Starting Over: Redefining Yabbit the Rabbit’s Character
It’s been a while since I last published a blog post, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing. In fact, I’ve probably written thousands of words over the past month.
I just finished the sixth version of Yabbit the Rabbit, and while that might sound exhausting, it’s been one of the most valuable learning experiences I’ve had as a writer.
Learning Rhyme and Meter the Hard Way
One area where I’ve made huge progress is in rhyme and meter. Early drafts were uneven, but after studying patterns, syllabic flow, and rhythm, I now feel confident that I can write in rhyme without falling into common pitfalls.
That said, technical skill isn’t everything. A story can have perfect rhyme and still fall flat if the characters don’t connect with readers, and that’s the realization that brought me here.
The Character Problem
The truth is, I’m not happy with Yabbit as he currently exists. I originally based him on my own childhood experiences and the playful way my mother used to say I was being “Yabbit the Rabbit.”
But in translating those personal moments to the page, I created a character that, at least to me, doesn’t feel very likeable.
And if I don’t like him, why would children?
I began to realize that I was writing backward: trying to build a story around emotional nostalgia instead of creating a universal character readers could fall in love with.
Letting Go and Starting Fresh
So I’ve made a decision that’s both frustrating and freeing: I’m starting over.
I’m scrapping everything I’ve written so far and treating those drafts as practice and valuable lessons that helped me understand what doesn’t work.
🎥 Watch my latest YouTube video where I share my honest thoughts about this moment, the frustration that came with it, and why I believe starting over is sometimes the only way forward.
Rebuilding Yabbit from the Ground Up
The next step is to create brand-new character worksheets for Yabbit and define, from the ground up, who he truly is:
What does he love?
What does he fear?
What makes him unique and enduring?
I also need to step back from my personal experiences. While my mother’s idea inspired Yabbit, the story shouldn’t be a reflection of my childhood, it should be a story that stands on its own, one that every parent and child can relate to.
The Challenge of Creating a Lovable Character
Creating a children’s book character that endures for generations takes time. The best ones, like Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, or The Very Hungry Caterpillar, feel both timeless and emotionally genuine.
A lovable character isn’t perfect; they make mistakes, they learn, and they grow. That’s what I want for Yabbit: a character who’s imperfect, curious, and courageous, but above all, someone children want to spend time with.
The Hard Truth of the Creative Process
Starting over is frustrating. It feels like losing months of progress. But if I’ve learned anything so far, it’s that great stories aren’t rushed, they’re refined.
This process has reminded me of something every writer eventually faces: it’s okay to throw away what doesn’t work. Because with every draft, you’re getting closer to the story you were meant to tell.
I’m thankful for what my mother gave me, a spark, not a script. Now it’s my job to turn that spark into something enduring.
I’ll share updates as I rebuild Yabbit’s world from scratch. This is just the next hop forward.
