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This course is ideal for: Anyone who wants to write a picture book that publishers and kids adore
You will:
Learn about the picture book industry
Create characters children will love
Use language and rhythm to tell your story
Receive direct feedback on your own writing
Get guidance on publishing and illustrations
| Where | Starts | Duration | Presenter | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online with tutor Learn from anywhere at your convenience. | Monday 5 October 2020 Any time during the week |
5 weeks (Allow 3-4 hours per week) | Zanni Louise | $450 |
In this online course, you’ll discover what you need to do to turn your story idea into a real picture book that kids— and their parents— will love to read. (Don't worry if you don't yet have a story idea – it's likely you'll be inspired as you complete the course!)
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 is an art. But there are clear guidelines you can follow.
You'll unlock a module full of lessons each week and complete a small assignment due each Sunday night – plus receive direct feedback from your online tutor – an expert in the world of picture books.
What is a children’s picture book? You’ll explore many examples of children’s picture books and how the text and illustrations should work together. Understanding the format will help you understand the kinds of topics children are interested in, the word length and the pace of your story. You’ll receive feedback on a 3-part comparison writing exercise.
In this module, you’ll look at the constraints and joys of writing for the 32-page format common to picture books. You’ll discover how to write an opening with regard to characterisation and emotion. And explore turning points, climaxes and resolutions. You’ll also learn about point of view and “show, don’t tell”. Your tutor will provide feedback on a piece you create in close focus point-of-view using a clear main character.
Learn how to plan your text for a double-page spread. This module will look at invisible punctuation – something unique to the picture book format. Once you understand the pace and structure of the format, you can focus on the action and emotional resonance, plus core themes which drive a picture book. You’ll receive feedback on an original story assignment.
In this module, you’ll look at poetic text to make your prose sparkle. You’ll also learn about some common traps for new picture book authors and discuss how to polish and edit your work. You’ll discover how different voices and reading patterns can change the rhythm and meaning of your work, as well as how to use noises and onomatopoeia, repetitive texts and more. You’ll receive tutor feedback on another original story assignment.
In this final week, you’ll learn how to submit your manuscript to a publisher, what to expect when working with an editor, and some legal and financial aspects. We’ll also share some great ways to keep in touch with the industry and its new trends. You’ll have the opportunity to bring together all of the skills you’ve learned and apply them to your own original story (including marketing blurbs) and receive valuable tutor feedback.
For this online course, you should be familiar with the following picture books (available at libraries or bookstores):
“If it wasn’t for this course I would most likely have started submitting and wondering why nothing was sticking. We learnt so much about the conventions of structuring a story, and identified the patterns in successful stories. We looked at pace, rhythm and cadence, voice and characterisation. It was all tremendously valuable. It was a really great course, I learnt what I didn’t know, and there’s so much that you don’t know about writing picture books, it’s such a craft. From reading a picture book it looks so simple, it’s only when you start to explore what’s involved that you learn how much there is to it. Go NOW and sign up!”
– Shelly Unwin, published picture book author
Penny Morrison
Graduate of Australian Writers' Centre
Victoria Mackinlay
Graduate of Australian Writers' Centre, author of Ribbit Rabbit Robot
Magic & Mayhem
The free ebook and podcast series for children's authors
Writing Picture Books does not require any artistic skills (although if you have them, good for you!). It is a course in storytelling for anyone keen to explore this magical genre. People like these:
NOTE: We also offer courses in Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 Year Olds and How to Write for Children and Young Adults.
Watch our video tour of the online classroom.
Q: I'm a complete beginner. Is this course right for me?
A: You’ve come to EXACTLY the right place! Most students have simply read a lot of picture books (to themselves or to their kids) and that’s all the experience that is required.
Q: What do you mean exactly when you say “picture books”?
A: This course is all about how to write illustrated books for children under five. They're typically 500 words or fewer.
Q: Do I need to have a story idea?
A: Not at all. This course will teach the techniques to writing great stories, but you don’t need one at the start. Although it's quite common to have stacks of story ideas by the end!
Q: Do I need to have illustration skills?
A: Absolutely not. This is all about being an amazing author – publishers will normally match stories to an illustrator so it’s not something you need to worry about. (Of course if you ARE a good illustrator, this course will give you both skills!)
Q: How many others will be in the class – and are they all experienced writers?
A: The online classroom is a supportive learning environment and we purposefully keep classes small to make everyone more comfortable (no more than approx 20 per class). Everyone is there to learn and no experience is necessary, so you don't need to worry about being out of your depth.
Q: How does the online tutored class work exactly?
A: Each Monday, a new course module will be made available. You can choose any time that week to go through it – there is no set class time. Through the online learning hub, you can chat to classmates and your online tutor and get feedback on your weekly assignments (due each Sunday night).
Q: I'm a busy parent and work full-time. Can I fit this in?
A: Most of our students are busy people just like you. This course is flexible so that all you need to find is a few extra hours in the week, not necessarily all at once. You've totally got this!
Q: Do you have courses that focus on writing books for older children?
A: We sure do. Our Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds course is great if you'd like to write a book series for young readers, and our How to Write for Children and Young Adults covers everything from middle grade (8-12) through to teen YA novels. Complete all three and become the ultimate triple-threat children’s author!
Writing Picture Books provides you with all the foundation skills you need to start creating fantastic picture book stories. And when you feel your story is ready to take to the next level, our Writing Picture Book Masterclass will cast an expert eye over your work. It’s the polish and publication advice all good stories need!
| KNOWLEDGE: | There’s a surprising amount to learn about the mechanics of putting a picture book together. |
| CONFIDENCE: | Having the skills to create your own stories and knowing the formula is a fantastic thing! |
| INSPIRATION: | Even if you didn’t have ideas before, the online course will help unleash your creativity. |
| MOTIVATION: | The positive support and forward momentum this course offers, along with a continuing online community, will drive you to write your own picture book! |
| Where | Starts | Duration | Presenter | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online with tutor Learn from anywhere at your convenience. | Monday 5 October 2020 Any time during the week |
5 weeks (Allow 3-4 hours per week) | Zanni Louise | $450 |
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