Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at mercury.com
Tish Rabe has written more than 200 children's books. She's written for Disney and Sesame Street, and also after Dr. Seuss died in the early 90s, she started writing Dr. Seuss books. When she did, she really leaned into his distinct style.
So I said, "You've been doing this for 40 years now. Can you teach me what you know about writing stories, bringing characters to life, rhythm and rhyme, and that unique flow that Dr. Seuss books are so famous for?"
Beyond the tactics, this conversation will help you lighten up a bit and have a lot more fun with your writing.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:54 How Tish got started
00:04:40 Write the ending first
00:07:44 How to structure a story
00:09:42 Hooking young readers
00:12:40 How Tish edits her books
00:15:50 What makes a book fun
00:18:06 Use page turns for suspense
00:21:53 What makes a great illustrator
00:25:04 The 3 components of a story
00:28:04 How words and images interact
00:34:08 Write from a kid's pov
00:37:36 How Tish works with composers
00:38:32 Storytelling references
00:42:36 Write inspiring, not sad stories
00:45:04 Covers, titles, and layout
00:49:48 How to rhyme on command
00:56:46 Teaching via stories vs facts
01:03:06 The business of children's books
01:08:53 How to avoid writer's block
01:14:08 Lessons from self-publishing
01:20:44 Biggest business landmine
*About the host*
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
*Follow me*
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
YouTube: youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
X: https://x.com/david_perell
This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at mercury.com
Tish Rabe has written more than 200 children's books. She's written for Disney and Sesame Street, and also after Dr. Seuss died in the early 90s, she started writing Dr. Seuss books. When she did, she really leaned into his distinct style.
So I said, "You've been doing this for 40 years now. Can you teach me what you know about writing stories, bringing characters to life, rhythm and rhyme, and that unique flow that Dr. Seuss books are so famous for?"
Beyond the tactics, this conversation will help you lighten up a bit and have a lot more fun with your writing.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:54 How Tish got started
00:04:40 Write the ending first
00:07:44 How to structure a story
00:09:42 Hooking young readers
00:12:40 How Tish edits her books
00:15:50 What makes a book fun
00:18:06 Use page turns for suspense
00:21:53 What makes a great illustrator
00:25:04 The 3 components of a story
00:28:04 How words and images interact
00:34:08 Write from a kid's pov
00:37:36 How Tish works with composers
00:38:32 Storytelling references
00:42:36 Write inspiring, not sad stories
00:45:04 Covers, titles, and layout
00:49:48 How to rhyme on command
00:56:46 Teaching via stories vs facts
01:03:06 The business of children's books
01:08:53 How to avoid writer's block
01:14:08 Lessons from self-publishing
01:20:44 Biggest business landmine
*About the host*
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
*Follow me*
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
YouTube: youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
X: https://x.com/david_perell
