Challenges of writing childrens books

I'm amazed at the kaleidoscope of feelings associated with starting to write a new book. The slate is blank:

Terror: What am I going to fill it with? Excitement--The options are endless.
Terror--Who are the characters? Excitement--I get to create them.
Terror--What is the theme? Excitement--One that is near and dear to my heart.
Terror--What if I can't do it? Excitement--What if I can?


A foggy idea floats around in my head. It's there when I go to bed, when I wake up, when I shower or go for a walk. Finally, I sit at the computer and begin to write, but there's much to be done before I delve very far. I find that I can write several chapters, introducing the idea which is still quite vague at this point, beginning to reveal the characters whom I'm only beginning to know myself. I explore the setting trying to incorporate all the senses. Eventually, I get to the point where although the gist of the story has been in my mind for some time, I must hone down the specifics and make sure I know the theme and heart of my story before I go on. But by now, I'm excited. I read about my topic. I surf the internet. And think, think, think about my protagonist. What does she look like? Sometimes I sketch a picture even though I can barely draw a stick figure. What are her hobbies, strengths, and faults? What is endearing about her? How is she different from other girls her age? What does she want? Why can't she get it? If I could meet her right now, what would we talk about? What words would she use? Why? And on and on it goes until I can write dialogue and know when it feels right and when it doesn't. And clearly, if there's dialogue, she must be talking to someone. Who? What are they to her? What are their personalities, goals, problems, etc.

When I read books by great authors like Sharon Creech or Katherine Patterson or Kate DeCamillo, it fascinates me how quickly I know their characters, and how easy they make the writing process look, and then to work on my own novel and realize how difficult it is to make it look so easy. This journey of writing stories for children is an incredible challenge, but one I look forward to embarking on every day.