Schedule
Day 1
10am-12pm
Outline a rough idea
Think about problem action and resolution
Spread 1
p.1/2
Introduce us to your character
What is their regular every day?
What do they want?
2pm-2pm
Spread 2
p.3/4
Pose a problem on this spread.
What’s happening that will stop your character from getting what they want?
2pm-4pm
Spread 3
p.5/6
Build suspense
What are the stakes? Lay out what your character has to lose if they dont solve the problem
4pm-6pm
Spread 4
p.7/8
How does the character react to the problem on your last spread?
What action will they take to solve the problem. What is their plan?
6pm-8pm
Spread 5
p.9/10
Plan your rising action from here to the climax.
Your character should try and fail to resolve the problem 3 times.
If you’re working on a picture book you have spreads 5,6,7 to do this.
This spread should set up attempt number 1.
Consider page turns
Consider alternating between action and quieter scenes as you build to the climax
8pm-10pm
Spread 6
p.11/12
Try number 2… and fail
Think about how each action influences the next? Cause and effect.
Because your character did X, they now have to do Y.
Keep in mind what your character’s goals are? Is each escalation tied to your initial problem and your character’s desire?
10pm-12am
Spread 7
p.13/14
Try number 3… and fail
You’re almost at the climax.
Continue to escalate
Short snappy sentences as your problem escalates can keep readers engaged so the middle doesn’t sag.
Avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details that can slow the pace. Every scene—every word— must drive the narrative forward.
Consider moving the reveal of the failure to the next page.
Day 2
12am-2am
Spread 8
p.15/16
All the previous tries have failed and things get as bad as they possibly can.
How will you escalate things to the point of no return coming on the next spread?
2am-4am
Spread 9
p.17/18
As a result of what happened in the last spread there is a turning point in your character’s outlook.
This should be the most exciting and intense part of your story.
True climax of your story.
Give your character some hope or excitement so you can rip it away in the next spread.
4am-6am
Spread 10
p.19/20
Disaster
This is your characters lowest point- How do they react?
Keep in mind what your character wanted at the start. This should be at odds with that.
6am-8am
Spread 11
p.21/22
Plot twist.
Can you surprise the audience?
Character realizes something that helps them make the necessary change
Maybe they see something that will help them get out of their predicament.
8am-10am
Spread 12
p.23/24
Resolution
Problem is solved.
What’s your character’s new normal?
Conclude your story with a memorable ending that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s a surprising twist, a heartfelt resolution, or a clever line, ensure your ending feels complete, earned, and impactful.
Your little reader has been waiting the ENTIRE BOOK for this moment, and if you speed through it, they’re going to be disappointed. Make sure to linger on the emotionally satisfying parts of your book where everything is resolved.
Helpful Resources
Most picture book plots have a story arc that paces out the book in twelve spreads: the story starts quickly in spread 1. Then, on spread 2 the action begins and carries on until spread 8 (75% of the way through), where things get worse, until on spreads 9 and 10 there is the climax and the turning point (disaster!). Then spreads 11-12 are the plot twist and the resolution, where the problem is solved.
Pacing info used for structuring this event:
https://www.wordsandpics.org/2022/05/picture-book-focus-find-beat.html
https://emmawaltonhamilton.com/blog/the-magic-of-picture-book-pacing-tips-for-tightening-your-story/
https://thejohnfox.com/2023/09/10-steps-to-pacing-your-childrens-book/ - how to slow or speed up pacing
https://katiedavis.com/blog/craft-and-writing/what-i-wish-everyone-knew-about-picture-book-pacing/
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating