Full of both inspirational and practical advice, Writing Children's Fiction: A Writers' and Artists' Companion is an essential guide to writing for some of the most difficult and demanding readers of all: children and young people. Part 1 explores the nature and history of the children's literature, and the amazing variety of genres available for children from those learning to read to young adults. Part 2 includes tips by such bestselling as: Julia Donaldson, Jaqueline Wilson, Louis Sachar and Michael Morpurgo. Part 3 contains practical advice--from shaping plots and creating characters to knowing your readers, handling difficult subjects and how to find an agent and publisher when your book or story is complete.