How to Use Personal Experience to Create Originality in Your Picture Books

One of the best pieces of advice we can give to aspiring picture book writers is this: use your own life.

Your personal experience is an absolute goldmine of originality, and the more you tap into that experience, the more authentic and fresh your stories will feel. We all have moments that define us, that shape our view of the world, and those moments are what make your story stand out.

So, how do you turn those personal experiences into picture book gold? Here are a few tips:

1. Mine Your Childhood

Think back to when you were the age of your target audience. What was your greatest fear? Your biggest dream? Kids today might face different circumstances, but emotions are timeless. When you write from that place of vulnerability and honesty, your readers will connect with your characters in a powerful way.

For example, in my own personal experience, I was terrified of some gigantic bushes I had to pass walking to school every day. I knew there were monsters hiding in them. That fear ended up as my book, Scared Stiff. I could’ve written about a kid who loves monsters; it could have been an adventure, maybe with the monsters are scared of the child. Same emotion, different spin. By drawing from my own fears, I can write a story that feels authentic, yet offers a fresh perspective.

2. Use Your Relationships

The relationships in your life—whether with family, friends, or even pets—are rich sources of story material. How did you feel when you first met your best friend? What was it like when you had your first big argument? These emotional dynamics can breathe life into your characters and give depth to your plot.

In No More Señora Mimí, for example, Meg Medina draws from her own experiences with family to create a story that feels real, even though the specific events or character design might be fictional.

3. Find the Universal in the Specific

Your personal experience might be unique to you, but there’s always a universal truth in there somewhere. By digging into the emotions and motivations behind your experience, you’ll discover a connection that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

So, the next time you’re stuck or feeling like your idea isn’t original enough, turn inward. Ask yourself, “How does this relate to my life?” When you write from that personal, authentic place, you’ll create a story that feels fresh, real, and, most importantly, yours.

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