By Marie Lee Book

Being a children's book writer is one of the most rewarding and creative occupations I can imagine. Every day is unique, but it always includes writing, planning, and engaging with the world of young readers. Here's a glance at my usual day as a children's book writer.

Morning: Setting the Tone for Creativity
Starting Your Day with Inspiration
My day starts early with a cup of tea or coffee and some quiet time to ponder. I frequently begin by reading something inspiring—it could be a favourite children's book, a thought-provoking article, or even a few pages of poetry. This sets the tone for the rest of the day and generates ideas that could lead to new stories.

Journalism and Brainstorming
Next, I spend about 20–30 minutes journalism. This isn’t formal writing, but rather a way to get my thoughts flowing. Sometimes, I jot down snippets of dialogue, sketch out a new character, or brainstorm ideas for upcoming stories.

Late Morning: Writing and Creating
Diving into the Writing Process
Once my creative gears are turning, it’s time to get into serious writing. Depending on what stage I’m in with a project, this could mean:

Drafting new chapters for a book.
Revising a manuscript based on feedback.
Polishing sentences to ensure they resonate with young readers.
I aim to write for at least two to three hours in the morning when my mind is sharpest. My goal is not perfection—just progress. Some days, the words flow effortlessly. Other days, it’s more challenging. But I remind myself that every word gets me closer to completing the story.

Collaborating with Illustrators
If I’m working on a picture book, I’ll often review updates from the illustrator during this time. It’s exciting to see how their artwork brings my words to life! We’ll exchange feedback and ideas to ensure the visuals match the tone and message of the story.

Afternoon: Recharging and Planning
Taking a Break
After a morning of writing, I like to take a break. I’ll go for a walk, do some light yoga, or spend time in my garden. This is my way of recharging and letting my mind wander, which often leads to unexpected bursts of creativity.

Planning and Research
Afternoons are perfect for planning upcoming projects. I might research topics for a story, explore folklore or cultural tales to weave into a narrative, or outline a new idea. Research is a huge part of my process, especially when creating stories with educational or cultural themes.

Evening: Connecting with Readers and Reflection
Engaging with the Community
Evenings are often dedicated to connecting with my audience. This might include:

Hosting a virtual reading event for children.
Responding to messages and fan mail from young readers.
Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my writing process on social media.
Hearing from readers—especially kids—motivates me to keep creating. There’s nothing like a heartfelt letter from a child who felt inspired or comforted by one of my stories.

Reflecting and Unwinding
Before winding down for the day, I like to reflect on what I’ve accomplished. I might revisit my morning’s work, noting what worked well and what needs improvement.

Finally, I spend some time reading—either children’s books to stay connected with the genre or a novel for personal enjoyment. Reading is a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

The Joy of Being a Children's Book Writer
Every day as a children’s book writer is a mix of creativity, discipline, and joy. While there are challenges—like writer’s block or tight deadlines—there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing my stories might spark a child’s imagination, comfort them during tough times, or inspire them to dream big.

If you’ve ever thought about writing children’s books, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a journey full of wonder, just like the stories we create.

Thank you for joining me for a day in my life! If you’d like to learn more about my work or share your thoughts, feel free to reach out. Happy reading!