My Process in Writing Zinnia’s Musical Adventure

Introduction

I never imagined myself writing a children's book. Writing has been a childhood hobby, but I never finished anything. My love for reading grew from school book fairs, and returning home with goodies.

Inspiration

When the idea to write a children's book struck, finding a topic was a struggle, requiring extensive brainstorming. I realized I could create a book inspired by my passion for music. I aimed to teach children music fundamentals, the joy it brings, and its ability to connect diverse cultures. The crucial lesson of perseverance through challenges was also a key focus.

Crafting the Characters and Worlds

Creating relatable yet fun characters is crucial in children's books. Meet Zinnia, inspired by my love of music. Zinnia, a flutist like me, faced struggles starting to play, mirroring my journey. Many children's books feature animal characters, great for capturing attention. The cute, friendly animals guide Zinnia and have musical names. In the story, Zinnia time travels to different periods, learning about music history. I wanted the worlds to be vibrant and found an illustrator to bring these concepts to life in a whimsical way for children to connect with.

Challenges and Triumphs

Challenges arose post-concept, focusing on the story's length and defining the target market. The book became lengthy, requiring the omission of some musical eras and concepts. Choosing the most beneficial ones was challenging. Concerns arose about language complexity, suitability for a children's book, and uncertainty about the target audience. Research revealed the book as an early reader.

Takeaways

Despite challenges, I learned about my writing process as a children's author, distinct from young adult fiction. This experience inspired me to write more books with Zinnia and explore the possibility of a book series.