I’m Stuck!
Have you tried to write a children's book but got stuck or discouraged?
You’re not alone — and you’re not behind.
If writing feels confusing, messy, or overwhelming, you’re in the right place.
Many aspiring children’s writers don’t quit because they lack talent — they get stuck because the process feels confusing, overwhelming, or unclear. Whether you’re struggling with ideas, motivation, structure, or confidence, this page will help you identify what’s holding you back and find the right next step forward.
First, here's a quick two-minute creative reset:
Set a timer for 2 minutes and fill in the blanks to create one sentence:
“My story is about a ____ who wants ____ but ____.”
That’s it. Don’t judge it. Don’t revise it. Just get one version on the page. If you can do that, you’re not stuck — you’re just missing a next step.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few examples to get you thinking:
Example 1
My story is about a shy raccoon who wants to make one friend but keeps hiding when someone says hello.
Example 2
My story is about a boy who wants to win Field Day but gets distracted helping everyone else.
Example 3
My story is about a teenage girl who wants to be a competitive skater but her family can’t afford lessons
In just two minutes, you stripped away the noise and found the core of your story
A protagonist, a need and an obstacle. If you have these things, you’re well on your way to making your children’s book happen.
So, the next question is:
What's Holding You Back?
Choose the closest match. You’ll get a quick reset and a clear next step.
If you don't know what to write about...
This usually means you’re trying to pick the “perfect” idea before you’ve tested any ideas. That’s normal — but it’s also a trap.
Try one of these idea-starters:
Write down 3 moments you still remember from childhood.
List 5 “what if” questions (What if a class pet ran for mayor?).
Pick one strong feeling: jealous / proud / scared / lonely — and build a character around it.
Quick cure: Choose one and write the one-sentence story formula above. “My story is about a ____ who wants ____ but ____.”
If you have an idea, but it's not clicking...
Most “broken” story ideas aren’t broken — they’re often missing one of three things: a clear desire, a strong obstacle, or the right amount of change and growth in your main character.
Quick diagnosis:
What does your character want (in one short phrase)?
What gets in the way every time?
By the end of the story, what’s different — the character, a relationship, or what they’ve learned?
Quick cure: Rewrite your one-sentence formula (“My story is about a ____ who wants ____ but ____.”) with an eye toward making the want and the obstacle stronger and more dramatic.
If you've started writing, but can't finish...
Constant restarting usually means you’re relying on inspiration instead of a simple process. Finishing comes from tiny, repeatable steps — not a perfect mood (or having a “perfect” story).
Pick one:
Write the messiest version of the ending you can imagine.
Make a 5-bullet “path” (Beginning → Problem → Attempt to Solve 1 → Attempt to Solve 2 → Ending).
Decide your “minimum finish”: one complete draft, even if it’s bad.
Set your doubt and perfectionism aside and write the ending as a paragraph. You can fix it later — but you can’t fix what isn’t there.
If you're overwhelmed by the process...
Publishing overwhelm usually comes from trying to solve everything at once: craft, agents, submissions, formats, marketing — all in one sitting. That’s a recipe for frustration and failure.
Right now:
Take a big step back and breathe. If you’ve made a wrong turn, don’t keep turning! Put yourself back at the beginning.
The only part of the process that matters is the one you’re currently on. As you retrace your steps, don’t worry about what lies ahead, or the decisions you’ve already made. View each piece of the process in its own bubble, and not as part of a giant slog to completion.
Put down your pen and pick up some books. Visit your local bookstore and read some published books in your chosen category or genre. Make note of the ones that really speak to you, and then play detective. Why did this book move you? Why is this character so appealing? Why is that ending so satisfying? As you identify what works, your subconscious mind can get to work comparing against your manuscript, and finding solutions to any sticking points you’ve encountered.
There’s nothing magic about writing a good book, and you don’t need to have extraordinary skills to make it happen. So stop worrying, and stop getting ahead of yourself. Tiny steps will get you where you want to go!
Choose your next step:
Get Our Free Starter Kit
- Discover the simple first steps most beginning children’s writers miss
- Stop feeling overwhelmed with our quick-start Ultimate Children’s Writing Cheatsheet
- Get a real-world look inside publishing with a free issue of Children’s Book Insider. The Children’s Writing Monthly
Free • Beginner-friendly • No pressure or obligation of any kind
Find Exactly the Right Tool to Help You Get Unstuck
If there’s something specific that’s keeping you stuck, we’ve got on-demand workshops and Blueprints from some of children’s writing’s biggest names to help get you on track and moving toward your goal.
Every aspect of the writing, editing and publishing process is covered, all at extremely affordable prices.
You can also explore our famous Writing Blueprints, easy to follow step-by-step guides to writing a fabulous picture book, easy reader, chapter book and middle grade/young adult novel.
We also have Blueprints to help you self-publish or begin a career as a freelance magazine writer.
And you get lifetime access to everything we offer!
