Ideas and Originality

Ohhh, writers block!  It can certainly happen to a children's book writer.  Though our words are few, we still need to create ideas that are interesting and somewhat unique.  That is not easy, let me tell you!  Look on the book shelves.  Many writers have taken a story already written, and just twisted certain tangents of the story to make it their own. 
I want to stand out in my techniques. I know of some authors who have been unfairly classed as the same writer as Stephanie Meyer or J.K. Rowling.  If you have vampires or witches in your story, then you may be compared, even if it is a little bit, to some of these books.  They both became major motion pictures.  That is why so many people think of them first.  Of course, there were so many authors before them that had created books with similar ideas or creatures, and unfortunately don't get credit, because it did not go to film.  It's too bad really.
I don't want to be known for being the same as some famous writer.  They got there on their own talents and expertise.  They deserve their own credit, and I hope to deserve my own.  Inspiration is fine, but just because you have a young couple, for example, fall in love in your manuscript...doesn't mean you have to be called the next Nicholas Sparks.
I think publishers look for someone that can offer them something new, other than what is already out there.  You have to be able to stand alone.  Publishing companies don't want another Robert Munsch, because he is still doing his thing and excellent at it!  They want a story that pops out and is different from the rest.
That's why, if a person is thinking about a writing career, they should research on what is popular at this present time in their particular genre.  What is interesting, now.  Read, read, and read more!  For me, I would want to read as many children's books as I can.  I want to know what kids like.  What do the kids want to look at and spend their time reading?  After figuring that out, then that is when I can be confident that my ideas will be worth putting on paper and publishing.  Always be proud of your work, and never give up!  Keep on trying.  No one can stop you, only the fear you have.  Follow your goal and be diligent to see it to completion.  With the opportunity to self-publish these days, you have wonderful opportunities to see your work in a professional way.  That's what I did!