Want to write for younger readers?
Imagine being able to capture the imagination of children.
Imagine their wide-eyed wonder as they read their favourite stories.
Imagine ... writing those stories yourself.
What is it that makes popular picture books so magical? How do you really know what appeals to children? Writing a picture book that publishers want to pay you for is an art. But there are clear guidelines you can follow.
Discover exactly what you need to do next
In this course, you'll discover what you need to do to turn your story idea into a real picture book that kids will love to read.
Say you have a beautifully-crafted story – funny and lively, sad, or with a deep insight. Is it a first draft, or is it ready to submit? How can you tell? What should you do next? Should you get your story illustrated?
One of the most common phrases used about picture book texts is “deceptively simple”. And that’s just it – the writing is deceptive. It appears simple, but requires a lot of skill to be effective. In this course we plan to show you some of the secrets and techniques you need to write a good children’s picture book.
What will you learn in the Writing Picture Books course?
Here's what you'll learn
- Understanding the nature of children’s picture books
- Working with illustrations
- Language and rhythm
- What’s so different about the picture book?
- Point of view, structure and pace
- Finding the right voice
- Choosing your topic
- The industry: market, gatekeepers, legal and financial considerations
- and MUCH more
The course is also suitable for illustrators interested in working on picture books. While the focus of the course is on writing, there is a lot of information about the way authors and editors think which will show you how to better interpret the text and improve the characterisation. Learn how to make your illustrations better – how to extend the text and make it into a completely new jewel-like work.
This course focuses on picture books for younger children. If you'd like to write for slightly older children, please go to our course Writing Books for Children and Young Adults.
Exclusive access to our Online Writing Forum
When you graduate, you'll also get exclusive access to our dynamic online writing community.
Rave reviews about
Writing Picture Books
"Cathie is extremely knowledgeable on the topic of picture books, and with so much relevant industry experience, her tips and insights were invaluable. The workshop aspect of the course and meeting other writers was terrific. Cathie was AWESOME. She was direct, honest, informative, funny – perfect!"
- Natalie Keen
"Cathie was a genuine, honest presenter who was generous with her experience and quietly firm about what is expected of the author of a children’s picture book. She had a wry sense of humour and an engaging and organised way of delivering the work. I was really inspired to go home and get on with my book."
- Catherine Falk
"Cathie was a very knowledgeable presenter and I liked that she was open to all sorts of questions. It was great to hear how the publishing works from someone who has been there."
- Catherine Golding
"I thought Cathie was excellent. I appreciated her direct feedback and honesty. It was obvious that she had a great depth of experience and knowledge. I thought the course was interesting and Cathie's directness and sense of humour made it fun!"
- Jodie Hamblin
"I found the ability to talk face-to-face with other like-minded people very inspirational. Cathie was great. I found her manner warm and approachable and I felt I could ask any questions."
- Murray Henstock
"Cathie was extremely knowledgeable. It was beneficial to get an editor's point of view – it felt like we were given an insider's perspective on the picture book industry. The timing of the course over five weeks was also nice. It was just the right amount of time."
- Laura Wuellner
"Cathie offered great advice and tips, along with all kinds of valuable information regarding writing a picture book for children."
- Brittney Kellett
Learn from the best
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| Cathie has edited over 150 children’s picture books, both popular and award-winning titles. She has worked with some of Australia’s greatest picture book creators – Rod Clement, Bruce Whatley, Jackie French, Mem Fox, Bronwyn Bancroft, Cathy Wilcox, Rodney McRae, Nan Hunt, Pamela Lofts, Wendy Orr, Ben Redlich, Craig Smith, Nette Hilton, Ann James, Patricia Mullins, Dee Huxley, Judith Rossell, and many others. She has worked in-house at Scholastic Australia and HarperCollins ... read more |
