The Real Work: Why Writing the Story Takes the Longest

When people hear we write children's books, their first reaction is usually, "That must be fun!" And it is fun — but it’s also a serious commitment. On average, it takes us about six months to write just one book. But what surprises most people is this: the majority of that time isn’t spent typing. It’s spent thinking.

The real work of writing a book begins before we write the first word. It starts with the story — shaping a plot that makes sense, that feels exciting, and that will keep young readers flipping pages. That’s the part that takes time. The storytelling itself.

We’ve learned the hard way that rushing through this phase never works. When we try to force a story too quickly, we end up rewriting it all later. Over time, we’ve accepted a simple truth: you can’t fake a good story. You have to build it. Brick by brick. Scene by scene.

We usually start with the big picture — what's the problem the main character is facing? What makes this story different from others on the bookshelf? Once we have that, we build out the characters, their motivations, and how they’ll change by the end. We use whiteboards, notebooks, even voice memos to brainstorm.

During this time, the characters are just as real to us as anyone we know. We think about them while driving, cooking dinner, or walking in the park. We ask each other questions like, “Would Reggie Raccoon do this?” or “What would Bryson Fars say here?”

This part of the process doesn’t always look productive to the outside world. But it’s essential. Because when the story finally clicks — when the beginning, middle, and end line up and make sense — everything else flows.

So if you’re working on your own book, here’s our advice: don’t rush the story. Don’t stress if the words aren’t flowing yet. The real writing is often happening in your head. Trust the process. Give your story time to grow.

In the end, every great book starts with a great idea — and great ideas are worth waiting for.