy
What if we made writing feel like play? What if scribbles became stories, doodles became drafts, and little characters became the heroes of their own adventure? The good news is: you can absolutely help that happen — with a smile, a gentle nudge, and some fun. Here are ten top tips plus some great Aussie external guides to support you on this journey.