This is the perfect three-month course for people who wish to write picture books and children’s fiction. We will cover the elements required to create a stand-out manuscript. You will discover how to craft a compelling story, memorable characters and an evocative setting. You will learn about your audience and the themes and language suited to different age groups. The course will also discuss what publishers are looking for and how to convince them that you are worth publishing.
Writing for kids requires skill and imagination; getting published takes commitment and perseverance. You will be required to work hard and read continually. There will be regular workshops and you will be given feedback in a supportive and creative environment. Over the twelve sessions, we will study a range of children’s authors and hear from guest speakers in the children’s publishing industry.
This course is suitable for writers of all levels of experience. Participants are encouraged to bring along ideas for stories, works-in-progress and your favourite children’s books. This course will primarily focus on picture books, but will also explore elements of storytelling which can be used in writing junior and middle-grade fiction.
As part of this course you will have the rare opportunity to work directly with illustrator Beau Wylie, collaborating to produce a one-page illustration that will practically demonstrate what goes into the relationship between author and illustrator. You will be able to use this page as part of a pitching session at the end of the course.
At the end of the course, participants will have a thorough understanding of the children’s publishing industry as well as a draft of their work-in-progress. Most importantly, they will have gained the support of a group of fellow writers and an opportunity to create ongoing workshop sessions outside the course.
