Writing for kids can be like abstract art: you see it and you think, I can do that. But if that's true, why aren't you getting paid to do so? Oh, you are? Getting paid to do both? I'm sorry. I didn't realize.

ANYWAY.

Elaine Marie Alphin has advice over at Writer's Digest on how to make the characters in your children's story become real--and a good character can be the difference between your book being at the bottom of the bargain bin (awesome alliteration) or being the next Olivia or Eloise.