Tools I Can’t Live Without as a Children’s Author

As a writer of children’s stories , my essential tools aren’t found at an office supply store or in the latest journaling app. Sure, pen and paper are part of the job, but what I rely on to spark my creativity are the experiences that fill my soul—those little joys I get out of belting a song in the shower, the thrill of auditioning, or the magic of watching a story come alive on stage.

I’m not here to tell you about the perfect pen or the “best” notepad because, let’s face it, those details are more personal preference than creative necessity. And honestly…who cares?! Instead, I want to share the everyday tools that shape how I see the world and bring characters to life—the little moments and quirky adventures that make us better at this beautiful thing called storytelling. It could be my little brother’s after-school animation class he took all those years ago, those (many) singing lessons I took, or that scuba certification I’ll tackle… one day.

So, what are these ‘tools’ that clear my mind and fill it with new possibilities? Think of it as a collection of small discoveries that add up to big, magical shifts in perspective.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Learn, Always

As artists, it’s important that we always continue the learning process. Whether it’s a course in Russian literature or a beginner knitting class, every bit of knowledge adds color to our palette. Learning something new opens us up, even when we’re not working on a specific project—it’s like giving our imagination room to wander and play. Be bold, be brave, and plunge into the world of learning. Always.

2. Read Like There’s No Tomorrow

Challenge yourself to read 40 books this year (yes, you can!). Subscribe to your local newspaper, join a book club, and immerse yourself in all kinds of stories. Reading keeps our minds sharp and introduces us to fresh ideas, perspectives, and worlds—diesel for the writer’s soul. By the way, if you want to write for kids, you’ve got to read to kids…a lot!

3. Take a Class

Classes give us structure and a little nudge to keep going when inspiration feels a bit scarce. Sometimes, just showing up regularly sparks the magic. Your local community college or adult learning center might have just the thing to help you get into a groove. Routine is brilliant in stimulating the creative juices because after a while, you get into a rhythm - and suddenly sparks start to fly!

4. Go on a Solo Adventure

If there’s a dream destination on your bucket list, don’t wait for the “right time.” Go now, even if it’s just a weekend escape. Traveling alone lets you fully experience new places, and you never know which details might end up in your next story.

5. Pick Up a New Skill

Here in NYC, I’m spoiled with options to learn new things. The 92nd Street Y offers classes on everything from languages to painting to dance. Find the spots in your community that offer courses to learn new skills. Whatever you’re curious about, there’s likely a class for it—and who knows what new worlds it could unlock in your writing. 

6. Open Up to New People and Perspectives

Now that we’re living in a world post-COVID, we’re all craving connection. Join a local club, try an app like TimeLeft to meet new people over dinner, or simply chat with someone at the coffee shop. Expanding our circle and opening our hearts to new friendships often brings fresh ideas and beautiful conversations we might have missed.

In the end, this isn’t just a list of tools—it’s an invitation to dive into a fuller, richer life. Writers write from experience, so let’s live big, bold lives worth writing about!