Inside the Writing Journey: Rella B Books on the Process, Struggles, and Joys of Crafting Children's Literature
In this enlightening episode of The Delos Diaries, host Paul Delos Santos sits down with Rella from Rella B Books to dive into the heart of the writing process behind children's books. Together, they unpack the inspirations, challenges, and deep insights that come with crafting impactful stories for young minds.
The Spark That Ignites the Writing Journey
Every great writer has a beginning. For Rella, the writing journey began in her school years. Inspired by the joy of building stories and characters, she merged her love for writing with her creativity-fueled hobbies like playing The Sims. These early experiences laid the foundation for her storytelling style, which blends imagination with structured learning.
The Writing Process Behind Children’s Books
Writing for kids is both an art and a challenge. Rella transitioned from writing poetic works to simplified, digestible narratives for younger readers. Her process involves trimming stories down to approximately 450 words—each sentence carefully crafted to maintain engagement while ensuring accessibility.
The Role of Visuals in Children's Books
In the world of children's books, illustrations are just as vital as words. Rella emphasizes the collaborative process with illustrators, where detailed notes and regular communication are essential. From rough sketches to final artwork, each step is a joint effort to bring the story to life visually.
Working With Illustrators
Rella’s writing process includes a trial phase—requesting a sample sketch before committing to an illustrator. If the sample aligns with her vision, the collaboration continues into cover design. If not, she seeks a better match, optimizing both time and resources while preserving creative integrity.
Building Characters and Story Progression
Character development is at the heart of Rella’s storytelling. Each book revolves around a relatable protagonist tackling a specific, age-appropriate problem. In “Do Robots Run My School,” children learn the importance of focus and attention through a fun and futuristic lens.
Tackling Sensitive Topics with Care
Writing about experiences outside one’s own can be daunting. When Rella wrote a story involving adoption, she sought feedback from adoptees and adoptive parents to handle the topic with sensitivity and respect. Her approach reflects a commitment to inclusive and thoughtful storytelling.
Creating a Multichannel Experience
Rella extends her stories beyond books by leveraging podcasts and YouTube to create a multimedia learning experience. This cross-platform strategy caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring that children can connect with her content in various engaging ways.
Interactive and Educational Podcasts
Her podcast episodes aren't just for listening—they're interactive. With brain breaks, riddles, and stretching exercises, they keep young listeners engaged physically and mentally. Future plans include more structured lessons, listening activities, and quizzes to deepen learning.
How Teaching Shaped Her Author Insights
Rella’s background in teaching, particularly in computer literacy, profoundly informs her authorial approach. Her educational experience helps her align her stories with both entertainment and learning goals, making her content not just enjoyable but educational.
Making Learning Fun
Rella’s books blend humor, science, and adventure. Her upcoming release, “The Bubble Bunch,” explores scientific concepts through exciting narratives, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. Each story comes with extra activities to reinforce the educational value.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Authors
To those starting their writing journey, Rella offers this advice: stay dedicated and authentic. Whether self-publishing or traditionally publishing, there’s no shortcut to creating meaningful content. She cautions against over-reliance on AI and emphasizes heart, quality, and intention in every story.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of Children’s Literature
Rella B Books is a shining example of what it means to combine passion with purpose. Her stories nurture a love of reading, spark curiosity, and offer valuable author insights into the creative and collaborative world of children’s literature. Her journey is a roadmap for aspiring writers navigating the rewarding yet challenging terrain of writing children’s books.
Whether you're an educator, aspiring author, or a parent looking to inspire young minds, Rella’s insights provide a rich source of guidance and encouragement on your own writing journey.
