5 Days. 5 Sparks. A Smarter Way to Start Writing Picture Books.
And it's totally free.
A free 5-day challenge starting Monday, March 16 and running through March 20 for picture-book writers who want protected momentum without pressure. One prompt a day. Fifteen minutes of real writing. A simple rhythm you can keep.
You’ve had the inspiration. You’ve even blocked out time to work on your picture book.
And then life steps in.
The hour you protected is absorbed by errands, email, family, and work. So you tell yourself you’ll write when there’s a clearer stretch in your day.
But when that stretch finally appears? Your mind goes blank. The ideas that once felt electric suddenly feel slippery.
Before you toss your pencil across the room or snap your laptop shut, you need to know:
This isn’t a personality flaw or a lack of talent. And it’s certainly not proof that you “don’t really have what it takes.”
It’s what happens when writing isn’t given consistent, protected space.
The free 5-Day Picture Book Challenge is designed to gently interrupt that cycle. Each day, from March 16th - 20th, you’ll receive one clear, focused prompt that’s small enough to feel doable and strong enough to spark real movement.
What You’ll Get
- One thoughtful writing prompt per day, delivered by email
- Five creative sparks you can grow into manuscripts, scenes, characters, or a themed collection
- A Day 6 reflection email + a downloadable PDF with all five prompts in one place (so you can reuse them anytime)
- An invitation to continue your practice inside the Picture Book Lab (for writers who want structure + feedback + community)
How It Works
Each day takes about 15 minutes. You’ll open the email, set a timer, and write — without trying to “get it right.”
You can follow the daily rhythm, or catch up when life happens. Either way, by the end of the challenge, you’ll have real material on the page and a clearer sense of which ideas want to become a manuscript.
About Your Guide
Simone Kaplan has spent 30+ years in children’s publishing, including roles at HarperCollins and Henry Holt + Company. Through Picture Book People and her live writing community, the Picture Book Lab, she helps writers move beyond inspiration into deliberate, skill-building practice, the kind that strengthens craft and leads to better manuscripts.
Ready to Begin?
Sign up below and start building your writing habit, one prompt at a time.
No publishing credits required. No perfect idea needed. Just curiosity, a little time, and the willingness to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The challenge is completely free to join. You’ll receive one writing prompt per day for five days, plus a reflection email with a downloadable prompt packet on Day 6.